Broward County allows home occupations in residential zones with conditions preserving neighborhood character. Florida HB 1451 (2021) preempts local bans on home-based businesses, limiting what cities and counties can restrict.
Broward County permits home-based businesses in residential zoning districts under the Broward County Land Development Code, but Florida HB 1451 (codified as Florida Statute 559.955) now preempts most local restrictions. Counties and cities cannot prohibit, restrict, or license home-based businesses that meet state criteria. The business activity must not be recognizable from outside the dwelling, must not generate substantially more vehicle traffic than a typical residence, must not use materials or equipment not normally associated with residential use, and external modifications must not change the residential character of the property. Broward County and its 31 municipalities retain authority to enforce reasonable noise, parking, traffic, and nuisance standards that apply equally to all residences. Operators must still obtain a county Business Tax Receipt and comply with state licensing for regulated professions (contractors, cosmetology, food service). The home business cannot be the primary use of the property, and employees who do not reside in the home are generally limited under state law to no more than two on-site.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Broward County, FL
Broward County Code Ch. 27, Art. VII Β§27-235 sets a single residential sound limit of 55 dBA (L50) / 65 dBA (Lmax) at the receiving property line β applied a...
Broward County, FL
Construction noise is exempt from Broward County's decibel limits only between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM per Β§27-236 Table 2. Outside those hours, construction mus...
Broward County, FL
Broward County Ch. 4, Β§4-8 makes it unlawful for any person to allow a dog to habitually bark, howl, or whine. Complaints are handled by Broward County Anima...
Broward County, FL
Street parking in unincorporated Broward County is governed by Ch. 23 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic) and enforced by Broward Sheriff's Office. FL Β§316.1945 pro...
Broward County, FL
RVs in unincorporated Broward County residential areas may not be used for living purposes and cannot maintain water or sewer connections per Β§39-245. Storag...
Broward County, FL
Only one commercial vehicle (5,000 lbs or less) is allowed on residential property in unincorporated Broward County, and it must be stored in a garage, carpo...
See how Broward County's zoning restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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