Business License

General Information

A Lake Worth Beach Business License is required, pursuant to local and state laws, to operate all commercial and residential businesses located in the City of Lake Worth Beach. Anyone providing merchandise or services to the public, including home-based businesses, must have a current Lake Worth Beach Business License and a Business Tax Receipt from Palm Beach County. A business license is valid from October 1 through September 30 of the following year. Courtesy reminders are mailed in July prior to the expiration date.

The Lake Worth Beach Business License consists of 3 components:

• Business Tax Receipt (BTR)

• Use & Occupancy Certificate

• Use & Occupancy Inspection (Required every 3 years)

Please contact the Business License Division (561-586-1647) should you have any questions or require additional assistance.  It is highly advisable to contact the Planning Zoning & Historic Preservation Division (561-586-1687) before entering into a lease agreement to confirm that the proposed use is allowed in the zoning area.  Depending on the proposed use, there may be building or changes of use requirements per the Florida Building Code to satisfy before a business can occupy the space.

When do I need to obtain a Lake Worth Beach Business License?

You need to obtain a Lake Worth Beach Business License when:

• Opening a business

• Expanding a business into a new space

• Transferring a business to a new location

• Renting out of commercial property

• Starting a home-based business

• Renting out residential property

• Operating a family day care or group home

When Do I Need to Obtain a Lake Worth Beach Business License?

You need to obtain a Lake Worth Beach Business License when:

• Opening a business

• Expanding a business into a new space

• Transferring a business to a new location

• Renting out of commercial property

• Starting a home-based business

• Renting out residential property

• Operating a family day care or group home

How Do I Know If My Business Is Allowed at the Location I Want to Occupy?

Please contact the Planning, Zoning & Historic Preservation Division at (561) 586-1687 before entering into a lease agreement to confirm that the proposed use is allowed in the zoning area. To determine if there are building or changes of use requirement to satisfy before your business can occupy the space, speak with the Building Official (561) 586-1786.

Do I Need a Business License If I Am Renting My Property?

Yes, a Lake Worth Beach Business License for rental property is required if the property is being rented at any time during the tax year for either residential or commercial purposes

Do I Need to Get a Lake Worth Beach Business License If My Business Is Home-based?

Yes. To operate a home-based business, a completed Lake Worth Beach Business License, Home Occupation Tax Receipt and a Palm Beach County application is required. A Lake Worth Beach Business License will be issued if the business meets the City requirements

What Is the Fee for the Lake Worth Beach Business License?

The fees for a Lake Worth Beach Business License are based on the classification and type of services being provided. Please contact the Business License Division at (561) 586-1647 for additional information on the fees. Acceptable payment types are Visa, MasterCard, Discover and Checks (No cash).

Do I Need an Employer Identification Number (ein) for My Business?

All businesses (except sole proprietorships with no employees) must register with the Internal Revenue Service (www.irs.gov) for a federal taxpayer identification number. Florida Statue 205.0535(6) requires a social security number to be obtained from the person to be taxed if an EIN is not available.

Do I Need to Register With Sunbiz?

If the business is a corporation, partnership or Limited Liability Company (LLC), you must first file with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations (www.sunbiz.org).

If you plan to do business under a name that is neither 1) your full name nor 2) the name of your corporation, you must register the name with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations to obtain a Fictitious Name Registration.

When and How Do I Apply for a Lake Worth Beach Business License?

New businesses must apply and obtain their business license prior to engaging in their business, profession or occupation. You may submit your application to the Business License office located at 1900 2nd Avenue North, Lake Worth Beach between 8am-4pm or my mail with the appropriate fees. Please call (561) 586-1647 for information on the fees.

Before entering into a lease agreement, please contact Planning, Zoning & Historic Preservation (561.586.1687) to verify the property location is properly zoned for the business activity

What Does a Lake Worth Beach Business License Consist Of?

The City of Lake Worth Beach Business License consists of three (3) components:

• Business Tax Receipt (BTR)

• Use & Occupancy Certificate

• Use & Occupancy Inspection (required every three (3) years) The license will NOT be issued without an approved inspection

What Is a Use & Occupancy Certificate?

A Use & Occupancy Certificate is a method by which the city grants approval for a business to occupy a given location. It includes a Use and Occupancy inspection that is required every 3 years. The inspection verifies compliance with all applicable zoning regulations, life safety requirements, and all applicable city, county, and state regulations.

This includes an inspection of the city’s records related to the business place or premises; an exterior code compliance inspection; and, an inspection of the curtilage and interior of the business place or premises.

How Do I Schedule a Use & Occupancy Inspection?

Contact the City of Lake Worth Beach Code Compliance Division at (561) 586-1782 to schedule a convenient time and date for your inspection. The Business License Division will not issue your Lake Worth Beach Business License until an approved Use & Occupancy Inspection is obtained.

Will I Need Another Use and Occupancy Inspection Any Other Time?

A Use & Occupancy inspection of the property/business is required every three (3) years. It will be reflected on your renewal notice in the year it is due.

What Should I Expect After I Have Applied for My Lake Worth Beach Business License?

After submitting a completed application(s) with the appropriate documents and fees, you will schedule your Use & Occupancy inspection with Code Compliance. Simultaneously, Planning, Zoning & Historic Preservation Division will review your application for compliance. After obtaining an approved Use & Occupancy inspection and Zoning approval, your Lake Worth Beach Business License will be issued. Licenses are mailed daily.

How Do I Change My Email And/or Mailing Address?

Please call the Business License Division at (561) 586-1647 or email us at [email protected] to update your information

Do I Need to Notify Your Office If I Close or Relocate My Business Outside the City Limits?

Yes. Please call 561-586-1647 or email us at [email protected] to update your information.

Use and Occupancy Inspection

A Use & Occupancy inspection of the property/business is required every three (3) years.   

At this time, we are not able to put the renewal date on the license.