Help Center – Florida Local Business Directory

Help Center How Can We Help? Find answers about listings, pricing, accounts, and more — or reach out to our team directly.

All Topics Getting Started Business Listings Pricing & Premium Account & Privacy Reviews & Community Events Newsletter

Getting Started

How do I create an account?

Click "Sign Up" in the top right corner, enter your email and a password, then verify your email address. You can also sign up using Google.

Is it free to browse listings?

Yes. Searching, browsing, and reading reviews is completely free for everyone. You only pay if you choose to list your own business with a Premium plan.

How do I search for a business?

Use the search bar at the top of any page. Type what you're looking for in "Find" and your city or zip code in "Near", then hit search.

Can I save my favorite listings?

Yes. Click the heart icon on any listing while logged in to save it to your favorites, accessible anytime from your account menu.

How do I leave a review?

Open the listing page, scroll to the reviews section, and click "Write a Review". You'll need an account to post, which helps keep reviews authentic.

Is the platform available on mobile?

Yes, the site is fully responsive and works on any phone or tablet browser. A dedicated app is on our roadmap.

What cities do you currently cover?

We focus on Florida communities, starting with Orlando and expanding to nearby cities. New areas are added regularly — check back often.

Do I need an account to contact a business?

No, you can view contact info and click phone numbers or websites without logging in. An account is only required to write reviews or save favorites.

How do I report a listing with incorrect information?

Click "Report" on the listing page and select the reason. Our team reviews reports within 2 business days and corrects verified inaccuracies.

Can I filter search results by category or rating?

Yes. After searching, use the filters on the left (desktop) or the "Filter" button (mobile) to narrow by category, star rating, hours, and more.

Is Local Florida only for Florida residents?

Anyone can use Local Florida — tourists, new residents, and long-time locals alike. It covers businesses and events across Florida communities.

Can I suggest a business that isn't listed yet?

Yes. Use the "Suggest a Business" link in the footer or the contact form, and we'll reach out to the business owner to invite them to claim their listing.

Are the listings verified?

All listings are manually reviewed before going live. However, business details such as hours and phone numbers can change — if you spot something outdated, use the "Report" button.

How do I share a listing with a friend?

Each listing page has a share button (arrow icon) that lets you copy the link or share directly to WhatsApp, Facebook, or Messages.

What language is the site available in?

Currently English only. Spanish language support is on our roadmap for later in 2025.

How current is the information on Local Florida?

Business owners can update their listings anytime. We also run periodic checks and encourage users to report outdated info so the directory stays accurate.

How do I find businesses open right now?

After searching, tick the "Open Now" filter. This shows only businesses whose listed hours include the current time. Hours are set by business owners, so we recommend calling ahead to confirm.

Can I browse by neighborhood or zip code?

Yes. Type a zip code or neighborhood name (e.g. "Thornton Park, Orlando") in the "Near" field to browse businesses in that specific area.

Business Listings

How do I add my business?

Go to "For Business" in the top menu and click "Add Listing". Fill in your business details, choose a plan, and submit — most listings go live within 1 business day.

Can I edit my listing after it's published?

Yes, log into your business account and go to "My Listings" to update hours, photos, description, and contact info anytime.

Why was my listing rejected?

Listings are reviewed for accuracy and policy compliance. Common reasons include incomplete information, duplicate entries, or content that violates our guidelines. We'll email you the specific reason.

How long does approval take?

Most listings are reviewed and published within 1 business day. You'll get an email notification as soon as it goes live.

Can I add multiple locations under one account?

Yes, go to "My Listings" → "Add Another Location". Each location is managed and billed separately.

How do I respond to a customer review?

Log into your business account, open the review under "Reviews", and click "Reply". Responses appear publicly under the review.

Can I remove my listing entirely?

Yes, go to "My Listings" → "Settings" → "Remove Listing". This is permanent and cannot be undone, so we recommend deactivating instead if it's temporary.

What information is required to create a listing?

At minimum: business name, category, address, and a contact phone number or website. Adding hours, a description, and photos greatly improves your listing's performance.

Can I add photos to my listing?

