Orange County, FL Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Orange County Code § 38-79(101)
- State standard incorporated
- Fla. Stat. § 559.955(3)(a)-(f)
- Zoning status
- Permitted accessory use, no permit
- Scope
- Unincorporated Orange County only
Summary
Unincorporated Orange County treats a home-based business as a permitted accessory use in every residential district as long as it meets Florida's statewide home-based business criteria under section 559.955.
(101)A home-based business shall be a permitted use, provided it meets the criteria in Section 559.955(3)(a)—(f), Florida Statutes, as those criteria may be amended from time to time, and it complies with any ordinances, regulations, or policies not contrary to Section 559.955. (Ord. No. 2004-01, § 7, 2-10-04; Ord. No. 2016-19, § 9, 9-13-16; Ord. No. 2023-46, § 9, 12-12-23)
(102)The wholesale storage of gasoline, liquefied petroleum, gas, oil, or other inflammable liquids or gases shall be a permitted use provided that the storage thereof meets the regulations of the N.F.P.A. and all other applicable regulations.(103)Reserved. (Ord. No. 97-05, § 5k, 4-29-97; Ord. No. 2023-46, § 9, 12-12-23)
(104)A private vocational, business, or professional school which does not have an industrial character may be permitted as a special exception.(105)A radio, television or movie studio or office shall be a permitted use, but radio and television towers are subject to sections 38-1, 38-1205, 38-1206, 38-1236, and 38-1427 of this chapter. (Ord. No. 97-05, § 5l, 4-29-97)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 128).
Full Breakdown
Homeowners in unincorporated Orange County don't need a special zoning permit to run a home-based business. Zoning Code section 38-79(101) makes it a permitted use automatically, provided the business satisfies the criteria in Fla. Stat. § 559.955(3)(a)-(f) and doesn't violate any other county ordinance not preempted by that statute. This applies only outside Orlando and the county's incorporated cities, which set their own home-occupation rules.
Violations & Fines
A home-based business that fails the Fla. Stat. § 559.955 criteria or exceeds a permitted accessory use isn't lawful under the zoning code and is subject to Orange County code enforcement action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a zoning permit to run a home business in unincorporated Orange County?
Does this rule apply if I live in Orlando?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Orange County
How Orange County compares: Easiest Cities to Run a Home Business·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Orange County to another location·View the Florida home business overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.