Business Tax Certificates
Doing Business in St. Pete
The Business Tax Division is part of The Billing & Collections Department. We are responsible for the issuance and collection of all Business Tax Receipts. The local Business Tax Receipt (in accordance with Chapter 205 of the Florida Statutes & Chapter 17 of the city code) grants the privilege of engaging in or managing any business, profession, or occupation within our jurisdiction.
Business Tax Renewal
Business Tax Certificate Receipts expire on September 30th of each year. Although the City normally mails renewal notices during July of each year, the tax is due on or before September 30th regardless of whether a renewal notice was received. To avoid a late charge penalty, payment must be received by the Business Tax Division office no later than September 30th.
Business owners must have their mailed or emailed renewal notice that provides the necessary numbers in order to complete an online renewal payment. If there are any changes to the business name, type of work, ownership, phone number, mailing information, or address, the renewal must be done by mail or in person.
New Business
Before doing business in St. Petersburg, business owners need to obtain a Business Tax Receipt, formerly known as an Occupational License. This is an annual business tax for all businesses, professionals, independent contractors, and individuals who accept compensation for merchandise or services who are located in the city limits of St. Petersburg. Applications and forms can be found below.
Business Classification
City of St. Petersburg business tax receipts are assessed according to the type of business classification. Additional factors used in calculating your business tax are the number of dwelling units, number of employees, total inventory located in city limits at your cost, number of students in your largest class, number of vehicles in your fleet, parking spaces, or square footage. Please note that your business may fall under more than one business classification.
- DU: Dwelling units $4.00 per unit (minimum of 2 units).
- Empl: The base tax is $65.00 for the first 30 employees. After 30 employees the tax becomes $65.00 plus $12.00 per employee starting at 1 (i.e. 33 employees would be $65.00+$396.00 = $461.00). View the Employee Worksheet for more information.
- Flat25: is used for temporary special events lasting less than 30 days. The tax is $25.00.
- Flat65: is used for independent contractors and the tax is $65.00 (not for construction contractors).
- Flat400: is used for insurance companies and the tax is $400.00 (i.e. Life/Health insurance, Property, Casualty or Surety Insurance, or Marine Insurance).
- Inv: Inventory, the base tax is $70.00 for the first $20,000.00 plus $3.75 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof (i.e. $27,102.00 in inventory would be rounded up to $28,000.00). View the Affidavit of Inventory for more information.
- Mach: The tax for machines is $13.00 per unit (Game, vending, music, or laundry).
- PKG: The tax is $15.00 for the first 15 parking spaces with each additional costing $1.00.
- Student: The tax is $10.00 for the first 10 students with each additional student costing $1.00 (based on largest class).
- Ware: Warehouse/storage has a base tax of $80.00 for the first 5,000 square feet and $10.00 for each additional 1,000 square feet or fraction thereof (i.e. 6,200sq.ft., would be rounded up to 7,000sq.ft).
- VFH: The tax for vehicle for hire is $65.00 per vehicle.
