Hialeah, FL Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)

Section 98-2030 of Hialeah's zoning code creates the home office as a lawful accessory use to residential property, defined in subsection (a) as an office limited to small office equipment, computers and telephones operating as a secondary use inside a dwelling. Subsection (b) permits home offices as a secondary, ancillary use to all lawful residential uses in the R-1, R-Z, R-2, R-3 and R-4 zoning districts, subject to the limitations in subsection (c). Those limitations set the real operating envelope: the office cannot exceed 200 square feet of the dwelling's living area; it cannot be located in a detached accessory building or other structure separate from the residence; only one home office is allowed per residence; and it may be used only by members of the household living there, with employees who are not household members barred except that a disabled person may employ a personal care attendant.

The section also bars storage of materials or equipment outside the confines of the office, installation of heavy machinery, and any emissions, and requires that the exterior of the residence not be altered to accommodate the use so the property keeps its residential character. Before operating, subsection (d) requires the home office to be licensed by the city under its 7299(B) classification, with the license holder executing an affidavit of compliance with the entire section, and subsection (e) gives a city license inspector the right, on reasonable notice backed by a subpoena, to inspect the office for compliance.