Home / Business and Economy / Jacksonville Tackles Childcare Crisis, Seeks Solutions for Struggling Families
Jacksonville Tackles Childcare Crisis, Seeks Solutions for Struggling Families
13 Nov
Summary
- Childcare costs eat up half of working parents' paychecks
- Lack of affordable, quality daycare options forces parents to travel out of their way
- New coalition initiative aims to find long-term solutions in 120 days
As of November 13th, 2025, the cost of childcare continues to be a significant burden for working families in Jacksonville. According to the article, some parents are paying as much as $800 per month for a single child, with half of their paychecks going towards daycare expenses.
The City of Jacksonville and Mayor Donna Deegan's Office have recognized this issue and have taken action. Last month, they launched a new coalition initiative to address the childcare crisis. The group includes early learning experts and parents, all focused on finding long-term solutions to make childcare more affordable and accessible in Duval County.
Recent data shared during the coalition meeting reveals that in Jacksonville, every 100 working adults support about 36 children, the highest rate among major Florida cities. The data also shows that one in three households with children is led by a single parent, further exacerbating the financial strain.
The coalition has about 120 days to come up with recommendations for childcare solutions, which will then be presented to the Mayor. Parents in the city are hopeful that these solutions will be implemented quickly, as the high costs of childcare continue to impact their ability to make ends meet.
