Guide to Doing Business (English)

STEP 1

CONSULT WITH THE CITY’S PLANNING DIVISION

Before signing a lease, contact a City of Miramar Planner to make sure the location is zoned for the business you wish to operate.

Phone: (954) 602-3264 or visit MiramarFL.gov/forms

STEP 2

COMPLETE THE APPLICATION FOR THE ZONING CERTIFICATE OF USE

A. An application is required for the following:

• New business

• An existing business at a new location

• Adding/changing the type of use of a legally established business

• Transfer of business ownership

B. The “Zoning Certificate of Use” application may be picked up at the Planning Division, Building Division or it can be downloaded from the City of Miramar’s website: MiramarFL.gov/zoning

C. Submit the completed application to the Building Division located at 2200 Civic Center Place, 1st Floor.

Special note: If you are planning any interior work or changing the use of a space (for example, from retail to restaurant), it is best to check with the Engineering Services Department (pandz@miramarfl.gov) to see if water and wastewater impact fees apply. This should be done before submitting a building permit for any interior work.

Your Home for International Business

STEP 3

COMPLETE THE BUSINESS TAX RECEIPT APPLICATION

A. Any person wishing to engage in or manage any business, profession, or occupation in the City of Miramar, including a homebased business, is required by ordinance to obtain a City Business Tax Receipt.

B. Contact the Business Tax Receipt office at (954) 602-3061 or email businesstax@miramarfl.gov to determine which application is suitable for your business. For further information and to download an application, visit: MiramarFL.gov/btr

C. Submit your completed application to the Business Tax Receipt office located at 2300 Civic Center Place (Cashier’s Office). While you are here, you can open a utilities account.

STEP 4

COMPLETE THE WATER BILLING NEW ACCOUNT APPLICATION AND UTILITY GUARANTEE OF PAYMENT DEPOSIT

A. An application is required to establish new water utility services (water, sewer and sanitation).

B. Contact our Customer Service Division at 954602-HELP (4357) or email wbcustomerservice@ miramarfl.gov for further information. To download the application, visit MiramarFL.gov/water

C. Submit completed application to the Water Billing Division located at 2300 Civic Center Place, Miramar, FL. 33025 or 6700 Miramar Parkway, Miramar, FL 33023 or email wbcustomerservice@miramarfl.gov

city departments & divisions

This section provides general information on the departments that may pertain to your business needs.

The information may change at any time at the discretion of the city, and it is imperative you visit the city of Miramar at miramarfl.gov to ensure you are getting the most updated information.

Most of the City’s Department/Divisions are open Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Offices are closed on Fridays. However, please contact each Department/Division to confirm office hours.

Business Tax Receipt Office

2300 CIVIC CENTER PLACE

Phone: (954) 602-3040 or (954) 602-3061

Email: BusinessTax@MiramarFL.gov

MiramarFL.gov/Business-Tax-Occupational-Licenses

A Business Tax Receipt is a requirement of the State of Florida for operating a business as per Florida Statutes Chapter 205. You must apply for a Business Tax Receipt to operate a business or establish an office in the City of Miramar. Applications can be downloaded online or picked up at the Business Tax Receipt office. Visit: MiramarFL.gov/Business-Tax-Occupational-Licenses

Commercial businesses must first obtain a City of Miramar Certificate of Use. A license cannot be issued to a Post Office Box (PO Box). The Certificate of Use must be approved by the City of Miramar’s Building Planning and Zoning Department before the business tax application can be accepted and processed.

Home-BASED occupations

Businesses conducted out of a person’s home in the City of Miramar must be clearly incidental and secondary to the use of the residence, and they shall not change the residential character. A proposed home occupation must meet all of the criteria as stated in the Business Tax Receipt Home Application.

Make

The city has thousands of square feet of warehouse and office space, and it is the ideal location, with major sea and airports just minutes away. Our expert team at the City will guide you every step of the way to help your business succeed!

