City Says I Cannot Manufacture Jewelry in My Home?

by Shannon
(Palm Bay, FL)

I live in Palm Bay Florida, and my city said that I can not manufacture jewelry in my home, I must rent an office to manufacture anything. This adds significant costs to my business and my jewelry. Has anyone else run in to issues like this?

Our jewelry is "One of a Kind". By making each set unique, our customers have something that no one else will ever have. We also setup at art and craft shows.

Shannon
White Peacock Creations

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City Says I Cannot Manufacture Jewelry in My Home?

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Really? Can a city do this?
by: Lisa

Can the city do that? I understand being told you can't sell directly from your home, by that I mean that you can't have a constant flow of customers coming in and out of your home like a small shop. But can they really tell you that you can't string beads in your own home? Do they tell others they can't sew, paint or do woodworking in their own homes? I have not heard of this.

Maybe, Maybe Not
by: KJ

What is the official title of the person who told you that you cannot manufacture jewelry in your home?

Ask for a citation to the local ordinance which restricts manufacturing. Then go a step further and look to see how manufacture is defined at the local level, and if it is not defined, then at the state level. It is possible that there is a law against manufacturing- but I bet a good percentage of the people in your community manufacture a meal each and every day in their home. I bet some of them even manufacture window cleaning solutions by mixing vinegar and water. A few might even manufacture coverings for the bed. My guess is that manufacture is defined in such a way to keep people from mass production and perhaps use of dangerous chemicals or processes.

You need to talk to the person who told you that you cannot manufacture jewelry in your home and ask the basis of their legal authority.

Can not Manufacture Jewelry in my home!
by: Cheryl Dunham

First off, you should never tell the city what you are doing in your own home, it's not their business, unless as stated in other posts your selling out of your home and have lots of traffic through your home on a daily basis, with complaint from your neighbors. Remember it's better to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission in some cases.
Rather than calling it manufacturing, which indicates that you have a staff and machinery, perhaps you would call it artistic jewelry design. Even if you have helpers, the city can't say who can visit your home, we don't live in a police state, yet!
If I were you, I would just make my jewelry, as I do in my own home, the city I live in doesn't even know I know how to make jewelry, and I'm not going to tell them about it.

A matter of semantics?
by: Bobbie

I would bet that it is just a matter of definition -- the city official you spoke to may be thinking about a refining setup, which might involve chemicals and other processes that could pose environmental concerns. If you explain exactly what's involved, perhaps terming it as a home-based craft business rather than a manufacturing enterprise, it would change the answer you get. Good luck!

More Information
by: Shannon

I got this information from the city when I went to buy my business licence. They told me I could not make things in my home and sell them. Funny I did not tell them I was doing sewing and alterations, but they told me I could not sew things in my home and sell them. I have talked to several officials in the business office, and I get the same story from each of them. I even asked does this mean that you can't have a home based business? And I was told that the only thing I can do from home is paperwork for the business.

Define "Manufacturing"...
by: Janice

I too live in Florida, however NO ONE knows what I do at home, which includes jewelry design. I think perhaps a city defined explanation of "manufacturing" would be appropriate. Then, if they insist, explain that you are not manufacturing jewelry. After all it IS handmade, NOT manufactured :)

As a Council Member in my City
by: Cindy

As a council member in my city we also have strict guidelines on what can be done at home. The problem was many businesses were operating from home and not getting business licenses. So cities got tougher with compliance. Your city seems to have taken it to the next level. Additionally because they are also targeting seamstresses it seems like it could be linked to labor as well. The best way to take care of this is quite simple. Rent a p.o. box with an address in another city but preferably within a county and not a city if possible. Obtain your business license through the p.o. box. Then make your jewelry at home. You are entitled to have a hobby. If your city is too restrictive on this they will encourage people to work without a license. Also try and contact your local Chamber of Commerce. They can be great advocates for home based businesses. Good Luck!

WHAT!
by: Rita Juhlin

I can't believe what I am reading here, this is UN-American!!!!

I agree about using the wrong terminology, I would hardly call creating jewelry - manufacturing.

I think I'd move! This is outrageous, sorry I get excited about things like this.

Don't give up
by: Anonymous

This is no substitute for obtaining legal advice from a qualified attorney, but here's my two cents worth. The authority to zone property gives a city the ability to regulate activities that occur on land within the city. However, treating stringing beads at home as an industrial use, which is what they're doing, seems ridiculous. I doubt the City commissioners ever intended that. There are several things you can do: (1) contact a land use lawyer; or (2) contact your City commissioner for assistance. (3) I also suggest that you read the City's zoning regulations on its website. You should qualify for a home occupation license. Follow the procedures in the regulations, including those for an appeal if the City staff deny your application. Good luck!

Home Manufacturing
by: Mermaids Purse

Very good comments and information from those who posted. Hope this is not a sign of things to come. In this wretched economy the governments at all levels are devisive in taking more and more. I think it wise to keep a low profile yet stay within legal boundaries.

Thank you for sharing your situation and keep us informed as to how you decide to resolve this. It's a heads up for all of us. Good Luck.

Fair Winds and Calm Seas,
Deborah Leon
www.mermaidspurseseaglass.com

Someone who spends 6 months a year in Florida
by: Anonymous

Hi I am a snowbird in a Florida retirement community 6 months of the year. People there are from all over the States and Canada. The favourite expression there is "Only in Florida"

Florida has its own rules for EVERYTHING. In some cases they are more permissive than everyone else As an exsmple (and upfront, I am an animal lover have several pets and have also fostered)......I find it bizarre that on the patios of restaurants people can bring their dogs and actually let them sit on the seats at the table.

In some cases they have stricter rules such as this. When honesty doesn't pay off sometimes you have to fudge a little, something i learned the hard way.

And as far as nosy neighbours: It is not a business, it is a hobby and you make stuff to give as gifts. End of story.

End of story!!

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