FLORIDA · NAICS 624410
Florida childcare center projects work against documented service-area demand, licensure capacity, and competitive supply across fast-growing suburban submarkets. Studies model enrollment ramp by age group, tuition positioning, utilization, and the path to stabilization the lender needs to size the loan.
FEASIBILITY TRIGGER
Childcare projects are projection-based; licensure capacity and enrollment ramp drive the model.
SBA 7(a) and 504 lenders funded 1,148 childcare center projects across Florida between FY2010 and FY2026, moving $1.03 billion in approved capital at an average ticket of $901,000. That volume places Florida at #2 of 38 states measured for childcare center SBA activity, or 10.6% of national childcare center dollars. The 7(a) program carried 74.2% of the loan count, with 504 taking the balance, and 199 approvals have hit the pipeline since FY2024.
| Disbursed loans (FY2010–FY2026) | 1,148 |
| Approved volume | $1.03 billion |
| Average loan size | $901,000 |
| 7(a) share | 74.2% |
| Approvals since FY2024 | 199 |
| State rank by loan count | #2 of 38 |
Among the 803 seasoned loans in this segment (approvals FY2010–FY2021), 3.2% reached adverse resolution — purchased, liquidated, or charged off. The national benchmark for childcare center is 4.0%, against 7.3% across all industries. That performance runs below the national benchmark for this asset class, a credit-positive signal for lenders.
Source: SBA 7(a) and 504 FOIA loan-level data, as of March 31, 2026. Disbursed loans only. See data methodology.
A 3.2% adverse-resolution rate below the national childcare center benchmark of 4.0% supports the credit story for well-underwritten Florida projects in this class. Across 1,148 SBA loans averaging $901,000, that track record does not eliminate the need for a third-party feasibility study, but it means a rigorous study reinforces rather than defends the projections.
Every Florida childcare centers project we underwrite follows the same lender ready process: independent market analysis, site and technical review, and financial projections tested against SBA SOP 50 10 8 standards. Our SBA feasibility study consultants guide explains scope, timing, deliverables, and what lenders and CDCs expect in the report.
Florida projects often fit SBA 504 where owner-occupied real estate anchors the deal, with the 50/40/10 structure delivering up to 90 percent financing at a fixed debenture rate, while SBA 7(a) covers acquisitions, working capital, and equipment. From July 4, 2026 eligible borrowers can combine 7(a) and 504 for up to $10 million in total program credit.
Florida First Capital-led 504 evidence includes the Growing Room $4 million 14,000 square foot third campus in Tallahassee.
For a national view of this asset class, see our childcare center SBA feasibility overview, and read our related analysis in the childcare center lending research on our blog.
Public SBA and CDC program records, cited as program evidence
$4M SBA 504 through Florida First Capital
14,000 square foot third campus
Tallahassee, Leon County
Fifteen-minute scoping call, written proposal inside one business day, firm fixed fee before you sign.
Book a Meeting