Contact

2200 CIVIC CENTER PLACE, 1ST FLOOR

Phone: (954) 602-3200

Email: BusinessTax@MiramarFL.gov

Doing Business Guide to Building Planning and Zoning Department

MiramarFL.gov/BZP

Building Division

PERMITS & INSPECTIONS

2200 CIVIC CENTER PLACE, 1ST FLOOR

Phone: (954) 602-3200

Email: BusinessTax@MiramarFL.gov

MiramarFL.gov/BldgPermitsInspections

The Building Division staff reviews all permits to ensure that they are up to code. They work to identify and correct any concerns/issues before any non-compliant work occurs.

The Building Division staff reviews all building permit applications for compliance with all national, state, county, and municipal codes to preserve the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

These services include the following:

• Certificate of Use for Business (per City Ordinance 10-3/Sec. 1203)

• Business Tax Receipt and inspections

• Permits (structural, electrical, plumbing and mechanical)

• Garage sale permits

• Building code compliance

• Building inspections

• Permit history research

• Building plans and blueprints

While you are here, copies of building plans and blueprints may be purchased by completing a Public Records Request Form, which is available at the Building Division or online at: MiramarFL.gov/buildingforms

Doing Business Guide to

ONLINE DOCUMENTATION PROCESS

By completing the process online, it ensures all steps are completed and provides the necessary information for a comprehensive and seamless process. The City experts will follow up to work in partnership with you to facilitate and coordinate the process until the completion of the project. Various building permit applications can be downloaded from MiramarFL.gov/forms

BUILDING CODE COMPLIANCE

The Miramar Building Code Compliance Section is responsible for investigating all violations of the Florida Building Code. Violations include unlicensed contractors, unpermitted construction work, and all unresolved violations of the applicable building codes. Violations are investigated for validity by the Building Code Compliance Inspectors.

Miscellaneous Key Information

To establish a water/sewer service account: (954) 602-3028

To establish a commercial garbage service via Waste Pro: (954) 967-4200

City Rental Facilities and Parks:

• Miramar Cultural Center | ArtsPark: (954) 602-4500

• Miramar Multi-Service Center: (954) 889-2703

• Parks and Fields: (954) 602-3173

• Special Events: (954) 602-3319

For all other inquiries, questions, or concerns, please call City of Miramar’s Customer Care Center at: (954) 602-HELP (4357) or customerservice@ miramarfl.gov

For More Information About Our City

Visit us online: MiramarFL.gov Watch us on: ATT U-Verse Channel 99 Comcast 78

Please sign up for Miramar Today, our free e-newsletter and our Business Pulse at: Miramarfl.gov/AlertMiramar

Doing Business Guide to

BUILDING CODE COMPLIANCE VIOLATION PROCESS

Code Violations can be reported by the public and other county/state agencies through letters or phone calls. The Florida Building Code requires Building Officials to issue Notices of Violations and Citations for any person, firm, corporation, or agent who commences work without first applying for a building permit. Any such person, firm, corporation, or agent who fails to comply with a Notice of Violation or Citation may be brought before the Unsafe Structures Board or the Municipal Court for disciplinary action.

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an acceptable degree of public safety from fire and other hazardous conditions. Plan review notifies the building owner of code requirements prior to building construction.

• Consultation: Staff members are available to explain fire codes, fire-related sections of building codes and standards to assist the citizens of Miramar, professional engineers, architects, contractors, and members of the building trade in their duties.

Procurement Department

2200 CIVIC CENTER PLACE

Phone: (954) 602-3053

Email: Procurementdept@ci.miramar.fl.us

MiramarFL.gov/Procurement

The Procurement Department is responsible for managing the purchasing activity of the organization, which includes the acquisition of products, goods, services, and construction in support of the goals and operations of the City of Miramar.

