Business tax receipts, contractor licensing through PCCLB and DBPR, state professional licenses, and specialty permits, with who issues them and how to apply.
A 2009 county ordinance requires home and business owners with alarm systems to register them (free) with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office SHARP program. It covers unincorporated Pinellas plus the 13 cities that contract with PCSO for law enforcement. False alarm fines escalate, and unregistered alarms are fined from the first false alarm.
All businesses within Clearwater city limits must obtain a Business Tax Receipt before opening or practicing a profession. The program is administered by the Code Compliance Division under Chapter 29 of the city Code of Ordinances. The tax year runs October 1 to September 30 and renews annually regardless of when the BTR was obtained.
All businesses, professionals, independent contractors, and individuals accepting compensation located within St. Petersburg city limits must obtain a city Business Tax Receipt (BTR) before operating. Receipts expire September 30 each year.
Unlike most Florida counties, Pinellas County does NOT require a county-level local business tax receipt. The Board of County Commissioners repealed the county occupational license requirement by resolution on July 25, 1995 (Ordinance No. 95-53). Businesses in unincorporated Pinellas need no county business license; businesses inside a municipality may still need a CITY business tax receipt.