To Start a Business ...

The Florida Department of State website, www.dos.myflorida.com/sunbiz/start-business offers step-by-step instructions for starting and registering your business.

In the city of Arcadia, new businesses must obtain their local business tax receipt prior to engaging in their business, profession, or occupation. The amount of tax will vary according to business type and size.

Pick your business location!

First, determine if you are within the City of Arcadia or in DeSoto County.

For city-specific information, go to … https://arcadia-fl.gov/departments/planning-zoning/

For county land-use information, go to … www.desotobocc.com/departments/planning_zoning click “Land Development Regulation and Code of Ordinances.”

For a GIS map, go to … www.desotobocc.com/departments/planning_zoning and click GIS Map at the bottom of the page.

Business training and assistance for FREE!

Small Business Development Center: The Florida SBDC (sbdctampabay.com/tampa) offers free services, both virtually and in various locations, for businesses at all stages.

Small Business | Team DeSoto: Go to, TeamDeSoto.com/business-resources/virtual-entrepreneur-center.

SCORE: Port Charlotte SCORE (portcharlotte.score.org) offers free mentoring for small businesses.

Signage

Signage on your land or building needs to be permitted. If within the City of Arcadia, contact the Planning & Zoning Department at 863-494-4114

In DeSoto County (outside the city limits), contact the Planning and Zoning Department at 863-993-4806 and the Building Department at 863-993-4811.

Historic Designation

If you have property – either residential or commercial – in the Arcadia Historic District, you must comply with the Historic District guidelines for any exterior adjustments.

For information, contact: Administrative Clerk Michelle Griffin at 863-494-4114 or mgriffin@arcadia-fl.gov.

The property owner must apply to the Historic Preservation Commission for a certificate of appropriateness before a structure in the Historic District can be altered or demolished.

The information can be found at Arcadia-fl.gov/2022/10/17/historic-preservation-committee-hpc-procedures.

Submittal of the application must be made with the appropriate site plans, drawings, photographs, descriptions, and other documentation needed to provide staff and the commission with a clear understanding of the proposed action.

Other Resources

There are many groups here ready to help your business thrive.

  • The DeSoto County Chamber of Commerce: www.DeSotoChamberFL.com, 863-494-4033.
  • Arcadia Main Street, committed to improving all aspects of downtown Arcadia: www.ArcadiaMainStreet.com, 863-494-2020.
  • Career Source Heartland,   assisting businesses with hiring top talent and building workforce: www.careersourceheartland.com, 863-385-3672.
  • South Florida State College, workforce training programs: www.SouthFlorida.edu, 863-453-6661.
  • DeSoto County Economic Development Office, assistance with business retention and expansion and county relations: edo@desotobocc.com, 863-444-2396.
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