Interested vendors who wish to do business with the City of Miramar are encouraged to contact the Procurement Department to provide information about their products, goods, and services and to request notification of solicitations for future needs. Check out current bid opportunities at MiramarFL.

Planning Division

2200 CIVIC CENTER PLACE, 1ST FLOOR

Phone: (954) 602-3264

Email: pandz@miramarfl.gov

MiramarFL.gov/buildingforms

Before signing a lease, contact a city planner to make sure that the location is zoned for the business you wish to operate. In addition, business owners are required to complete a Zoning Certificate of Use application, which is available at the Planning Office or online: MiramarFL.gov/forms

Planning also provides the following services:

• Confirming zoning districts and business uses

• Reviewing and answering questions relating to signs

• Providing city maps on zoning, land use and residential care facility locations

• Issuing permits on portable storage containers or PODs, tree removal, painting, repainting of buildings, alcohol or beverage certification, and temporary permits on special events and signage.

SIGNAGE

Business signage is important. Visit Municode.com/ library/fl/miramar/codes/land_development_code for signage regulations. If you still have questions, please contact the Planning Division at (954) 602 3264.

Permits are required for signs and renovations. Also, exterior painting or any other exterior modifications may need approval from the City’s Community Appearance Board to comply with the City’s Community Design Plan.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

14801 SW 27TH STREET

PHONE: (954) 438-1222

www.miramarfl.gov/283/Emergency-Management

Please visit the City’s website to register in our emergency notification system to receive alerts from the City about emergencies. This Emergency Alert Program enables us to provide you with critical information quickly in a variety of situations, such as severe weather, evacuations of buildings or neighborhoods, hazardous conditions and traffic issues.

CODE COMPLIANCE DIVISION

11765 CITY HALL PROMENADE

PHONE: (954) 602-3174

WWW.MIRAMARPD.ORG/1192/CODE-COMPLIANCE

MIRAMAR-PEMBROKE PINES REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBERSHIP INCENTIVE

The Code Compliance Division is concerned about preserving the integrity of the community, maintaining higher property values, and improving the quality of life for all Miramar residents.

Since 1969, the Chamber has been advancing the interests of its members through advocacy, leadership and engagement. The City of Miramar helps support this effort through a membership incentive. For any new Miramar business, or one that has never been a member of the Chamber, the City provides a grant toward its membership. Learn more: MiramarFL.gov/PinesMiramarCoC

Emergency Management

14801 SW 27TH STREET

You will receive time-sensitive messages wherever you specify, such as your home, mobile or business phones, e-mail address, text messages and more. You pick where,

Phone: (954) 438-1222

They also work with residents, neighborhood associations, public service agencies, and other city departments to facilitate voluntary compliance with city laws and codes. The division empowers community self-help programs, develops public outreach programs and establishes community priorities for enforcement programs.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU

MiramarFL.gov/Emergency

You can also subscribe to receive AUTOMATED WEATHER ALERTS and customize your alert settings.

14801 SW 27TH STREET

PHONE: (954) 602-4801

Please download the “Everbridge” app for your smart phone to receive Push Notifications for alerts in Miramar and wherever you travel that utilizes the Everbridge system. www.miramarfl.gov/283/Emergency-Management

Visit MiramarFL.gov/alertmiramar to register to receive alerts from the City. This Emergency Alert Program enables us to provide you with critical information quickly in a variety of situations, such as severe weather, evacuations of buildings or neighborhoods, hazardous conditions, and traffic issues.

