Thank you for choosing the City of Hallandale Beach to start your business! Opening a new business can be very challenging and requires significant support and patience. To help with this process, Our Planning and Zoning Division has created this roadmap page to serve as steps to starting a business. 

Step 1:  Research Hallandale Beach  Zoning Regulation 

Prior to choosing your location in our City, do your due diligence by ensure the zoning district, parking and other regulations for your potential site permits the proposed use. To determine your zoning district you can use MyHB Interactive Zoning Map or you may also contact the Planning and Zoning Division at (954) 457-3019 to determine the zoning for your property. 

Additional Zoning Information, Permitted Uses and Written Zoning Verification request can be found on Planning and Zoning Division’s page: here

Step 2: Research County, Federal and State Regulations 

 

Even if you’re running a home-based business, you will have to comply with many county, state, and federal regulations. Do not ignore regulatory details in the beginning, not doing so can result to you lack of compliance which lead to obstacle as your business grows

For guidance in additional Florida’s licensing required for your business at a county, state or federal level, you can visit The State of Florida’s Official Business Information Portal at http://openmyfloridabusiness.gov/

Step 3: Select a Business Entity

The business entity is sometimes referred to as the business structure.  This is how a business is legally organized to do business.  The four primary business entities and descriptions are listed below.

• Sole Proprietorship:  is an individual entrepreneur that decides to go into business for themselves.
• Partnership: consist of two or more people conducting a business together. Also like the sole proprietorship, the partnership has unlimited liability.
• A Corporation is a legal business entity that is separate from the individual.  While corporations are more expensive and complicated than sole proprietorship and partnerships to form, the major advantage is that the corporation shields the owner’s personal assets.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a popular business entity choice. It provides the liability protection of a corporation with the ease of operation like a sole proprietorship, also LLC has the greatest tax flexibility of the four entities. 

    You can register your business and learn more business entities/structures by going to: www.Sunbiz.org.

Step 4: Research Federal Tax Regulation

Taking the time to research federal tax responsibilities that may be applicable to your business. We recommend visiting the IRS Small Business and Self- Employed Tax Center, offering information on a variety of topics including how to obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

State tax ID and Federal tax ID numbers — are also known as Employer Identification Number (EIN) — it works like a personal social security number, but for your business. They let your small business pay state and federal taxes.

You will need an EIN if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions you will need to apply for EIN. If so, this link will take you directly to How to apply for an EIN.

• Pays employees
• Operates as a corporation of partnership
• Files tax returns for employment, excise, or alcohol, tobacco, and firearms
• Withholds taxes on income, other than wages, paid to a non-resident alien
• Uses a Keogh Plan (a tax-deferred pension plan)
• Works with certain types of organizations

•  You will need to apply for the Local Business Tax Receipt by completing a Local Business Tax Receipt Zoning Application Form (if operating from a commercial or leased space).
• If any of the following criteria apply, you are entitled from a business tax receipt but will need to complete an  Exempt Local Business Tax Receipt Application.

The following are entitled to an exemption from a business tax receipt fee:

• A person who is physically disabled, is incapable of manual labor, who uses less than $1,000 of their capital investment (F.S. 205.162) , AND does not have more than one employee or helper in connection with the business or occupation

• A person 65 years of age or older who uses less than $1,000 of their capital investment (F.S. 205.162) AND does not have any more than one employee or helper in connection with the business or occupation

• A person who is a widow/widower with minor dependent(s), uses less than $1,000 of their capital investment (F.S. 205.162) AND does not have more than one employee or helper in connection with the business or occupation

• A Veteran of the United States Armed Forces who was honorably discharged upon separation from service, or the spouse or un-remarried surviving spouse of such a veteran (F.S. 205.162) , AND owns a majority interest in a business with fewer than 100 employees.

• You will be required to fill out a Property Owner/Landlord Authorization to Conduct Business Form which serves as authorization from the property owner/association authorizing to applicant to conduct your business on their premises or home-based business located in a condominium complex. To view a checklist of supporting documents that need to be submitted with your application view our BTR Agency Index Chart.

Check Payable to:  City of Hallandale Beach
Business Tax & Regulations Division
400 S. Federal Highway
Hallandale Beach, FL 33009

Please submit your applications in person to the address listed above. Payment for Hallandale Beach Local Business Tax Fees must be submitted with the application by check (temporary checks will not be accepted), money order, cashier’s check or online.

For addition information pertaining to Business Tax Receipt click here.

Step 6: Apply for Broward County Local Tax License

You may need to obtain a Broward County Local Business Tax Receipt, which you can apply for AFTER the issuance of the Hallandale Beach Local Business Tax Receipt. This may be done at the Broward Country Governmental Center located at 115 S. Andrews Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale, 954-765-4697, or you may apply online.  View Broward County Small Business Assistance Guide.