Florida Statute 559.955 (2021) preempts local governments from licensing or regulating home-based businesses differently from other businesses. A qualifying home business may operate in any residential zone, but it is still subject to local business taxes under Chapter 205, so a city BTR is still required inside municipalities like St. Petersburg and Clearwater.
Anyone running a business from their residence in Pinellas County.
Confirm you qualify under FS 559.955
Employees working at the dwelling must reside there, except up to two non-resident employees or independent contractors may work at the business. Parking must not exceed what is normal for a similar residence, the use as viewed from the street must be consistent with surrounding residential uses, and business activities must be secondary to the residential use.
flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/559.955Register the entity or DBA with Sunbiz
Same as any business: LLC $125, corporation $70, or fictitious name $50.
dos.fl.gov/sunbiz/Get the city BTR if inside a municipality
FS 559.955 explicitly leaves home businesses subject to applicable business taxes under Chapter 205. Clearwater, for example, requires the BTR plus a Home Based Business Affidavit. In unincorporated Pinellas no BTR exists.
myclearwater.com/Business-Development/Clearwater-Business-ReCheck activity-specific licenses
Food (cottage food operates under FDACS rules), personal services, and professional work may still need state licenses regardless of the home location.
myfloridalicense.com/| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| City BTR (if in a municipality) | Varies by city and classification | Home-based businesses are not exempt from Chapter 205 business taxes |
Fee amounts change, the linked official schedule always controls.
FS 559.955 does not exempt home businesses from HOA or condo association restrictions; private covenants still apply.