PLEASE NOTE: The city upgraded its new self-service portal on Monday, August 12. As part of this transition, existing users must create their accounts by using their original email. The original email must be used for you to be able to access permits and licenses associated with your existing account. Please refer to the step-by-step instructions below to ensure that your account information is updated properly. For log in issues or questions, please contact permits@cityofwinterpark.org or 407-599-3237.
Thank you for your patience as we work to provide a safer, more user-friendly portal for our customers.
A location known for its supportive business environment and supreme quality of life. Local businesses, established and preserved through generations, have become an accompaniment to new companies relocating to this distinctive community, each bringing their own unique story. Boasting a favorable taxing structure and a competitively low property tax rates, Winter Park is an advantageous location for any company. The city supports its businesses by offering several services including public safety, business assistance, and building services.
For more information about the steps to start a business, please access the Florida Department of State Division of Corporations Start a Business page.
Business Certificates expire each year on September 30, regardless of when you apply. You are responsible for paying for the renewal of a business certificate each year; otherwise a penalty will be assessed for late payment. Additionally, any previous zoning approvals could be null and void.
If your business has closed or moved to a location outside the city limits of Winter Park, please email licensing@cityofwinterpark.org of this change to avoid future renewal notices.
In addition to the City of Winter Park Business Certificate, Orange County also requires a business tax receipt. Please access Orange County Business Taxes or call 407-836-5650.
STEP 1 Verify that the zoning of your location is approved for your business type by contacting the Zoning Division at 407-599-3530. It is imperative that this step is done first. If the property is not zoned properly, the occupation/business activities will not be permitted/approved.
STEP 2 If you are performing interior alterations or changing the usage from the previous operator/tenant, a building permit is required. When work is completed, a new Certificate of Occupancy must be obtained prior to receiving a Business Certificate. Before proceeding to the next step, please contact the Building & Permitting Services Department at 407-599-3237.
STEP 3 Select your business type (New, Home-based, etc.) to Apply for a Business Certificate.
PLEASE NOTE: Applying for a Business Certificate does not permit the applicant to operate or engage in business until the certificate has been issued.
PLEASE NOTE: Submitting an application does not permit the applicant to operate or engage in business.
Please login to self-service portal and access ‘MYWORK’ tab and then access the ‘Renew’ button.
Change of name, location, ownership of a business will require a new application. Please login to the self-service portal below to apply.
PLEASE NOTE: Submitting an application does not permit the applicant to operate or engage in business.
If you wish to change your mailing address only (physical business location has not changed), please contact the Business License office at 407-599-3530 or licensing@cityofwinterpark.org.
If you are closing your business, please send a written request for your business certificate to be inactivated to the Building & Permitting Services Department at licensing@cityofwinterpark.org or by mail to Attn: Business Certificates, City of Winter Park, 401 S. Park Ave., Winter Park, FL 32789
Home-based businesses are for residential addresses only.
PLEASE NOTE: Submitting an application does not permit the applicant to operate or engage in business.
You are required to upload your State of Florida Restaurant License or Florida Department of Agriculture Permit, copy of menu and seating layout (interior and exterior seats). Failure to do so many increase the amount of time it takes for city staff to issue your license.
PLEASE NOTE: Submitting an application does not permit the applicant to operate or engage in business.