Starting a Business in Key West?

The following guidelines provide basic information on local requirements needed to start a business in Key West. This is not a complete list of regulatory requirements. To receive more information about regulatory permits, contact the appropriate agency linked in each section of these guidelines.

Before purchasing a property or leasing a store or office, if you are unsure of zoning, current listed use of the structure or any other important information, please contact the Licensing Office to insure that the property is appropriate for your intended use.

Licensing Office
604 Simonton St.
P.O. Box 1409
Key West, Florida 33041

Phone: 305. 292. 8131
Fax: 305. 292. 8278

Click on any of the following subjects to jump right to that information:

Carts and Booths

Clothing, Jewelry, Electronic and Adult Entertainment Retailers and All Outdoor Displays

Home Occupations

Adult Entertainment Establishments

Construction Trades

Charter Boats

Transient Rental

To Convert Property into a Guesthouse or Bed and Breakfast

Parking Permits

Family Day Care Homes (5 Children or less)

Taxi's, Pedicabs, Rollerblade Rentals

Mobile Vendors (Street Vendors)

Bicycle, Moped, Jetski, Waverunner Rentals

Basic Requirements for Retail, Office, or Restaurants

Basic Requirements for Service Business (Mobile Service)

Useful Phone Numbers

Carts and Booths

Carts and booths on private property have to meet all basic business licensing requirements. In addition to proper zoning, commercial restrooms must be available on property. Front and side setbacks must be met. Any display has to get HARC and City commission approval. Impact fees must be paid. Parking requirements must be met. Building permit may be required.

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Clothing, Jewelry, Electronic and Adult Entertainment Retailers and All Outdoor Displays

Heavily regulated in the Historic District as to their location and appearance. See Sec. 101.025, Chapter 93, and Sec. 35.45; and Sec. 2-7.27 of the Land Development regulations.

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Home Occupations

Are allowed in Key West under certain conditions. See Sec. 2-7.20 of the Land Development Regulations.

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Adult Entertainment Establishments

Allowed in Zoning Districts HRCC-1 and HRCC-3 and only as a conditional use. Ref. sections 2-7.28.

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Construction Trades

All contractors must have a state certification or registration, liability insurance, worker's compensation, and a business location. If not state licensed, a city competency card is also required. All trades require testing.

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Charter Boats

1. Dockage agreement with proof of garbage required.

2. Proper Zoning and parking at a ratio of 1 space for every three passengers necessary.

3. Captain's License and Coast Guard vessel documents required.

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Transient Rental

Transient rentals are residential rentals of periods less than 30 days or one (1) calendar month, whichever is less. Properties with existing transient occupational licenses issued by the City of Key West are permitted to rent transiently. In addition, a change of ownership will not affect the license (although the new owner must apply for a license transfer.) At this time, however, the City is not granting additional transient licenses in any zoning district.

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To Convert Property into a Guesthouse or Bed and Breakfast

At this time, since no new transient licenses can be issued, these conversions cannot take place.

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Parking Permits

Commercial parking permits for parking at meters are available at the City's Public Works Office, located at 627 (rear) Palm Avenue. Call 305. 292. 8170 for details.

RP (Residential Parking) decals are available both at Public Works and at the Licensing Office at 604 Simonton St. These decals allow residents of certain downtown residential districts and other Monroe County residents to park in spaces marked "RP".

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Family Day Care Homes (5 Children or less)

All child care providers must be registered with HRS, have authorization from the property owner, and receive approval from the City Fire Prevention Inspectors.

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Taxi's, Pedicabs, Rollerblade Rentals

All these businesses are heavily regulated by City ordinances. See Chapter 92 (taxi) or Chapter 110 (entertainment).

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Mobile Vendors (Street Vendors)

These licenses are capped and rarely available. See Chapter 107.

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Bicycle, Moped, Jetski, Waverunner Rentals

1. Zoning must be appropriate.

2. Parking must be provided at a ratio of one parking space for each passengers capacity.

3. Lease, garbage, sales tax, and fictitious name requirements must be met.

4. Motorized watercraft may not operate within 600' of the shoreline (for exceptions, see Sec. 81.371 ordinance).

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Basic Requirements for Retail, Office, or Restaurants

1. Lease or Deed for property. Subleases must be approved by property owner.

2. Proof of commercial solid waste accounts with the City's franchisee, Waste Management. If waste service is provided in your lease, a consent form (signed by the account holder, WM and the City) must be approved.

3. Proof of local sales tax registration.

4. State license or registration if required.

5. Zoning approval.

6. Compliance with Off-Street Parking requirements.

7. Compliance with ADA Handicapped Access mandates.

8. If a new unit, or change of use, a certificate of occupancy from the Building Department. If any construction permits pulled, final inspections must be given by the Building Inspectors.

9. Proof of filing for fictitious name and/or articles of incorporation.

10. Approval from City Fire Inspectors if applicable.

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Basic Requirements for Service Business: (Mobile Service)

This type license can be granted for a business such as a janitorial service or consulting business. Requirements include a notice of restrictions to be signed, and copy of driver's license.

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Useful Phone Numbers

Garbage Service:

Waste Management
171 Hood Ave.
Tavernier, Florida 33070
305. 852. 6950

City Fire Prevention:
305. 292. 8179

City Clerk's Office
305. 292. 8134

Monroe County Tax Collector
(for obtaining your required County License)
1200 Truman Avenue
305. 295. 5000

State of Florida:

Dept. of Business and Professional Regulation:
904. 727. 6530

Dept. of Agriculture
305. 470. 6900

Division of Consumer Services
1. 800. 435. 7352

Dept. Saltwater Products
1. 850. 487. 3122

Workers Compensation
1. 850. 488. 2333

Fictitious Name
904. 488. 9000

Division of Corporation & Fictitious Names
1. 850. 487. 6058

Division of Hotel/Restaurant
1. 800. 780. 5680

Sales Tax Office
3118 Flagler Avenue
305. 292. 6735

Florida Fish and Game
1. 407. 640. 6100

Division of Alcohol
305. 292. 6755

Florida Business Line
(for general information)
1. 800. HELP-FLA

Federal Agencies

Internal Revenue Service
1. 800. 829. 3676

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To: Florida Small Business Start-up Guide 2000 - 2001