The following are a few of the topics that may interest you:

The following are a few of the topics that may interest you:

Latest information on current events such as public health concerns and dangerous weather conditions

• Latest information on current events such as public health concerns and dangerous weather conditions

• Information on preparing and securing your business for emergencies, like hurricanes

Information on preparing and securing your business for emergencies, like hurricanes

Information on emergency planning for business and

• Information on emergency planning for business and industry

• Information on when access is permitted after a disaster

• Information on when access is permitted after a Emergency Preparedness tips for your employees can be found at: www.miramarfl.gov/286/Hurricane-

• Emergency preparedness tips for your employees can be found at MiramarFL.gov/prehurricane

ENGINEERING SERVICES

NON EMERGENCY ALERTS

2200 CIVIC CENTER PLACE, 2ND FLOOR

PHONE: (954) 602-3318

Sign up to get notified via voice, text, and email in 3 easy steps:

WWW.MIRAMRFL.GOV/196/ENGINEERING-SERVICES

1. Scan QR Code or visit Miramarfl.gov/alertMiramar

2. Create an account and enter your contact information

3. Select the type of alerts you want to receive

WWW.MIRAMARFD.ORG

SOUTH FLORIDA REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL REVOLVING LOAN FUND

The Fire Prevention Bureau provides the following life safety services:

• Fire Safety Inspections - It is the duty of the Fire:

• Prevention Bureau to annually inspect all buildings and premises in the City of Miramar.

The South Florida Regional Planning Council Revolving Loan Fund provides loans of $50,000 to $300,000 to medium-sized businesses in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe counties. The loans are for existing businesses that are looking to expand or relocate, create jobs and/ or retain jobs.

For more information visit SFregionalcouncil.org or call (954) 985-4416.

• Site Plan Review - Prior to issuing any permit for construction, erection, alteration, repair or demolition, the Fire Prevention Bureau reviews all plans in conjunction with the building department.

• Building Plans and Specification - Building plan review allows the Fire Prevention Bureau to ensure that buildings are constructed to provide an acceptable degree of public safety from fire and other hazardous condition. Plan review notifies the building owner of code requirements prior to building construction.

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

• Consultation Staff members are available to explain fire codes, fire related sections of building codes and standards to assist the citizens of Miramar, professional engineers, architects, contractors and members of the building trade in their duties.

The SBA provides a number of financial assistance programs for small businesses that have been specifically designed to meet key financing needs, including debt financing, surety bonds, and equity financing.

PROCUREMENT DEPARTMENT

Guaranteed Loan Programs (Debt Financing)

2200 CIVIC CENTER PLACE

PHONE: (954) 602-3053

WWW.MIRAMARFL.GOV/160/ PROCUREMENTDEPARTMENT

SBA does not make direct loans to small businesses. Rather, SBA sets the guidelines for loans, which are then made by its partners (lenders, community development organizations, and microlending institutions). The SBA guarantees that these loans will be repaid, thus eliminating some of the risk to the lending partners.

The Procurement Department is responsible for managing the purchasing activity of the organization, which includes the acquisition of products, services and construction in support of the goals and operations of the City of Miramar.

Bonding Program (Surety Bonds)

A surety bond is a promise to be liable for the debt, default, or failure of another. It is a three-party contract by which one party (the surety) guarantees the performance or obligations of a second party (the principal) to a third party (the obligee). SBA’s Surety Bond Guarantee (SBG) program helps small business contractors who cannot obtain surety bonds through regular commercial channels.

Equity Financing Venture Capital Program

SBA’s Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) Programs are a public-private investment partnership created to help fill the gap between the availability of growth capital and the needs of small business.

For more information, please visit SBA.gov or call (800) 827-5722.

RESOURCE PARTNERS

ENTERPRISE FLORIDA

Enterprise Florida is the official economic development organization for the State of Florida. Enterprise Florida helps businesses:

• Locate to Florida

• Expand within Florida

• Find available properties

• Export from Florida

Please visit Enterpriseflorida.com for more information on how they can assist you.

HOUSING

MISSION STATEMENT

To leverage the power of affordable, decent, safe, and stable housing to help communities thrive and help lowand moderate-income families increase their potential for long-term economic success and sustain a high quality of life.

VISION STATEMENT

To ensure that every Miramar resident, regardless of their socio-economic status, has good choices in where they live and better opportunities to reach their fullest potential.

