City License  l  Certificate of Occupancy  l  Small Business Development Center

Okaloosa County's Business Technology Incubator
In 2009, the Economic Development Council developed Okaloosa County's first business technology incubator in collaboration with University of West Florida and Okaloosa County School Board. A business incubator is designed to nurture start-up companies by providing office space, furniture and equipment with shared administrative personnel in order to facilitate the hatchling businesses establish their customer base and product.  Incubators are a means to success for today's entrepreneurs. 

The following is a basic guideline of information you will need to begin a business in Okaloosa County.  Additional information or requirements should be addressed with the appropriate agencies.

County Occupational License

If your business is going to be located within county limits but not within the city limits you will need only a county license.  License application and appropriate fee information may be obtained at:

Chris Hughes, Tax Collector
Okaloosa County tax Collector
151-C North Eglin Parkway
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
850-651-7300
www.okaloosatax.com/occupational

Permits or inspections can now be researched on Okaloosa County’s web site: http://www.co.okaloosa.fl.us/dept_growth_mgmt.html

City Occupational License

If your business will be in the city limits you will need both a municipal and county license.  The following is a list of offices where you may apply for a municipal occupational license within Okaloosa County.

Certificate of Occupancy

After you have selected the location of your business, a certificate of occupancy must be obtained from the proper building inspection division.  This also applies to zoning permits (Certificate of Use).  The following is the building inspection division for Okaloosa County.

Okaloosa County
Building Inspection Department
1804 Lewis Turner Boulevard
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
850-651-7180

Small Business Development Center

The University of West Florida's Small Business Development Center provides consulting services to businesses in all stages of development, from pre-venture to maturity.

Small Business Development Center
University of West Florida
922 Mar Walt Drive, Suite 203
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
850-833-9400
www.sbdc.uwf.edu

A listing of Okaloosa County businesses
may be viewed on the EDC membership page.

City License  l  Certificate of Occupancy  l  Small Business Development Center

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