Yes. Free listings support up to 3 photos. Premium supports up to 10, and Premium Plus supports unlimited photos including a cover banner.

What photo formats and sizes are accepted?

We accept JPG, PNG, and WebP files up to 5 MB each. We recommend at least 1200×800px for the best display quality on all screen sizes.

Can I temporarily hide my listing without deleting it?

Yes. Go to "My Listings" → "Settings" → "Deactivate". Your listing will be hidden from search results but all data is preserved — reactivate anytime.

Will my listing appear on Google?

Yes. All published listings are indexed by search engines. Premium and Premium Plus listings receive structured data markup which improves how they appear in Google search results.

Can customers message me directly through Local Florida?

Yes, but only with Premium Plus. The direct messaging feature lets customers send you inquiries without leaving the site. You'll receive notifications by email.

How do I claim a listing that already exists for my business?

Click "Claim this business" on the listing page. You'll be asked to verify ownership by phone or email. Once verified, you can edit and manage the listing.

What categories can I list my business under?

We currently support: Restaurants, Home Services, Auto Services, Health & Beauty, Real Estate, and Community. More categories are being added as the directory grows.

Is there a limit on how many reviews my business can receive?

No limit. All reviews from verified users are displayed. You can reply to any review and flag ones that appear to violate our review policy.

Can I feature a promotion or special offer on my listing?

Yes. Premium and Premium Plus listings can add a "Special Offer" badge with custom text (e.g. "10% off first visit"). Update it anytime from your dashboard.

What happens to my listing if I downgrade or cancel my plan?

Your listing stays published on the free tier — it just loses premium placement and features. No data is deleted when you downgrade.

How do I update my business hours for holidays?

Go to "My Listings" → "Hours" and use the "Special Hours" section to set custom hours for specific dates. These override your regular schedule for those days only.

Can I add a link to my menu or service list?

Yes. In the listing editor, add your menu or service URL under "Website / Links". Premium listings can also upload a PDF menu directly.

Pricing & Premium

What's the difference between Premium and Premium Plus?

Premium ($9.97/mo) gives your listing priority placement and extra photos. Premium Plus ($19.97/mo) adds featured homepage placement, unlimited photos, and direct messaging from customers.

Can I cancel anytime?

Yes, there are no contracts. Cancel from your account billing page anytime and your plan stays active until the end of the current billing period.

Do you offer refunds?

We offer a full refund within the first 7 days of any paid plan if you're not satisfied. Contact support to request one.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major credit and debit cards, as well as PayPal. Payments are processed securely and never stored on our servers.

Will my price change if I upgrade later?

No, upgrading from Premium to Premium Plus is prorated — you only pay the difference for the remaining days in your billing cycle.

Is there a free trial for Premium plans?

Yes, new business accounts get a 14-day free trial of Premium Plus before any charge is applied.

Do you offer annual billing discounts?

Yes, switching to annual billing saves roughly 2 months compared to paying monthly. You can change this anytime in Billing Settings.

Is the free listing really free forever?

Yes. The basic listing is free with no time limit. We only charge if you choose to upgrade to Premium or Premium Plus for additional features and visibility.

What exactly does "priority placement" mean?

Premium listings appear above free listings in search results for their category and location. Premium Plus listings also appear in featured spots on the homepage and category pages.

Will I receive an invoice for my subscription?

Yes. A PDF invoice is emailed automatically after each successful payment. Past invoices are also available in your Billing Settings.

Are there setup fees or hidden charges?

No setup fees, no contracts, no hidden charges. You pay only the listed monthly or annual price. Cancel anytime with no penalty.

What happens after the 14-day free trial ends?

You'll receive a reminder email 3 days before the trial ends. If you don't add a payment method, your account automatically reverts to the free listing — nothing is deleted.

Do you offer discounts for nonprofits or community organizations?

Yes. We offer 50% off Premium for verified nonprofits and community organizations in Florida. Contact us with your EIN or 501(c)(3) documentation to apply.

Can I pay for a full year upfront?

Yes. Choose "Annual" billing at checkout to pay for 12 months upfront and get 2 months free compared to monthly billing.

