Business tax receipts, contractor licensing through PCCLB and DBPR, state professional licenses, and specialty permits, with who issues them and how to apply.
The City of Dunedin requires a Business Tax Receipt (BTR) for the privilege of engaging in or managing any business, profession, or occupation within the city limits. A separate BTR is required for each place and type of business. Annual business taxes vary from $50.00 to $200.00 per classification based on square footage, and applications are filed online through the same Tyler EP&L Citizen Self Service Portal used for permits.
A business license or tax receipt is required for operating a business in Gulfport. The Community Development Department handles the program; applications are made in person at the department office, which triggers zoning-compliance and fire-safety review. Receipts are valid October 1 through September 30 of the following year.
The City of Oldsmar requires a Business Tax Receipt for anyone who sells any goods or services, or solicits business or offers goods or services for sale or hire, in the city. The Planning and Redevelopment Department administers the program. Applications are submitted through the city's online form, and renewals can be paid online through CitizenLink.
The City of Pinellas Park requires a local Business Tax Receipt (BTR) for any person doing business in the city, including one-person companies and home-based businesses. A separate receipt is required for each location and each business category. BTRs are issued by the Building Development Division and applications are filed online through the city's Civic Access (EnerGov) portal or the Tyler Portico BTR portal.
Any person engaging in or managing any business, occupation, or profession in the City of Safety Harbor, or conducting business using a Safety Harbor PO box, is required to have an approved business license (Local Business Tax Receipt) before beginning work. The program is handled through Community Development / the Building Division, with payment available online through BSA Online.
The City of Seminole requires a Local Business Tax Receipt under City Ordinance Chapter 42, Article IV: unless exempted by state law, it is unlawful to conduct any business directly or indirectly without first obtaining or registering a current Local Business Tax Receipt. The Business Tax Receipt Official in the Building Division administers the program, and applications are filed online through Citizenserve.
The City of Tarpon Springs requires a local business tax receipt: no person shall engage in or manage any business, occupation, or profession in the city unless that person first procures one. The Building Development Department administers the program. New applications must be submitted in person at City Hall; renewals can be paid online through Click2Gov.
Florida Statute 559.955 (2021) preempts local governments from licensing or regulating home-based businesses differently from other businesses. A qualifying home business may operate in any residential zone, but it is still subject to local business taxes under Chapter 205, so a city BTR is still required inside municipalities like St. Petersburg and Clearwater.
The core sequence for launching a business in Pinellas County: register your entity with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz), get a free federal EIN from the IRS, register for state taxes if applicable, and get a city business tax receipt if you are located inside one of the 24 municipalities. Pinellas County itself does not require a county business tax receipt (repealed in 1995).