Business | City of Winter Haven

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Winter Haven is a community ready and able to help you meet your business goals.

Between the City of Winter Haven, and our partners at the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Winter Haven and the Winter Haven Economic Development Council, we have the resources and assistance you need to be successful in business.

We pride ourselves on collaboration, removing barriers to entry, and coming up with creative solutions to streamline the process for the mutual benefit of the business owner and community.

Why should you open a business in the City of Winter Haven?

Winter Haven is a community ready and able to help you meet your business goals. Between the City of Winter Haven, and our partners at the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Winter Haven and the Winter Haven Economic Development Council, we have the resources and assistance you need to be successful in business. We pride ourselves on collaboration, removing barriers to entry, and coming up with creative solutions to streamline the process for the mutual benefit of the business owner and community.

Winter Haven’s economy is diverse. We have several strong industries including technology, medical services, logistics, tourism, business services, and agriculture. We are proud that small business is our foundation. Winter Haven stands ready to empower local businesses to be successful. We are a creative city, an inspired city, a business friendly city, and a city of wonderful resources.

You and your business belong here. Be a part of the incredible momentum and tremendous growth!

Business Resources:

Networking Opportunities:

Are you considering opening a business in the City of Winter Haven?

Here are a few helpful steps to assist you:

Step 1: Select a location
Step 2: Make sure your business is located in the appropriate zoning district.
Step 3: Determine if you plan to construct a new building or utilize an existing building.
Step 4: Obtain a Business Tax Receipt
Step 5: Turn on Utilities

Step 1: Selecting a location

Is the location you have chosen inside the city limits of Winter Haven? To find out, contact the Winter Haven Building Division, the Winter Haven Planning Division, or the Polk County Property Appraiser.

Step 2: Make sure your business is located in the appropriate zoning district.

All businesses, no matter the location, must meet the proper zoning requirements. This includes both commercial and residential zoning. Winter Haven is comprised of many zoning districts spread throughout the City, and the Winter Haven Planning Division can assist in finding the best location for your business.

Step 3: Determine if you plan to construct a new building or utilize an existing building.

Please allow for a few months if you choose to construct a new building for your business. This process includes obtaining a Civil Engineer to design the site plan for site improvements as well as a General/Building Contractor to oversee construction of the building. Detailed information regarding this process can be obtained by contacting either the Winter Haven Planning Division or the Winter Haven Building Division. The process is much easier if you choose an existing building because it more than likely already meets the zoning requirements of the location. It is possible the existing building may need a Change of Occupancy to allow its new use, so a call to the Planning Division would be helpful.

Step 4: Obtaining a Business Tax Receipt

Let’s say you have constructed your new building or have secured an existing building and you are ready to open your business. To obtain your Business Tax Receipt, visit the Winter Haven Building Division for the necessary application or find it on the City website under Business Tax Receipt. Along with your application, you must provide any required state licenses offered by the Florida Department of Business and Profession Regulation or other Florida state agency as required. Also, a Fictitious Name registration is required and may be obtained from the Florida Division of Corporations. You will also need a sales tax number from the Florida Department of Revenue. To complete your application please provide a copy of your Polk County Business Tax Receipt.

Step 5: Turn on Winter Haven Utilities

Contact the Engineering Department for an application for utility service. This will provide your business with water and sewer. Depending on the type of business, additional water/sewer impact fees may be required.