Home Business in Monroe County, FL (2026)
3 rules for unincorporated Monroe County, Florida.
Verified from official government sources
Zoning & Home Occupation Permits
Running a business from a residence anywhere in unincorporated Monroe County requires a home occupation special use permit from the Planning Director. Section 134-2 caps the use at 20 percent of the dwelling's floor area and requires it stay incidental to residential use.
Monroe County Home Occupation Permit Standards
Significant RestrictionsMonroe County Land Development Code § 134-2(a)(1), (d)(1)-(4)
(1)A special use permit is required to establish a home occupation in any land use (zoning) district in which residential use is allowed, including nonconforming residential uses where such uses were otherwise lawfully established. ... (1)The home occupation is incidental and secondary to the principal residential use of the residential dwelling unit;(2)The home occupation does not change the e...
Signage Rules
A Monroe County home occupation cannot post any sign advertising the business, and none of its activity can be visible from a neighboring dwelling. Section 134-2(d)(6)-(7) keeps a home-based business invisible from the street in the unincorporated Keys.
Monroe County Home Occupation Sign Ban
Significant RestrictionsMonroe County Land Development Code § 134-2(d)(6)-(7)
(6)Activities associated with the home occupation are not visible from any other residential dwelling unit. If the home occupation utilizes an accessory structure, the structure is covered and enclosed;(7)No sign advertising the home occupation is displayed on the premises;
Customer Traffic Restrictions
Monroe County's home occupation permit flatly bars retail sales or service that brings customers to the residence, and the address cannot appear on any business card or ad. Section 134-2(d)(5) of the Land Development Code keeps client traffic off residential streets in the Keys.
Monroe County Home Occupation Customer Ban
Significant RestrictionsMonroe County Land Development Code § 134-2(d)(5)
(5)The home occupation does not involve any retail sales or service that necessitates or requires customers to visit the residential dwelling unit or the property, nor does the physical address of the residence appear on any advertising materials including stationary and business cards;
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