Economic Development

Font Size: + -

Welcome to the Economic Development Division

Welcome to the City of Fort Lauderdale Economic Development Division. The Division is your essential partner for growth, innovation, and success in "The Venice of America."

We are dedicated to fostering a resilient and competitive business environment by offering direct support and strategic guidance. Whether you are an entrepreneur launching a startup or a global corporation looking to relocate, we are here to help you:

Locate & Expand: Access key data, site selection assistance, and tools like SizeUp FTL to benchmark and analyze your market potential.
Navigate: Streamline the process of obtaining permits, licenses, and connecting with city resources.
Connect: Tap into our strong network of local partners, workforce development programs, and community stakeholders.

Why Fort Lauderdale?

Fort Lauderdale, the largest city in Broward County, Florida , is recognized as a world-class international business center and an ideal investment destination. As a vibrant city with a population over 192,600, it is known for its dynamic growth, innovation, and strong international connectivity. Fort Lauderdale is strategically located, acting as a gateway to North, Central, and South America, with efficient road, rail, and air infrastructure supporting global trade and logistics. This connectivity is anchored by its proximity to major hubs like Port Everglades and the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

The City’s economy is robust and diverse, driven by key sectors including marine, tourism, technology, finance, manufacturing, aerospace, and creative industries. Businesses benefit from a lower cost of doing business compared to Miami and a highly attractive business-friendly environment that features low corporate taxes and pro-business policies. Furthermore, the local government provides active support through streamlined permitting and licensing processes. Companies looking for global reach can also utilize the FXE Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ), which offers significant advantages such as lower operating costs, duty savings (paying duty only when goods leave the FTZ), and cash flow benefits. The FTZ can also reduce cargo insurance costs by up to 40% due to enhanced security.

Fort Lauderdale is supported by a strong and growing workforce, with a diverse, highly skilled, and multilingual talent pool nourished by local universities and colleges. The city is also a leader in innovation and future growth, boasting a rapidly growing tech startup scene, innovation hubs , and major investments in infrastructure and walkable neighborhoods. Investment opportunities are booming, particularly in the vibrant commercial and residential real estate market, which has high demand fueled by population and job growth, with over 4,000 new multifamily units slated for delivery in 2025. Beyond business, Fort Lauderdale is a Tourism & Hospitality Powerhouse , offering an exceptional quality of life with over 3,000 hours of sunshine annually, a semi-tropical climate, and renowned cultural, arts, and recreational amenities. The city is a premier location to live, work, play, and invest.

9570 Startup FTL_AppNow Open_v2 1920x329(2)_WEB BANNER

Business Assistance Guide

A step-by-step guide to opening your business in the City of Fort Lauderdale.

Step 1: Register your Business with the State of Florida

To open a business in the state of Florida you must register your company online with the Florida Department of State – Division of Corporations (Sunbiz). It is important to note that corporations registering with the Florida Division of Corporations and specific professional businesses must register with the Florida Department of Professional Regulation.

You must have a Federal Employer ID Number(EIN). You may apply for your EIN online and receive it immediately from the IRS for free. Obtaining an EIN protects your identity – otherwise, you are required to use your Social Security number to set up accounts.

Business Structure

Deciding how to structure your business determines the income tax forms to file and your protection under the law. Common forms of business are: sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation (C and S), and various Limited Liability Company (LLC) structures. Each form of business has legal, risk, and tax impacts - consider consulting an attorney.

Download the State of Florida’s “OpenMyFloridaBusiness Guide to Starting a Business in Florida”. This guide provides basic business start-up information and supplementary resources to the portal’s business-specific checklists.

Step 2: Find the right Location. . . Zoning in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is dedicated to ensuring you live, work, play, and invest all in one place. Now that you’ve chosen your business structure, you need to find a location if you have not done so. More specifically, the Economic Development website has tools to assist you in finding properties, industry trends, opportunities, and much more to assist you in growing your business.

Zoning 101

Before you commit to purchasing or leasing a property, contact the City’s Urban Design & Planning Division to confirm that your business is allowed use at that location. You can do a preliminary check by using the Interactive Zoning Map, or by calling (954) 828-6520.

Residential Zones

You are permitted to have a limited home business if you live in the residence in which you run the business. City laws are established to assure that a business does not detract from the ambiance of a residential neighborhood.

Signage for Businesses

Permits are required for all outdoor signs. Signage in the City is highly regulated, and the number of signs is determined by the number of roadways the site abuts. Before you add signage, be sure to review the sign code regulations and contact the Urban Design and Planning Division at (954) 828-6520.

Step 3: Obtaining Your Business License

Broward County Business License

If your business has any effect on the air, water quality, contact Broward County’s Environmental Engineering and Permitting. There you can find a list of all permits and/or licenses that must be obtained prior to operating your businesses. For more information call (954) 519-1483. Additionally, contractors can apply or renew their license(s) online. For more information call (954) 765-4400.

City of Fort Lauderdale Business License

All entities engaged in any business, profession, or occupation within the City limits (at a commercial or residential location) must obtain a Business Tax License from the City.

Liquor and Tobacco Licensing

If you intend to sell beer, wine, liquor, and/or tobacco you will need to obtain a DPBR License from the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation Office. For more information call (850) 487-1395.

Business Tax Receipt Collection

All businesses, whether or not they sell tangible property, must complete the Business Tax form provided by the Business Tax Division. For more information call (954) 828-5195.

Obtaining a Broward County Business Tax is also required to operate your business within the County. For more information call Broward County Tax Collector at (954) 831-4000.

Step 4: Permitting 101

The Permitting Process

If you plan to make any changes to the inside or outside of a building and need information regarding the permitting process, you may visit the Building Services page of the Development Services Department (DSD) website. Applying for a permit has never been easier with the new online application submittal platform LauderBuild. DSD has also created an Interactive Building Permit Image to see the permitting requirements you need!

City of Fort Lauderdale, FL

Customer Service

I Want To...

CONTACT US

Economic Development

Welcome to the Economic Development Division

Why Fort Lauderdale?

Business Assistance Guide