Starting a Business

Starting a Business Town of Loxahatchee Groves

Thank you for choosing the town of Loxahatchee Groves to start your business! Opening a new business is a significant undertaking that takes vision, cooperation and patience. To help in this process, we have created this page to serve as a roadmap as well as a checklist. The information provided in these pages is intended to show you what you’ll need to open a business in Loxahatchee Groves, from start to finish.

Please take special note:

Prior to choosing your location and signing a lease, please contact the Business Tax Receipt Division.  They will be able to work with our Planning and Zoning Division to help determine if the specified use meets the exact zoning specifications for your prospective site. 

  •  Business Receipt Tax Division
  • Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
  • 155 F Road, Loxahatchee Groves, FL 33470
  • (561) 870-6670

General Business: 7 Steps to Success

Write a Business Plan

  • How to incorporate, securing start-up financing, marketing plans, pricing strategies, budgets and money management are just a few of the areas you’ll want to have figured out before committing to a business idea.
  • Palm Beach County | SCORE can help guide you through the entire process from “What is a Business Plan?” through “Crafting a Business Plan”.
  • Already have a comprehensive business plan? Great!  Florida Small Business Development Center at USF can assist you in implementing your plan further! (https://floridasbdc.org)

Identify the Perfect Location for Your Business

  • There are many factors to consider when determining the location of your business such as proximity to customers, similar business clusters, parking needs, proper zoning, and tenant build-out, to name a few.
  • Keep in mind that all businesses are unique and each potential location may have different needs based on zoning, previous use, scope of work and the improvements you are proposing.
  • Before signing a lease or purchasing a property, we strongly urge you to contact the Town of Loxahatchee groves Business Receipt Tax Division at 561 807-6670 to discuss your potential location and business type. They will confirm with our Planning and Zoning Division if the allowed use is compliant with the Town of Loxahatchee Groves Unified Land Development Code.
  • If the current zoning for your prospective site allows your proposed use, you can apply for your Business Tax Receipt. (Most fees are based on square footage and number of employees, while some businesses will have multiple categories)
  • If the current zoning allows your proposed use, but the previous business was in a different classification, you may be required to go through a Change of Use. Please contact Tatiana Vaquez, at 561 807-6670.
  • Once you have completed all requirements with the Town of Loxahatchee Groves, you will be ready to apply for your Business Tax with the Palm Beach County Tax Collector’s Office. You can reach them at (561) 355-2264.

Choose the Appropriate Team to Complete Your Scope of Work

  • Once you’ve identified the best location for your business and consulted with the Town, pick your team of professionals to complete any necessary work.
  • Time is money, and it is often better to hire the appropriate professionals from the start. Picking a qualified team can get your work done right, the first time.

Finance Your Business

  • Debt & Equity Financing
  • Small Business Grants & Development Incentives
  • First Time Small Business Loan
  • Small Business Administration Loans
  • The links below are local resources that can help small businesses and startups:
    • Florida SBDC at USF
      • Florida SBDC at USF capital access specialists are professionally certified business consultants, many of whom are former bankers, business owners, and executives with years of experience. They provide entrepreneurs with confidential assistance to guide them through the process of securing the right source of capital, including: uncovering available debt coverage and ability to repay a loan, assessing financing options and opportunities, identifying appropriate sources of financing, developing or refining a quality business plan suitable for lenders, conducting an in-depth financial analysis, creating a professional loan package, formulating a comprehensive finance strategy and facilitating effective lender relationships.

Determine Your Legal Structure

  • Sole Proprietorship
  • Limited Liability Company
  • Partnership
  • Corporation

Register Your Business

It is important that you register your business for State and local taxes and get your Federal Tax ID Number:

Obtain Business Licenses & Permits