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

Orlando Land Development Code Chapter 58, Part 5C, defines home occupations as commercial activities conducted within a dwelling unit by its residents that are clearly secondary to the residential use. Per Florida Statute 559.955 (created by HB 1451 in 2021), local governments must treat home-based businesses as permitted residential uses and may not require a license, permit, or registration that is not also required for similar non-business activity. Cities may still enforce reasonable, content-neutral standards. Orlando applies the following: the business must be operated only by residents of the dwelling, plus no more than two non-resident employees physically working on site at one time; the business activity must occur primarily inside the dwelling or in an enclosed accessory structure and not produce visible storage, materials, or stock from off the property; there must be no exterior alteration that changes the residential character of the building; no signage identifying the business is permitted on the property; vehicles used for the business must be limited to those normally found in a residential area (passenger cars, pickups, vans up to one ton); commercial deliveries must be limited to those typical of a residence (no semi-trucks, no daily freight); customer or client visits should be by appointment and not generate parking demand exceeding what the residence can absorb on site or one curb space; no equipment or process may produce noise, vibration, smoke, dust, odor, glare, electrical interference, or fumes detectable beyond the property line; and the business may not generate solid waste or wastewater different from residential uses. All home-based businesses, including online-only sole proprietors, must obtain an Orlando Business Tax Receipt (BTR) from the city, currently 30 to 250 dollars annually depending on classification, plus the Orange County BTR. Certain professions (contractors, real estate, cosmetology, etc.) require state licensing. Day care, cottage food, and short-term rentals have their own statutory frameworks. HOAs and condo associations retain the right to restrict home businesses through deed restrictions even where state and city law allow them.