PROGRAMS

Please contact Community Revitalization Affiliates, Inc. (the city’s housing counsultant) at 954-939-3271 or at info@crasouthfl.com Visit: CRAsouthfl.com

Programs include the following:

- Emergency Repair - First-Time Homebuyers

- Minor Home Repair - Mortgage/Rental Assistance

HOUSEHOLD SIZE AND INCOME CHART

The Area Median Income (AMI) is the midpoint of a region’s income distribution – half of families in a region earn more than the median and half earn less than the median. For housing policy, income thresholds set relative to the area median income—(such as 50% of the area median income)—identify households eligible to live in income-restricted housing units and the affordability of housing units to low-income households.

Guide to Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development (OESBD)

The Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development (OESBD) supports Broward County businesses by providing a comprehensive roster of client-focused services. Technical assistance is available to local businesses on a range of topics, from information on current public procurement opportunities to financing. As an affiliate of Kaufman FastTrac, the OESBD offers a wide variety of workshops and programs to start and grow your business.

To learn more, visit: Broward.org/econdev or call (954) 357-6400.

Doing Business

3 $40,850 $65,300

4 $45,350 $72,550

5 $49,000 $78,400

6 $52,650 $84,200

7 $56,250 $90,000

8 $59,900 $95,800

GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE ALLIANCE

The Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance is the primary economic development organization for the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County area. The Alliance focuses on creating, attracting, expanding, and retaining highwage jobs and capital investment in high-value, targeted industries to develop vibrant communities and improve the quality of life for our area’s citizens. They provide leadership in delivering economic development services for clients, prospects, investors, and partners.

The four foundations of the Alliance’s economic development service areas:

1. Marketing and promoting Broward County

2. Managing expansion, relocation, and retention projects

3. Conducting and providing market research and business intelligence

4. Securing and enhancing private/public leadership and investment

To learn more about the exciting opportunities the Alliance has to offer, please visit: GFLAlliance.org

BUSINESS COUNSELING

Redevelopment Opportunities

Transit Oriented Corridor (TOC)

A Transit Oriented Corridor (TOC) is generally characterized as a developed environment within a quarter mile of a public transit system, with building characteristics and public amenities that promote the safe movement of pedestrians. The City has designated the State Road 7 (US441) corridor as a TOC to encourage a future land use pattern that is form-based as an alternative to conventional zoning. The desired result is a greater mixed-use development pattern with a sustainable and walkable environment. The TOC regulations can be found in the City’s Land Development Code (LDC) at: Miramarfl.gov/ LandDevelopment

BUSINESS COUNSELING (SCORE)

This program provides free technical assistance for small business management. SCORE is a non-profit association dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow, and achieve their goals through education and mentorship. Topics include marketing, loans, and business plans. SCORE is associated with the Small Business Administration (SBA), which has additional resources. For more information: Score.org or SBA.gov

Small Business Development Center at Florida Atlantic University (SBDC@FAU)

SBDC@FAU serves entrepreneurial and small businesses with a team of highly experienced advisors who offer oneon-one business counseling. They also provide relevant training to businesses such as Virtual Marketing Strategies & Digital Growth; Business Valuation; Financial Literacy; and Disaster Preparedness and Recovery (just to name a few).

Doing Business Guide to

Opportunity Zone (OZ)

An Opportunity Zone (OZ) is an economically distressed area of a community where new investments, under certain conditions, may be eligible for preferential federal tax treatment. One or more OZ Funds control zone investment as a means of providing new private sector investment that commits at least 90% of their capital in qualifying assets in the zone. Each OZ is designated

Oppor tunity Zones

2011-2015 LIC Tract: 12011110501

NMTC Qualified: Yes

Population: 3,782

Median Income (%): 86.23

Poverty Rate (%): 22.20

Unemployment Rate (%): 15.50

Metro Designation: Metropolitan

Tract Unemployment to National Unemployment Ratio: 1.87

2011-2015 LIC Census Tract: 12011100801

NMTC Qualified: Yes

Population: 3,509

Median Income (%): 62.13

Poverty Rate (%): 27.30

Unemployment Rate (%): 14.70

Metro Designation: Metropolitan

Tract Unemployment to National Unemployment Ratio: 1.77

Foreign TRADE ZONE

Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ)

