In short: the City of Lake Worth Beach says a business license is needed for any property rented at any time during the tax year, residential or commercial. The license will not be issued without an approved Use & Occupancy inspection, which is due every three years.
Who needs a license
Any owner renting a home, apartment, duplex or building in the City of Lake Worth Beach during the tax year, whether to one tenant or many. Many addresses in ZIP 33460 still say Lake Worth; what matters is whether the property is inside the city limits.
The Use & Occupancy inspection
- Due every three years. Your renewal notice shows the year your next inspection is due
- Covers zoning, life safety and code compliance
- The license is not issued without an approved inspection
Inspectors look at safety rather than cleanliness, but a clean, empty unit makes problems easier to spot and fix before the visit. Common items to check first are smoke alarms, working locks on doors and windows, electrical covers, water heater and AC condition, and clear exits.
Applying
The city asks for a completed business license application with supporting documents, which can include articles of incorporation or a fictitious name registration if you rent through a company, trust paperwork if the property is in a trust, proof of ownership and a valid state issued ID. Fees depend on the license classification. The city's Business License Division on (561) 586 1647 can confirm the fee and what your property needs. Payment is by Visa, Mastercard, Discover or check; cash is not accepted.
Plan it with your turnovers
If an inspection falls when a unit is empty, book the turnover clean and any repairs first, then the inspection. Our Florida turnover checklist covers the safety checks.
Taken from the City of Lake Worth Beach business license pages, checked on November 3, 2026. Requirements can change, so confirm with the city before you rely on them. This guide is general information, not legal advice.