Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is a Business Tax Receipt? (Formerly Occupational License)
A. It is a tax for the privilege of engaging in or managing any business, profession, or Occupation within the City limits. (The Florida Legislature recently enacted legislation which amended references to Occupational License. Effective January 1^st, 2007, “Occupational License was amended to read “Business Tax Receipt.” And “Occupational License Fee” was amended to read “Business Tax Receipt.”) 

Q. Do I need a City Business Tax Receipt if I have A Broward County Tax Receipt?
A. Yes if your business is located inside the city limits.

Q. Which Business Tax Receipt do I get first?
A. The City because the City has the zoning authority inside the City Limits.

Q. What documents do I need to bring with me?
A. If you have a corporation, we will need a copy of your certificate of incorporation.

If you are using a fictitious name we need a copy of your fictitious name registration with the Florida Department of State. If you are a contractor, we need a copy of you Broward County Certificate of Competency or State Certification. If you hold a State or County license of any type, we need a copy. If you are an auto repair shop of any type, we need a copy of your registration with the Department of Agriculture. Call our office at 954.786.4668 if you have any more questions on prerequisite documents.

Q. How long is my Business Tax Receipt good for?
A. All Business Tax Receipts expire on September 30^th of each year regardless of when you purchased it.

Q. What is a Zoning Certificate?
A. A Zoning Certificate is a document requesting verification that a proposed use complies with the applicable zoning code requirement and necessary in certain situations prior to submission of the Business Tax Receipt application.

Q. How long will it take to get my Tax Receipt?
A. Once we receive a completed application you should get your Tax Receipt in the mail in approximately five to ten working days.

Q. How do I register a complaint about a company?
A. To complain about a company or to check it out before doing business with it, there are several places you can contact:

• Broward County Consumer Affairs Division: 115 S. Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale 954.765.5350 or go to www.broward.org/consumer

• Better Business Bureau:  954.431.4900 in Broward or go to www.bbbsoutheastflorida.org

• Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: 1.800.435.7352

• Florida Department of Insurance: 1.800.342.2762

• Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations:1.850.487.1395

• HRS-Broward County Child Care Licensing:954.537.2800

• Florida Department of Financial Regulations: 1.800.298.0485

• Lemon law Program: 1.800.321.5366

• Division of Motor Vehicles: 561.640.6820

• Florida Attorney General’s  Office: 954.712.4600

Maribel Wadlington
Business Tax Receipt
Technician