Starting a Business in Lauderhill

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Take your business dreams and make them a reality by following these steps:

STEP 1. Select a Location

Before signing a lease or purchasing a property for your business, it is essential to confirm that your business is properly zoned for the intended location. Please contact the Planning and Zoning Division at (954) 730-3050 or email PlanningandZoning@lauderhill-fl.gov.

STEP 2. Complete a Zoning Verification Request (ZVR)

A ZVR application is required for the following:

Applying for a new Commercial, Home-Based and Shared Space Certificate of Use (COU)
Relocating an existing business to a new location
Transferring business ownership
Adding to, or changing, business activities to be conducted after an approved ZVR and/or COU is issued.

The Zoning Verification Request must be approved before considering any building modifications, signage, or other types of construction. Be sure to consult the Building Department to obtain the necessary building permits before starting any construction.

Click here for Zoning Verification Request Form

STEP 3. Complete a Certificate of Use (COU) Application

All businesses operating in the City of Lauderhill must obtain a city-issued Certificate of Use (COU). There are four types of COUs available:

Commercial COU

Brick-and-mortar Lauderhill location
Would be used for a physical office space

Home-Based COU

To be used if you are working from home at a Lauderhill address
Your home address would be used as your business address

Shared-Space COU

To be used when renting a shared-space commercial address
Working in the same physical space as another City-approved, licensed, commercial location.
Applicant does not have to provide insurance (provided by main licensed business)
All/some inspections may not be required, depending on business use/activities conducted.
Rented office space to be used as physical address for business

Virtual-Address COU

Virtual address can be rented by a city-approved and licensed provider
Applicant does not have to provide insurance or schedule inspections
Virtual address will be mailing address noted for business

Note: Applications missing required information must be resubmitted as complete. Most applications are approved within 7–11 business days, although some may require additional review time.

The permitting process can run alongside your COU application, allowing contractors to begin interior buildout while the city reviews your application. Processing both simultaneously can help speed up your overall timeline.

Click here for Commercial COU and here for Home-Based COU applications. All applications can also be requested in person at City Hall or by contacting your personalized Economic Development Business Concierge. We are ready to assist you every step of the way on your business journey. Email: EcoDev@lauderhill-fl.gov Phone: 954-730-3041.

All business tax receipts expire September 30th of each year. No Refunds will be made for businesses closed during the full fiscal year period.

Quick Links

Broward County Local Business Tax Receipt (Occupational License)
Required for all businesses, except nonprofits (must provide certificate of exemption).

115 S Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

(954) 765-4697

Florida Department of State - Sunbiz

If your business will use any name other than the owner’s name or a properly registered corporate name, a fictitious name (also referred to as a D/B/A) must be registered with the state.

P.O. Box 1300, Tallahassee, FL 32302-1300

(850) 245-6058

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation –

Regulated Professions (e.g., Business and Professionals, Alcoholic Beverages, Hotels and Restaurants, Real Estate, Construction Industry)

5080 Coconut Creek Parkway

Suite C

Margate, FL 33063-3942

(850) 487-1395

Florida Department of Health

Healthcare Professionals, Tattoo & Piercing Professionals/Establishments

(850) 245-4444

Florida Agency for Health Care Administration