If I upgrade mid-month, when does my new billing cycle start?

Your billing cycle stays the same. You'll pay a prorated amount for the current period, and full billing at the new rate starts on your next renewal date.

Can I switch between monthly and annual billing?

Yes, anytime. Switching to annual gives you roughly 2 months free. If you switch mid-cycle, the remaining balance is credited toward your new plan.

What currency are prices listed in?

All prices are in US dollars (USD). We do not currently support other currencies.

Do you offer discounts for listing multiple business locations?

Yes. If you manage 3 or more locations under one account, contact us for a volume discount on Premium or Premium Plus plans.

Account & Privacy

How do I reset my password?

Click "Log In", then "Forgot password?". Enter your email and we'll send you a reset link valid for 24 hours.

How do I delete my account?

Go to Account Settings → Privacy → Delete Account. This permanently removes your profile, reviews, and saved listings within 30 days.

Is my information shared with advertisers?

No. We never sell your personal data. See our Privacy Policy for full details on what we collect and how it's used.

How do I change my email address?

Go to Account Settings → Profile → Email, enter your new address, and confirm it via the verification link we send.

Can I have a business account and a personal account?

Yes, the two are separate. You can link them under one login from Account Settings → Linked Accounts.

How do I turn off email notifications?

Go to Account Settings → Notifications and toggle off the categories you no longer want to receive, or unsubscribe from any email footer link.

What should I do if I notice suspicious activity on my account?

Change your password immediately and contact support. We'll help you review recent activity and secure your account.

Can I change my display name or username?

Yes. Go to Account Settings → Profile → Display Name. Note that your display name appears publicly next to any reviews you've written.

Can I make my profile private?

Yes. Go to Account Settings → Privacy and set your profile to Private. Your reviews will still be visible but your name will appear as "Anonymous".

How do I download a copy of my data?

Go to Account Settings → Privacy → Download My Data. We'll email you a link to a ZIP file containing your profile, reviews, and saved listings within 48 hours.

What data does Local Florida collect when I use the site?

We collect your email address, name, and activity on the site (searches, reviews, saved listings). We do not collect payment card details — those are handled by our payment processor.

Does Local Florida use cookies?

Yes. We use essential cookies to keep you logged in, and optional analytics cookies to understand how users navigate the site. You can manage cookie preferences in the banner on first visit.

How do I log out of all devices at once?

Go to Account Settings → Security → Log Out Everywhere. This immediately invalidates all active sessions on any browser or device.

Can I connect my Google or Facebook account?

Yes. Go to Account Settings → Linked Accounts to connect Google or Facebook for one-click login. You can disconnect them at any time.

I didn't receive my verification email. What should I do?

Check your spam or junk folder first. If it's not there, go to the login page and click "Resend verification email". If problems persist, contact support.

Is my review history visible to other users?

By default, yes — your display name and reviews are public. You can switch to Anonymous mode in Account Settings → Privacy to hide your identity from future reviews.

What happens to my reviews if I delete my account?

Your reviews are anonymised (author name removed) but remain on the listings to preserve community-sourced information. They are not deleted entirely.

How do I update my profile photo?

Go to Account Settings → Profile → Photo. Upload a JPG or PNG under 2 MB. Your photo appears next to your reviews and is visible to other users.

Reviews & Community

Can businesses pay to remove negative reviews?

Absolutely not. Reviews are never removed or altered based on payment. We only remove reviews that violate our content policy (spam, hate speech, fake reviews).

How is the star rating calculated?

A business's overall star rating is the average of all approved user reviews, rounded to one decimal place. Ratings update in real time as new reviews come in.

Can I edit or delete a review I already submitted?

Yes. Go to Account Settings → My Reviews, find the review, and click Edit or Delete. Edits go through a brief re-review before being re-published.

What makes a review get removed?

Reviews are removed if they contain hate speech, personal attacks, spam, promotional content, or are determined to be fake. We investigate all reports before taking action.

Can I report a review I think is fake?

Yes. Click the flag icon on any review to report it. Include a reason and any supporting context. Our moderation team typically reviews flagged content within 48 hours.

Can a business owner dispute a review?

