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

Section 40.614(A) of the Margate Land Development Code sets the conditions and use standards for home occupations where a district permits them. Only a legal resident of the dwelling can own or work in the business, and the employees who work at the dwelling must also live there, except that up to a total of two employees or independent contractors who do not reside there can work at the business. Additional remote employees who do not work at the dwelling are allowed.

The use must be incidental and subordinate to residential use and cannot change the character of the dwelling. It cannot occupy more than 25 per cent of the dwelling's floor area. There can be no advertising display and no outdoor storage or display of materials, products or equipment. The home occupation cannot use any accessory building or setback space, or any activity outside the main building not normally associated with a residential use.

Retail sales are limited. The business cannot sell a stock of merchandise, supplies or products on the premises, but orders previously made by telephone, internet or at a sales party can be filled there, and the direct sale of products off display shelves or racks is not allowed. Item 8 bars any external effect, such as increased noise, excessive lighting or offensive odor, that is incompatible with a residential zone. Item 9 permits cottage food operations, as defined in F.S. § 500.03, as a valid home occupation when operated under F.S. § 500.80 and the preceding provisions. Item 10 requires the property, as viewed from the street, to stay consistent with surrounding residential uses, and external modifications for a home-based business must conform to the residential character and architectural aesthetics of the neighborhood.