How to Find Commercial Space for Your Business in Broward County

Why Broward County?

Broward County sits between Miami-Dade and Palm Beach, giving businesses access to both markets. With 1.9 million residents across 31 municipalities, Broward offers diverse commercial opportunities at rates generally lower than Miami-Dade.

Whether you're opening a retail store, medical practice, restaurant, or warehouse operation, Broward has options. Here's how to navigate the market.

Top Cities for Commercial Space in Broward

Fort Lauderdale

Broward's largest city and economic center. Fort Lauderdale has a thriving downtown, beach tourism, and a growing tech sector.

• Lease rates: $28-$50/SF/year (varies widely by neighborhood)
• Best for: Office, retail, restaurants, professional services
• Hot areas: Las Olas Boulevard (premium retail/dining), Cypress Creek (office corridor), US-1 corridor
• Note: The downtown area has undergone massive development. New mixed-use projects are creating opportunities for ground-floor retail.

Hollywood

Hollywood offers a unique mix of beach tourism and urban density. Hollywood Beach Broadwalk is one of the busiest pedestrian areas in South Florida.

• Lease rates: $22-$40/SF/year
• Best for: Restaurants, tourism-related retail, fitness, medical
• Hot areas: Hollywood Boulevard (downtown), Young Circle Arts District, Hollywood Beach

Pembroke Pines

One of Broward's largest cities by population, Pembroke Pines is a suburban market with strong family demographics.

• Lease rates: $22-$35/SF/year NNN
• Best for: Retail, restaurants, medical offices, daycare, education
• Hot areas: Pines Boulevard, Flamingo Road corridor, Shops at Pembroke Gardens

Coral Springs

A well-planned suburban city with strong schools and high household income.

• Lease rates: $20-$32/SF/year NNN
• Best for: Medical, professional services, retail, fitness, restaurant
• Hot areas: University Drive, Sample Road, Coral Springs Drive

Plantation

Central Broward location with easy access to I-595, the Sawgrass Expressway, and Florida's Turnpike.

• Lease rates: $22-$38/SF/year
• Best for: Office, medical, warehouse, professional services
• Hot areas: Broward Boulevard, Pine Island Road, Plantation Midtown

Understanding Broward's Zoning Structure

Broward County's zoning is managed at two levels:

• County-level: For unincorporated areas, the Broward County Planning and Development Management Division handles zoning. Call (954) 357-6644.
• Municipal-level: Each of the 31 cities has its own zoning department and codes. Fort Lauderdale's codes are different from Coral Springs' codes, which are different from Pembroke Pines' codes.

Common Broward commercial zoning designations include B-1 (neighborhood business), B-2 (community business), B-3 (general business), and various industrial zones (I-1, I-2). However, each municipality may use different naming conventions.

Industrial and Warehouse Space

Broward has significant industrial inventory, particularly in:

• Pompano Beach: One of the largest industrial markets in Broward. Rates: $10-$16/SF NNN.
• Deerfield Beach: Growing industrial corridor along Powerline Road. Rates: $11-$17/SF NNN.
• Fort Lauderdale (Airport area): Logistics-friendly location near FLL and Port Everglades. Rates: $12-$18/SF NNN.
• Sunrise/Tamarac: Affordable industrial space west of the Sawgrass Expressway. Rates: $9-$14/SF NNN.

The Permit Process in Broward

1. Verify zoning: Contact the relevant municipality's planning department to confirm your business type is permitted at your chosen address.
2. Apply for a business tax receipt: Required by both the municipality and Broward County.
3. Building permits: If you're doing any build-out or modifications, you'll need permits from the local building department.
4. Certificate of Use/Occupancy: Required before you can open for business. Confirms the space meets all codes for your intended use.
5. Industry-specific licenses: Food service, medical, auto repair, and other industries require state and/or federal licenses beyond local permits.

Tips for Finding Space in Broward

• Drive the corridors. Many commercial spaces in Broward are leased through local brokers or signs in windows, not online listings. Drive the major corridors in your target area and note spaces with "For Lease" signs.
• Consider second-generation space. A space previously used for a similar business (restaurant, medical office, etc.) can save you significant build-out costs.
• Check for planned developments. Broward is undergoing significant redevelopment, especially along US-1 and in downtown areas. New developments often have competitive rates to attract first tenants.
• Don't overlook smaller cities. Places like Oakland Park, Wilton Manors, and Dania Beach offer lower rents with growing foot traffic as these areas gentrify.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best cities for commercial space in Broward County?

Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs, and Plantation are the top markets. Fort Lauderdale has the widest variety, while Pembroke Pines and Coral Springs offer strong suburban family demographics.

How much does commercial space cost in Broward County?

Retail rates range from $18-$50/SF/year depending on location. Industrial rates are $8-$16/SF NNN. Fort Lauderdale and Las Olas command the highest rates, while Pompano Beach and Deerfield Beach offer the best value.

How do I check zoning in Broward County?

Each of Broward's 31 municipalities has its own zoning code. Search for the city's online zoning map or call the city's planning and zoning department with the property address.