Florida § 559.955 - Home-based businesses; local government restrictions.

§ 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. The business may have additional remote employees that do not work at the residential dwelling. (b) Parking related to the business activities of the home-based business complies with local zoning requirements and the need for parking generated by the business may not be greater in volume than would normally be expected at a similar residence where no business is conducted. Local governments may regulate the use of vehicles or trailers operated or parked at the business or on a street right-of-way, provided that such regulations are not more stringent than those for a residence where no business is conducted. Vehicles and trailers used in connection with the business must be parked in legal parking spaces that are not located within the right-of-way, on or over a sidewalk, or on any unimproved surfaces at the residence. Local governments may regulate the parking or storage of heavy equipment at the business which is visible from the street or neighboring property. For purposes of this paragraph, the term “heavy equipment” means commercial, industrial, or agricultural vehicles, equipment, or machinery. (c) As viewed from the street, the use of the residential property is consistent with the uses of the residential areas that surround the property. External modifications made to a residential dwelling to accommodate a home-based business must conform to the residential character and architectural aesthetics of the neighborhood. The home-based business may not conduct retail transactions at a structure other than the residential dwelling; however, incidental business uses and activities may be conducted at the residential property. (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. (f) All business activities comply with any relevant local, state, and federal regulations with respect to the use, storage, or disposal of any corrosive, combustible, or other hazardous or flammable materials or liquids. Any local regulations on a business with respect to the use, storage, or disposal of any corrosive, combustible, or other hazardous or flammable materials or liquids may not be more stringent than those that apply to a residence where no business is conducted. (4) Any adversely affected current or prospective home-based business owner may challenge any local government action in violation of this section. The prevailing party in a challenge may recover reasonable attorney fees and costs incurred in challenging or defending the action, including reasonable appellate attorney fees and costs. (5) The application of this section does not supersede: (a) Any current or future declaration or declaration of condominium adopted pursuant to chapter 718, cooperative document adopted pursuant to chapter 719, or declaration or declaration of covenant adopted pursuant to chapter 720. (b) Local laws, ordinances, or regulations related to transient public lodging establishments, as defined in s. 509.013(4)(a)1., that are not otherwise preempted under chapter 509.