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

Land Development Code Section 10-412(2) defines a home occupation as an accessory use of a dwelling unit that provides goods or services for compensation, and it is allowed as of right in every zoning district in the city. Only people who live on the premises can work the business, and the space it occupies, including storage inside the house or in a separate building, cannot exceed one-third of the dwelling's enclosed living area, not counting garage floor area. The occupation has to be conducted entirely inside the principal residential building, with any storage completely enclosed and compliant with the state fire marshal's rules, and no merchandise can be sold from or picked up at the premises unless the sale is prearranged.

No sign or other outward evidence of the business can be visible from outside the dwelling. Beyond the client-traffic caps in subsection (g), the business cannot create a health hazard or produce noise, vibration, glare, fumes, odors, or electrical interference detectable off the premises, and only one vehicle used in the business can be kept on-site at a time. Subsection (k) makes clear that a home occupation license never overrides a private deed covenant that would otherwise prohibit the use. An exception drops the restrictions in subsections (b) through (i) for fruit and vegetable sales run by an owner-occupant over 70 who has operated that use at least annually since October 1, 1992.