Kissimmee's Home Business: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles home business a little differently. In Kissimmee, Florida, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Home Daycare

LDC §14-6-4 permits family day care homes as a standard home occupation. Sec. 14-6-7(A)(1) and the F.S. §402.302(8) child-count standards govern: up to 6 children (or 10 with two caregivers) including the caregiver's own children under 13.

Key details: Code Section: LDC §14-6-4, §14-6-7. Max Children: 10 (with 2 caregivers). State Statute: F.S. §402.302(8). DCF Registration: Required. Vehicle Trips: 20/day max.

Operating an unregistered family day care is a F.S. §402.313 violation — first-degree misdemeanor with DCF fines up to $500. Local BTR violations under Sec. 1-22(b)(11) — $250.

Home Occupation Permits

LDC §14-6-7 allows 'standard home occupations' in residential dwellings if conducted entirely within the home, operated only by residents (no employees), occupying no more than 10% of the ground floor, with no client visits except a 2-student tutoring exception and family day care.

Key details: Code Section: LDC §14-6-7. Floor Area Max: 10% of ground floor. Employees: Resident family only. Client Visits: None (tutor: 2 students, daycare: per F.S.). Daily Trips: 10 (20 for daycare).

BTR-related violations: Sec. 1-22(b)(11) — $250. Zoning violation: Sec. 1-22(b)(12) — $250. Repeated noise/traffic complaints can lead to BTR revocation under §14-6-7(A)(13).

Signage Rules

LDC §14-6-7(A)(3) prohibits any sign advertising a standard home occupation on residential premises. §14-6-7(A)(11) also prohibits including the home address in any advertisement, including online directories, social media, or print media.

Key details: Code Section: §14-6-7(A)(3), (11). Physical Signs: Prohibited. Address Advertising: Prohibited. Online Listings: Address cannot be shown. Penalty: $150 (Sec. 1-22(b)(7)).

Sec. 1-22(b)(7) — $150 sign violation. Repeated violations can lead to BTR revocation per §14-6-7(A)(13).

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

The Bottom Line

Kissimmee'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 Kissimmee is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Kissimmee can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.