5 Ideas to Start a Business in Key WestIf you’ve spent any time in Key West, you’re probably trying to figure out how you can start a business that’ll support full-time living in this colorful, laid-back town. Here are a few new takes on some classic business ideas to get you started.

Hotels / Motels / Bed & Breakfasts

Lodging establishments abound in Key West. To attract your share of the market, you’ll want to understand your ideal customer. While many chains cater to party-loving 20-somethings, focus on satisfying the needs of a growing number of well-heeled, travel-savvy seniors. Your hotel or bed & breakfast should deliver the right mix of comfort, luxury, and activity. Partner with a local artist to offer painting lessons to guests. Key West is known for its art community, and seniors love educational vacations.

Bar / Restaurant

Conventional bars and restaurants that serve alcohol and fatty foods to patrons is so 20th century. Start a smoothie bar that uses fresh, organic produce to refresh tourists on sunny days. Bring your passion for plant-based eating to life by starting a vegan cafe. Feature completely new recipes and plant-based takes on classics such as key lime pie and conch fritters. Get your inventory from local farmer’s markets, community-supported agriculture programs, and buying clubs such as Annie’s Buying Club that gets its seasonal organic produce from mainland Florida.

Office Buildings

While it looks like everyone in Key West is living a lazy island lifestyle, some people still have to do standard office work to make it to their next weekend SCUBA diving excursion. Digital nomads who develop apps and maintain websites also choose to land in Key West when the right opportunity presents itself. Offering co-working office spaces for rent in Key West is that opportunity. Outfit the place with high-speed internet, snacks, and an ocean view, and you’re set.

Marinas

Tourism in Key West largely centers around aquatic activities. Play host to water adventure sports outfitters with a marina. Make it a destination for other tourists by offering live music, street theater, and food trucks.

Retail Shop

Nobody visits Key West without leaving with a souvenir. Start a retail shop that delivers high-quality, locally made products that reflect Key West’s unique atmosphere.
Key West’s thriving tourism industry makes it very attractive for entrepreneurs. Make your business dreams come true with fresh ideas and the right community connections.

Hot Key West Business Opportunities

Are You Looking for Commercial Property in the Florida Keys?

Use our site to search commercial real estate in Key West and all of the Florida Keys. Unlike the “big name” sites out there, our site is directly connected to our local MLS and is updated with new properties every HOUR. By creating a Property Manager account you can stay on top of the newest businesses that go up on the market and get Price Change alerts so you can stay ahead of other buyers and beat them to the best deals!
In the meantime, check out these 1-click searches:

Newest Key West Commercial Properties on the Market

This is the price for one lot. Total of three contiguous, commercial dry lots at the end of 20th St. Oceanside. Big bonus, each lot includes a deeded and assigned deep water wet slip! Each lot may be purchased individually or together. Each lot is 94.5' wide by 110' deep and has its own water & electric meters. Three addresses are 351 20th St. Ocean, 361 20th St. Ocean and 371 20th St. Ocean as the end lot. Each lot is part of a Fisherman's Pointe HOA with fees of $1,200 per year per lot. Lots are currently being used by Fisherman for trap repair and storage. Favorable Mixed Use- Maritime Zoning allows for many commercial uses.The MU-M zoning district is intended to establish areas suitable for uses which are essential to the commercial maritime industry, including sales and service of fishing equipment and supplies, seafood processing, fishing equipment manufacture and treatment, boat storage, restaurants, retail and affordable housing residential uses.The MU district is designated within the Mixed-use Commercial (MUC) future land use category on the Future Land Use Map (FLUM). $749,900 Active

351 20th St, Marathon MARATHON, Florida

This is the price for one lot. Total of three contiguous, commercial dry lots at the end of 20th St. Oceanside. Big bonus, each lot includes a deeded and assigned deep water wet slip! Each lot may be purchased individually or together. Each lot is 94.5' wide by 110' deep and has its own water & electric meters. Three addresses are 351 20th St. Ocean, 361 20th St. Ocean and 371 20th St. Ocean as the end lot. Each lot is part of a Fisherman's Pointe HOA with fees of $1,200 per year per lot. Lots are currently being used by Fisherman for trap repair and storage. Favorable Mixed Use- Maritime Zoning allows for many commercial uses.The MU-M zoning district is intended to establish areas suitable for uses which are essential to the commercial maritime industry, including sales and service of fishing equipment and supplies, seafood processing, fishing equipment manufacture and treatment, boat storage, restaurants, retail and affordable housing residential uses.The MU district is designated within the Mixed-use Commercial (MUC) future land use category on the Future Land Use Map (FLUM). $799,900 Active

371 20Th Street MARATHON, Florida

This is the price for one lot. Total of three contiguous, commercial dry lots at the end of 20th St. Oceanside. Big bonus, each lot includes a deeded and assigned deep water wet slip! Each lot may be purchased individually or together. Each lot is 94.5' wide by 110' deep and has its own water & electric meters. Three addresses are 351 20th St. Ocean, 361 20th St. Ocean and 371 20th St. Ocean as the end lot. Each lot is part of a Fisherman's Pointe HOA with fees of $1,200 per year per lot. Lots are currently being used by Fisherman for trap repair and storage. Favorable Mixed Use- Maritime Zoning allows for many commercial uses.The MU-M zoning district is intended to establish areas suitable for uses which are essential to the commercial maritime industry, including sales and service of fishing equipment and supplies, seafood processing, fishing equipment manufacture and treatment, boat storage, restaurants, retail and affordable housing residential uses.The MU district is designated within the Mixed-use Commercial (MUC) future land use category on the Future Land Use Map (FLUM). $749,900 Active

361 20th Street MARATHON, Florida

Oversized Waterfront Commercial lot located in the Big Pine Shores neighborhood. This parcel measures approximately 17,000 square feet (0.39 acres) and is zoned CFSD-12 (Coastal Fishery and Shoreland District) per Monroe County records, offering a rare opportunity for Fishing related activities and or residential development. Geraldine Street runs roughly north-south on the island's eastern side, placing the property on the bay side (Florida Bay), not the open ocean. This is a corner lot with canal frontage on two sides. In addition there is a solid, concrete seawall that surrounds both canal sides. Estimated control depth is approximately 3-4 feet, based on typical depths in the area. This bayside location offers boat access to Florida Bay. There are no structures on site; the property is vacant land only. No personal property is included in the sale. Buyer to verify utility availability and development requirements. This is a prime piece of waterfront land in the Lower Keys with flexible potential. Situated on Geraldine Street in Big Pine Key, this property provides a blank canvas with waterfront for fishing related activities or as an investment project. $775,000 Active

29557 Geraldine Street Big Pine, Florida


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