Broward County, FL Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- State Preemption
- FL 559.955 (HB 1451) preempts local bans
- Authority
- Broward County Land Development Code
- Business Tax Receipt
- Required from county or city
- Non-Resident Employees
- Maximum 2 on-site
- External Appearance
- Must remain residential
Summary
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.
F.S. 559.955 Home-based businesses; local government restrictions. — (1) Local governments may not enact or enforce any ordinance, regulation, or policy or take any action to license or otherwise regulate a home-based business in violation of this section.
(2) A home-based business that operates from a residential property as provided in subsection (3): (a) May operate in an area zoned for residential use.
(b) May not be prohibited, restricted, regulated, or licensed in a manner that is different from other businesses in a local government's jurisdiction, except as otherwise provided in this section.
(c) Is only subject to applicable business taxes under chapter 205 in the county and municipality in which the home-based business is located.
(3) For purposes of this section, a business is considered a home-based business if it operates, in whole or in part, from a residential property and meets the following criteria: (a) The employees of the business who work at the residential dwelling must also reside in the residential dwelling, except that up to a total of two employees or independent contractors who do not reside at the residential dwelling may work at the business.
(d) The activities of the home-based business are secondary to the property's use as a residential dwelling.
(e) The business activities comply with any relevant local or state regulations with respect to signage and equipment or processes that create noise, vibration, heat, smoke, dust, glare, fumes, or noxious odors. Any local regulations on a business with respect to noise, vibration, heat, smoke, dust, glare, fumes, or noxious odors may not be more stringent than those that apply to a residence where no business is conducted.
Full Breakdown
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Broward County ban my home business?
Do I need a license?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Broward County
How Broward County compares: Easiest Cities to Run a Home Business·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Broward County to another location·View the Florida home business overview
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