Business License FAQ
Have questions about business licensing in Lake Worth Beach? Find answers on how to apply, renew, and stay compliant with local requirements.
Below you'll find answers to the most common questions about obtaining, renewing, and maintaining a Lake Worth Beach Business License. If you don't see your question answered here, please contact the Business License Division at (561) 586-1647.
Frequently Asked Questions
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
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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 by 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.
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 years)
The license will NOT be issued without an approved inspection.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Please call the Business License Division at (561) 586-1647 or email us at [email protected] to update your information.
Yes. Please call 561-586-1647 or email us at [email protected] to update your information.
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.