Currently, there are three (3) companies in Miramar that are active in the FTZ. The city is proud to have companies in the FTZ and encourages participation when appropriate. Foreign-Trade Zones are designated sites licensed by the Foreign-Trade Zones Board to use special customs procedures. These procedures allow domestic activity involving foreign items to take place prior to formal customs entry. They are given duty-free concessions on items that are exported and duty (tax) payment is deferred on items sold in the U.S. market.

In Broward County, Port Everglades (FTZ #25) and Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FTZ #241) are the designated FTZs and the city encourages its businesses to make use of either one as appropriate for their operations.

Port Everglades (FTZ)

The primary general purpose zone in Broward County is Port Everglades, which is designated as the grantee of FTZ #25.

In addition, FTZ #25 includes more than a dozen off-port subzones and noncontiguous sites where companies can also take advantage of deferral, reduction, or elimination of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) duties, which translates into improved cash flow. Such bottom-line savings – typically of 2% to 3% – are increasingly important to firms in a global environment of squeezed profit margins.

Public Benefits:

• Help facilitate and expedite international trade.

• Provide special customs procedures as a public service to help firms conduct international traderelated operations in competition with foreign plants.

• Encourage and facilitate exports.

• Help attract offshore activity and encourage retention of domestic activity.

• Assist state/local economic development efforts.

• Help create employment opportunities.

Business Inclusion and Diversity (bid)

2200 CIVIC CENTER PLACE, 2ND FLOOR

Phone: (954) 602-3318

Email: EDH@miramarfl.gov

MiramarFL.gov/BID

The City of Miramar has implemented a Business Inclusion & Diversity (BID) Program that offers innovative programs and services to help small businesses grow.

The City’s mission is to promote diversity in the purchasing/procurement process to accurately reflect the demographics of diverse business and residential communities. The BID program implements measures to ensure more inclusion for ALL businesses; especially those that the Diversity Study identified as underutilized.

BID Programs and Services Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Quarterly Project Scope Review Webinars

To ensure businesses are aware that the City of Miramar has a 5-year (CIP) covering the years 2022 – 2026. Each month, BID reviews City projects with available contracting opportunities. These pre-recordings review the scopes of work for many projects prior to the release of the procurement solicitation.

Department Minority Utilization Strategy Sessions

BID gives firms access to department directors and City leaders to pitch their business products and services. Firms can showcase their experience and qualifications to increase their opportunities for growth and inclusion on ALL departmental purchasing opportunities.

Contractor Project Review Workshops

To foster more inclusion, the City of Miramar hosts Contractor Project Review workshops to identify ready, willing, and able firms. Available project scopes of work are outlined and qualified firms seeking inclusion submit capability statements.

Virtual Mentoring Sessions

Virtual mentoring sessions are held to assist small minority firms in building relationships with primes, community leaders, and community stakeholders. These communication exchanges explore new ideas and proven solutions known to build resilience, create opportunity and advance sustainability.

BID workshops & Webinars

• How to do Business with the City of Miramar

• The Benefits of Getting Certified

• BID Academy - Partnering with institutional stakeholders: Nova Southeastern University, Florida International University, Utica, and Broward College

• BID Connect - Partnering with industry leaders, local trade unions, and trade organizations

• “Think Tank” – Collaborating with experts and community stakeholders on initiatives to foster more inclusion

• “Hack the Business” - Helping firms explore technologically advanced ways to operate their businesses

• Construction Contractor Fair

• Professional Consultants Fair

• Design Symposium

• Health & Wellness Extravaganza

Doing Business Guide to