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

One of a kind Investment & trophy property in Key Largo.This is a State of the Art security facility and very few properties comparable anywhere in the Keys. Property is leased & guaranteed by the Federal Government. Newly constructed in 2016, concrete building & interior improvements were designed and specially built for US Customs & Border Protection. This is their main office in Key Largo. Main property is fenced with private levered gate and secure with restricted access. Paved parking lot. Property totals 1.5 Acres with 1/2 acre of unbuildable hardwood hammock. 6,674 sf. building has 5,177 sf. of net leaseable area & is a concrete bunker. Poured CBS construction, Bullet proof windows, Kevlar lined walls, enhanced video surveillance, elevator, fully ADA compliant with full elevator. Propane Generator with automatic transfer backs up entire building.Full service lease started June, 2017, five years with one five year option. 2 years remain on existing term and then rent to be substantially increased for a new lease. This is a full service lease. Landlord responsible for certain maintenance & Tenant reimburses Landlord base rent and those operating costs.Tenant also pays Real Estate Taxes and Insurances. One could not replicate this building or its features in today's market. $3,500,000 Active

101350 Overseas Highway KEY LARGO, Florida

2 Baths 6,674 SqFt

Tranquil ''Old Keys'' style marina nestled on a rare 1 + acre Oceanside lot with many possible uses! Deep water protected harbor with 18 large boat slips that can handle 50+ ft. yachts. Approach depth approx. 6 ft.+ at high tide with clearly marked channel. Successful Boat Rental Business with 17 Boats included in the sale. Lucrative Vacation Rental Business with (10) Aqua Lodges and 1 houseboat also included. Water, New 30 Amp and 50 Amp electric at each slip. Fuel dock, concrete building w/office, ship store, workshop, and garage/storage. 2 Outdoor Showers, 2 Bath houses with indoor showers, stalls, and dressing area. New Waste / Pump Out Station, and fuel station. An additional separate concrete building used for storage on North side of property. Private marina, Must call for an appointment and sign an NDA/CA for more information. $9,750,000 Active

200 Treasure Harbor Drive ISLAMORADA, Florida

4 Baths 1,069 SqFt

Prime retail location on busy 300 block of Duval St. Good visibility in the 6 unit strip center located at the corner of Eaton St.Unit E is approx. 800 sf. and has been totally renovated including new flooring, ceilings, lighting and AC fixtures. Exterior of the entire building has been renovated as well. Private ADA compliant half bathroom. Ample customer and employee parking in the rear. Great mix of tenants including Wendy's, Kermits Key Lime Pie store, Nitro Ice Cream and Mystic Lobster Roll. Potential for retail or small restaurant. Tenants to pay their own Utilities incl. Electric, Water and Trash.Base rent is $80/sf. plus current NNN estimated at $24.50/sf. plus sales tax. Total rent is $104.50/yr x 800 sf. + $83,600/yr. or $6,966.67/mos. plus sales tax.Interior photo's coming soon. $5,334 Active

335 Duval Street E KEY WEST, Florida

2 Baths 6,495 SqFt

Prime Commercial Investment property in the heart of Big Pine Key at MM 30. Commercial zoning allows for many other Commercial uses. Large lot is 20,150 sf. or just under 1/2 Acre. Good visibility with 120' of frontage on Overseas Hwy x 167' deep. There is some parking in the front of the property and within FDOT right of way. Also, large vacant land in rear of building for possible added income with parking, equipment storage or may be potential for additional building. Current CBS single story building is 3,200 sf. Formerly divided up into a 6 unit strip center it is currently fully occupied by 4 tenants. Each tenant is mos. to mos., or soon will be. Leases have been short term and tenants paying below market rents. First time on the market since current owner purchased property in 1977! $1,150,000 Active

30200 Overseas Highway Big Pine, Florida

3,200 SqFt


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