Home Business in Homestead, FL

If you live in Homestead or are thinking about moving there, home business are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Homestead has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of home business, and some of them might surprise you.

Customer Traffic Restrictions

Homestead bars a permitted home occupation from receiving clients, customers, inventory or any related pedestrian or vehicular traffic at the residence. Sec. 16-19(4)c.6 allows only normal residential mail and package delivery, cutting off walk-in or drive-up business at a home entirely.

Key details: Client/customer visits: Prohibited at the home (Sec. 16-19(4)c.6). Allowed exception: Normal mail and package delivery only. Who may work: Only family members residing on-site. Space cap: 20% of home floor area. Enforcement: Director may revoke permit on written notice.

A home occupation found receiving clients, customers or business-related pedestrian or vehicular traffic in violation of Sec. 16-19(4)c.6 can have its home occupation permit revoked by the director of development services upon written notice, and operating the business without a valid permit exposes the operator to the city's general code enforcement penalties.

This is one of the stricter rules in Homestead's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Zoning & Home Occupation Permits

Homestead allows home occupations in any zoning district under Sec. 16-19(4), but limits them to telephone, correspondence and record storage, bars manufacturing or assembly, caps the space used at 20 percent of the home's floor area, and requires a permit application with a notarized compliance statement.

Key details: Permitted in: Any zoning district (Sec. 16-19(4)b). Space cap: 20% of home's total floor area. Who may work there: Resident family members only. Manufacturing/assembly: Not permitted as home occupation. Application: Notarized statement + inspection consent.

A home occupation operating without the Sec. 16-19(4) permit, exceeding the 20 percent floor-area cap, or engaging in prohibited manufacturing or assembly is subject to permit denial or revocation by the director of development services after written notice, in addition to the city's general code enforcement remedies for operating an unpermitted business.

Home Daycare

Home daycare operations in Homestead require licensing from the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). Family child care homes serving up to 10 children are regulated under FL Statute Chapter 402. The home must meet fire safety, health, and background screening requirements. A city business tax receipt is also required.

Key details: License: DCF license required. Capacity: Up to 10 children (family home). State Law: FL Statute Chapter 402. Fire Inspection: Required. Homestead Fire (305) 224-4600. Contact: DCF (305) 377-5015.

Operating without DCF license carries fines of $100 to $500 per day and potential criminal charges. Fire safety violations can result in immediate closure. Contact DCF licensing at (305) 377-5015.

Cottage Food Operations

Florida's Cottage Food Law (FL Statute Section 500.80) allows Homestead residents to produce and sell certain homemade foods from their home kitchens with annual sales up to $250,000 without a food establishment license. Products must be non-potentially hazardous foods. Labeling requirements apply.

Key details: Sales Cap: $250,000 annually. State Law: FL Statute 500.80. License: Not required for cottage foods. Labeling: Required with specific statements. Wholesale: Prohibited: direct to consumer only.

Exceeding sales limits, selling prohibited products, or failing to label properly can result in FDACS enforcement. Selling potentially hazardous foods without a license carries fines and cease-and-desist orders. Contact FDACS for cottage food questions.

The rules around cottage food operations in Homestead lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

The Bottom Line

Homestead's home business rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Homestead is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Homestead's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.