Homestead, FL Home Business: Home Occupation Permits (2026)

Homestead's process for approving home-based businesses centers on the business tax receipt (BTR) application. When applying for a BTR with a residential address, the city's Finance Department coordinates with Planning and Zoning to verify that the proposed business activity meets home occupation standards in the Land Development Code. The verification checks that the business type is compatible with residential zoning, that no prohibited activities are planned, and that the applicant understands the conditions (no signage, no outside employees on-site, no walk-in customers). The BTR must be renewed annually. Some business types require additional licenses — for example, contractors need state licensing, healthcare providers need professional licenses, and food-related businesses may need health department permits. The BTR fee varies by business type and is set by the city's fee schedule. Failure to obtain a BTR before operating subjects the business to back fees and penalties. Changes in business type or scope require updating the BTR.