A technical corrections bill contains a provision that directly affects gyms and fitness studios in Minnesota that operate licensed child care centers.
Most gym and fitness studio owners in Minnesota don't realize that if they operate a licensed child care center—whether it's an on-site daycare for members' children or a standalone licensed facility—a provision buried in SF4244 (Miscellaneous Technical Corrections to Laws and Statutes) will change their annual licensing costs starting August 1, 2026.
Here's what you need to know.
SF4244, Section 51 (found on page 56, lines 56.12–56.29), establishes a new annual nonrefundable licensing fee schedule for child care centers based on licensed capacity. The fee structure ranges from $200 per year for the smallest licensed facilities up to $1,100 per year for larger operations. These are direct costs paid annually to maintain your operating license.
The provision also corrects a technical citation error in Minnesota Rules for private foster care and adoption agencies, updating the reference from 9545.0845 to 9545.0835. While this correction doesn't create new requirements, it ensures regulatory consistency across state rules.
This applies directly to fitness studios, gyms, and wellness centers that hold a Minnesota license to operate a child care center. This includes:
• On-site child care programs for members' children during workouts
• Standalone licensed child care operations run by gym owners
• Any fitness business holding a current child care center license from the state
If your facility is not licensed as a child care center, this provision does not apply to you.
Starting August 1, 2026, you'll need to budget for these annual licensing fees if you haven't already. The amount depends on your licensed capacity—the maximum number of children your facility is licensed to care for at any time. Smaller operations (lower capacity) pay lower fees; larger programs pay higher fees, up to $1,100 annually.
This is a straightforward compliance cost. The fee is nonrefundable and must be paid each year to keep your child care license active. If you're planning to launch or expand a child care program at your fitness facility, factor this annual fee into your business plan.
The effective date is August 1, 2026. This gives facility operators several months to understand the fee structure and adjust budgets accordingly. If you currently operate a licensed child care center, contact your state licensing agency now to confirm your facility's licensed capacity and the corresponding fee you'll owe.
SF4244 is a technical corrections bill addressing multiple provisions across Minnesota statutes. This child care licensing fee schedule is one of several changes included in the legislation.
For gym and fitness studio owners in Minnesota who operate licensed child care, reviewing your current licensing status and capacity now—well ahead of August 2026—will help you plan cash flow and ensure uninterrupted compliance.
Source: SF4244, Section 51, Miscellaneous Technical Corrections to Laws and Statutes, page 56, lines 56.12–56.29; effective August 1, 2026.