Government services, mapped in Palm Beach County
A clear path through Palm Beach County, its municipalities, and applicable Florida and federal agencies.
Business
Business opening requirements
County Local Business Tax is not a universal business license. Address and activity may require city receipt, zoning/use approval, occupancy/building/fire review, state licensing and other agency permits.
Commercial renovation, occupancy and change of use
Before signing a lease or renovating, ask the local zoning authority whether the proposed use is allowed and the building official whether the work or occupancy change requires plans, permits or a new occupancy approval. Assess accessibility, fire review, parking, signs, utilities and state licensing for the actual activity. County unincorporated applications use the selected building checklist; municipalities use their own process. Finish required inspections and occupancy approvals before opening; a Business Tax Receipt is not construction authorization.
Mobile food vending and location approval
Use DBPR’s mobile food dispensing vehicle guide to identify plan review and licensing for the actual vehicle operation. State licensing does not by itself authorize every site, right of way or event. The County zoning FAQ separately addresses roadside vendors and directs engineering permit and business tax questions to the relevant offices. Confirm the site jurisdiction, private owner permission, local use restrictions, wastewater arrangements and any road owner approval. Select the correct state regulator for the kind of food sales; do not apply a fixed restaurant path automatically.
Restaurant opening and DBPR plan review
First establish the premises jurisdiction and local allowed use, occupancy and construction path. For a DBPR regulated restaurant, plan review is required for new construction, conversion, remodeling, or reopening after at least 18 months closed. Submit the scaled equipment floor plan and menu through the current DBPR application, obtain the food service license, and complete the required opening inspection. Local construction, fire, grease or wastewater review and city and County business tax receipts remain separate. Retail food establishments can fall under another state agency, so confirm food service jurisdiction before selecting the application.
Short term rental taxes, licensing and local use
Confirm whether the local zoning and existing property approvals allow the intended short term rental, then determine state public lodging licensing and safety requirements for the operation. The County Tax Collector tourist development guidance requires a TDT account and short term rental Business Tax Receipt for each rented unit covered by its rules. County TDT returns are monthly, including months with no rental income. The Tax Collector states rental platforms do not remit Palm Beach County TDT, so do not assume platform collection meets this obligation. Municipal registration and state sales tax are separate checks.