What You Should Know Before Doing A Commercial Build-Out
South Florida has a range of property types, from condos to seasonal residences, primary homes, mixed-use, and commercial properties. This article we’ll walk you through what to know and appropriate steps to take before doing a build-out of your commercial property.
Commercial Property in Florida State
Once you’ve determined where your build-out will be located, the first step or Phase 1 is hiring a commercial contractor. It’s recommended to do your due diligence by getting at least three referrals, competitive bids for each, and scheduling an interview with the contractors on-site. Phase 1 is where you and your contractor develop the blueprint of your building and its specs. Miller Construction & Design are licensed and fully insured to operate in the state of Florida and with 40 years of experience, specialize in commercial build-out projects. Miller Construction will keep you informed at each phase of the project and provide full transparency that the used materials used are compliant and up to code.
Plan Approval and Compliance
Once you have hired a contractor and agreed on the design, the next step is Phase 2 where you file the blueprints to meet regulation and compliance requirements for your county. The responsibility at the Phase 2 stage falls primarily to your contractor.
Permits and Licensing
Phase 3 is the next step to the permit and zoning process. A good starting point for commercial permit requirements is the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. There you can access building codes in PDF format to view online for a new build-out or if you plan to upgrade an existing structure. From there check the building and permit office specific to the county you will operate in. There is a permit center page specific to Palm Beach and Miami-Dade Counties.
Licensing of your business to operate in Florida is also required by law. This determines what kind of commercial use your property will fall under and its relevant building and zoning codes. You apply for a Florida state business license at the following federal and state levels:
- Register your business with the IRS.
- Apply for a business license with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
- Register with the Florida Department of Revenue.
The Final Phase 4
Phase 4 is where actual construction begins to closeout or completion. Miller Design & Construction are there to support you in each phase of your build-out process. Their goal is to keep your project on budget, compliant, and up to code at the highest professional standards.
An Important Reminder!
During Phase 2 or 3 and prior to going into operation, it’s necessary to acquire commercial insurance, which covers liability, theft, and storm damage. Insurance protects your property and its contents (such as equipment, desks, printers, and computers). There are carriers specific to businesses operating in Florida state or you can ask for recommendations and referrals.
