Business Tax Receipt: City of St. Petersburg in Pinellas County
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.
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Who needs this
Any business or independent contractor with a location (including a home) inside St. Petersburg city limits; mobile/temporary businesses, vehicles for hire, and insurance companies need one regardless of location.
Steps
- 1
Confirm zoning and occupancy for your location
Commercial locations may need a Certificate of Occupancy from the Construction and Permitting Department (727-893-7231) before the BTR is issued.
stpete.org/business/business_assistance/business_tax_certifi - 2
Submit a new-business application
New applications are PDF forms submitted by email ([email protected]), by mail (P.O. Box 2842, St. Petersburg, FL 33731), or in person at 325 Central Ave., 1st Floor, Mon-Fri 8-5. For emailed applications, staff contact you within one business day to collect payment. Phone: 727-893-7241, Option 2.
stpete.org/business/business_assistance/business_tax_applica - 3
Pay the classification-based tax
The tax varies by classification (400+ classifications). Verified examples: independent contractors $65; insurance companies $400; temporary events under 30 days $25; inventory-based $70 for the first $20,000 plus $3.75 per additional $1,000; employee-based $65 for the first 30 employees plus $12 per additional employee.
stpete.org/business/business_assistance/business_tax_certifi - 4
Renew by September 30 each year
Receipts expire September 30. Renewals (only) can be paid online through the Click2Gov Business License portal using your license number and PIN. Late penalties run 10-25 percent by month under FS 205.053.
stpe-egov.aspgov.com/Click2GovBL/index.html
Requirements
- Business located in city limits (or mobile/vehicle-for-hire/insurance operating in the city)
- State license documentation where applicable (DBPR, etc.)
- Certificate of Occupancy for commercial locations where required
Documents
- Completed BTR application PDF
- State professional/business license copy if applicable
Fees
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Independent contractor classification | $65.00 | Example classification; tax varies by business type |
| Temporary event (under 30 days) | $25.00 | |
| Inventory-based businesses | $70.00 + $3.75/$1,000 | $70 covers first $20,000 of inventory |
| Employee-based businesses | $65.00 + $12.00/employee | $65 covers first 30 employees |
Good to know
There is no online portal for NEW applications; Click2Gov is renewals only. Other Pinellas cities (Largo, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs, etc.) have their own BTR programs; contact each city directly.