Yes. Business owners can flag reviews for investigation via their dashboard. We review disputes carefully but do not remove reviews solely because the business disagrees with the content.

Is there a minimum requirement to leave a review?

You must have a verified account (email confirmed). There is no minimum visit or purchase requirement — we trust users to review businesses they have genuinely experienced.

Can the same person leave multiple reviews for one business?

No. Each account is limited to one review per business. If you want to update your experience, edit your existing review instead.

What is the "Helpful" button on reviews?

Clicking "Helpful" on a review upvotes it, helping the most useful reviews appear higher in the listing. You can mark multiple reviews as helpful but only once per review.

Do reviews expire or get archived over time?

Reviews do not expire. However, reviews older than 3 years are labelled with their date so readers can weigh them against more recent feedback.

How long does it take for my review to appear publicly?

Most reviews are published immediately after submission. If our system flags a review for manual moderation, it may take up to 24 hours to appear.

Can I add photos to my review?

Yes. You can attach up to 5 photos per review. We recommend photos of the actual product, food, service, or premises — not screenshots or logos.

What star rating scale does Local Florida use?

We use a 1 to 5 star scale. 1 = Poor, 2 = Fair, 3 = Average, 4 = Good, 5 = Excellent. You must select at least 1 star to submit a review.

Will the business be notified when I leave a review?

Yes. Business owners receive an email notification each time a new review is posted on their listing, so they can respond promptly.

Events

How do I submit an event?

Go to the Events page and click "Submit Your Event". Fill in the event name, date, time, location, category, and a description of at least 15 words, then submit for review.

How long does event approval take?

Most events are reviewed and published within 1–2 business days. You'll receive an email confirmation when your event goes live.

Is it free to submit an event?

Yes, submitting a community event is completely free. We may introduce featured event placements for businesses in the future, but standard submission will always be free.

What types of events can I submit?

Any local Florida event open to the public: grand openings, food festivals, markets, workshops, community meetups, health fairs, and more. Private or invite-only events are not accepted.

Can I edit an event after it is submitted?

If the event has not yet been approved, contact us to make changes. Once published, reach out to support with your event name and the correction needed.

Why was my event rejected?

Common reasons include: insufficient description (under 15 words), a date in the past, a missing location, or content that appears promotional rather than community-oriented. We'll email you the reason.

Can I submit a recurring event (e.g. weekly market)?

Currently each occurrence must be submitted separately. We are working on a recurring event feature — sign up for our newsletter to be notified when it launches.

How far in advance can I submit an event?

You can submit events up to 6 months in advance. Events that are more than 6 months away will be held and published closer to the date.

Will my event appear in the newsletter?

Approved events may be featured in the Local Florida newsletter sent to subscribers who have opted into "Local Events" updates. We select events editorially — submission does not guarantee newsletter inclusion.

Can I submit an event on behalf of a business I don't own?

Yes, as long as you provide accurate information and a valid contact email. We may reach out to the organiser to verify details before publishing.

How do I get my event removed once it has passed?

Events are automatically removed from the public listing 24 hours after the event's start time. You don't need to do anything — the system handles it automatically.

Is there a word limit for event descriptions?

There is a minimum of 15 words and a maximum of 500 words. Concise, clear descriptions with key details (what, where, when, who) tend to perform best.

Can I include a ticket link or registration URL in my event?

Yes. There is an optional "Tickets / Registration URL" field in the submission form. This is recommended for paid or limited-capacity events.

Why does the time field lock until I pick a date?

This is intentional. We require you to select a date first so the system can validate that the time you enter is in the future, preventing past events from being submitted.

Newsletter

How do I subscribe to the Local Florida newsletter?

How often is the newsletter sent?

What content is in the newsletter?

How do I unsubscribe?

Can I change my email preferences after subscribing?

I subscribed but haven't received any emails. What should I do?

Will my email be shared with businesses listed on Local Florida?

Can I subscribe with more than one email address?

Is there a way to read past newsletters online?

Why am I still receiving emails after unsubscribing?

Still need help? Can't find what you're looking for? Our team replies within 1 business day. Contact Support