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.
Any business or professional operating from a location (including a home) inside Clearwater city limits.
Confirm the address is in city limits and zoning allows the use
Before applying, confirm the business type is permitted at the location (Zoning: 727-562-4604) and that the address is inside Clearwater city limits.
myclearwater.com/Business-Development/Clearwater-Business-ReApply online through the ePermitting portal
Create an account at epermit.myclearwater.com (Accela Citizen Access), then from the blue navigation menu select New, then Business Tax Application.
epermit.myclearwater.comHome-based businesses: add the affidavit
A home-based business needs the BTR plus an additional Home Based Business Affidavit.
myclearwater.com/Business-Development/Clearwater-Business-RePay and renew annually
The BTR is not valid until paid. Payments and renewals are handled on the ePermitting portal (search your BTR number, then Payments, Pay Fees); no service charge; check, Visa, Mastercard, and Amex accepted. Contact: 727-562-4005, [email protected].
epermit.myclearwater.com| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Clearwater BTR | Varies by classification | Amounts are set in Appendix A, Schedule of Fees, Rates and Charges of the city code; specific dollar amounts not published on the BTR page |
Fee amounts change, the linked official schedule always controls.
Clearwater no longer issues registrations (REG) for businesses located outside city limits that come in to do business. Most other Pinellas municipalities also levy their own business taxes; contact each city.