Home Business Rules in Miami, FL (2026)

In Miami, FL, home-based businesses are permitted subject to specific rules designed to preserve residential character while allowing residents to run legitimate businesses from their homes. A Home Occupation Certificate of Use is required before operating. The City of Miami Building Department or City of Miami Planning Department handles home occupation applications and enforcement. Regulations generally prohibit on-site employees, customer visits, and any external evidence of business activity. Below you will find the current permit requirements, restrictions, prohibited business types, and cottage food law provisions for Miami.

Permit Requirements

Permit Required: Home Occupation Certificate of Use. Fee: 75–200. Apply through the City of Miami Building Department or online at their permit portal. Phone: (305) 416-1100. Permits typically must be renewed annually. Operating without a required home occupation permit can result in fines and a requirement to cease business activity immediately.

Operating Restrictions

Home Business Restrictions in Miami: 1. Business must be clearly incidental and subordinate to residential use 2. No employees or assistants who are not residents of the dwelling 3. No customers or clients visiting the residence for business purposes 4. No exterior signage advertising the business 5. No commercial vehicles stored at the residence 6. No alteration of residential exterior to indicate business activity 7. Business use limited to 20% of floor area 8. No mechanical equipment creating noise, vibration, or odors Violations of home occupation rules can result in complaints from neighbors, code enforcement investigations, permit revocation, and daily fines.

• •Business must be clearly incidental and subordinate to residential use
• •No employees or assistants who are not residents of the dwelling
• •No customers or clients visiting the residence for business purposes
• •No exterior signage advertising the business
• •No commercial vehicles stored at the residence
• •No alteration of residential exterior to indicate business activity
• •Business use limited to 20% of floor area
• •No mechanical equipment creating noise, vibration, or odors

Prohibited Business Types

The following business types are specifically prohibited from operating as home businesses in Miami: Auto repair or detailing; Beauty salon or barbershop with on-site clients; Tattoo or piercing studio; Medical or dental office (except telehealth); Firearms or ammunition dealer; Adult entertainment business; Food preparation for sale (unless Florida Cottage Food Law applies). This list may not be exhaustive — contact the City of Miami Planning Department to verify whether your specific business type is allowed under home occupation rules.

• ✕Auto repair or detailing
• ✕Beauty salon or barbershop with on-site clients
• ✕Tattoo or piercing studio
• ✕Medical or dental office (except telehealth)
• ✕Firearms or ammunition dealer
• ✕Adult entertainment business
• ✕Food preparation for sale (unless Florida Cottage Food Law applies)

Cottage Food Law

Frequently Asked Questions