equal-access-affordability

Reason(s) for non-compliance: • The Lead Agency does not limit all family co-payments to seven percent or less of family income, as required by 98.45(l)(3). (Plan Question 3.1.1a). Please note the Lead Agency has an approved waiver for this requirement through August 1, 2026. • The Lead Agency does not include the rationale for the policy to allow providers to charge families additional amounts above the required co-payment, including required data and a demonstration of how the policy promotes affordability and access for families, as required by 98.45(b)(5). (Plan Questions 3.1.2ei and 3.1.2eii). Overall Target Completion Date: 07/31/2026 Action Step Number Action Step Description Target Completion Date 1 Waiver approved for Plan Question 3.1.1a, Family Co-payment. 11/22/2024 2 Engage in rulemaking to amend Rule 6M-4.400, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.), Required Parent Co-payment, to require parent co- payments not exceed seven percent of family income, regardless of the number of children in care, during the authorized 12 months eligibility. 04/30/2026 3 Update system requirements and test functionality of the single statewide information system. 06/30/2026 4 Implement amended rule. 07/01/2026 5 Submit CCDF plan amendment. 07/31/2026 6 Draft amended Plan Questions 3.1.2ei and 3.1.2.eii to reflect the rationale for Florida’s policy to allow contracted providers to charge additional fees to families beyond their co-payments, including how the practice promotes affordability and access. 05/30/2025 7 Coordinate with the Office of Child Care regarding acceptability of submitted information. Determine next steps. 06/30/2025 8 Implement next steps, as identified. 07/01/2025 9 Submit CCDF plan amendment. 09/30/2025 10 Analyze information collected to inform future decision-making. 10/31/2025