Subcodes and Associated Classifications
- Abstract of Title - Empl
- Acupuncture, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Administrative/Sales Office - Empl
- Adult Sitting or Companion Service - Empl
- Advertising, Marketing, or Trade Inducement - Empl
- Aircraft Sales &/or Charter Service - Empl
- Aircraft Services - Empl
- Alarm System Contractor, PCCLB registration required - Empl
- Alarm System, No Installation - Empl
- Aluminum Contractor, PCCLB registration required - Empl
- Ambulance Services, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Amusement Park - Empl
- Amusement Parlors - Empl
- Analytic Laboratory, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Animal Grooming - Empl
- Antique Dealer - Empl
- Apartment Rental, State of Florida license required if 5 or more units - DU
- Appraisers, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Architects, or Architect’s Offices, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Armored Car Services - Empl
- Artists - Empl
- Assisted Living Facilities, Transitional Living Facilities, Adult Family Care Homes, Community Residential Homes, and Similar Living Facilities, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Attorney’s, or Attorney’s Offices, Copy of Florida Bar number required - Empl
- Auction Shop, State of Florida license of auctioneer required - Empl
- Auctioneer, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Audio/Visual Service - Empl
- Audiology, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Auto Oil Change & Lube Only, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Aviation Radio Sale & Service - Empl
B
- B
- Bait Sales - Empl
- Bakery, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Bakery Branch or Agency, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Bands/Orchestras - Empl
- Bank - Empl
- Bar, Cabaret, Lounge, Nightclub, State of Florida license may be required - Empl
- Blueprint Shop - Empl
- Boat Dealer - Empl
- Boat/Yacht Cleaning on Location - Empl
- Boat/Yacht Repair - Empl
- Boat/Yacht Repair on Location - Empl
- Bondsmen, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, Tax Services, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Bottled Gas, Dealer In, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Bowling Alley or Lane - Empl
- Brokers in Bonds, Stocks, Investments, State of Florida license may be required - Empl
- Broker in Services, State of Florida license may berequired - Empl
- Broker-Business Opportunities, State of Florida license may be required - Empl
- Broker-Dealer in Merchandise, State of Florida license may be required - Empl
- Broker-Yacht & Ships, State of Florida license required - Empl
C
- Canteen Truck (Class II), State of Florida license required - Empl
- Card Directory/Advertising Board - Empl
- Carpenter, PCCLB registration required - Empl
- Carpet & Rug Cleaning Establishment - Empl
- Carpet, Rug, and Upholstery Cleaning - Empl
- Caterer, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Catering Vehicle, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Cemeteries - Empl
- Certified Public Accountant, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Chemical Laborator, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Chemists - Empl
- Chiropractic Physicians, or Chiropractic Offices, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Claim, Collection, or Billing Services - Empl
- Class A/B/C, General Contractor, State of Florida license & PCCLB registration required - Empl
- Class A/B, Air Cond. Contractor, State of Florida license & PCCLB registration required - Empl
- Cold Storage, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Commercial or Graphic Art - Empl
- Commercial Paving, PCCLB registration required - Empl
- Commercial Sewing - Empl
- Communication System Contractor, PCCLB registration required - Empl
- Concessionaires, State of Florida license may be required - Empl
- Congregate Living Facility, State of Florida license may be required - Empl
- Contract Employee Provider - Empl
- Copying, Duplicating, Mimeograph - Empl
- Cosmetology Salon, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Cosmetology School, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Cosmetology Specialty Salon, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Counseling/Consulting, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Coupon Book - Empl
- Court Reporting - Empl
- Credit Agencies or Bureaus - Empl
- Cruises or Charter Vessels, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Cut Flowers Sales - Empl
D
- Dairy, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Dairy Peddling Vehicle, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Dance Halls - Empl
- Dealer in Birds - Empl
- Dealer in Bonds, Stocks, Investments, State of Florida license may be required - Empl
- Dealer/Mobile Home & Trailers - Empl
- Delivery or Messenger Services - Empl
- Dental Laboratory, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Dentists or Dentist’s office, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Diagnostic Aid Services, Medical - Empl
- Direct Sales, Retail - Empl
- Direct Sales, Wholesale - Empl
- Directories - Empl
- Directories & Guidebooks - Empl
- Door to Door Peddling, Registration with St. Petersburg Police Dept. - Empl
- Drafting - Empl
- Drainage/Sanitary Sewer Contractor, State of Florida license & PCCLB registration required - Empl
- Dredging Contractor, PCCLB registration required - Empl
- Drive-In Restaurant, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Dry Cleaning Service - Empl
- Drywall Contractor, PCCLB registration required - Empl
E
- Electric Company - Empl
- Electrical Contractor, State of Florida license & PCCLB registration required - Empl
- Electrology, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Electronic Data Processing, Word Processing, & Related Services - Empl
- Elevator Contractor, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Employee Leasing, State of Florida license may be required - Empl
- Employment Agency, State of Florida license may be required - Empl
- Engineers, Professional, or Engineer’s Office, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Excavating & Land Clearing Contractor, PCCLB registration required - Empl
- Express Companies - Empl
- Exterminating, Pest Control, Fumigating, State of Florida license required - Empl
F
- Fabricating - Empl
- Fence Erector Contractor, PCCLB registration required - Empl
- Fertilizer Applicator - Empl
- Filling Station, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Fine Art - Empl
- Fire Protector Contractor, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Fixed Base Aviation Operator - Empl
- Flea Market Merchant, State of Florida license may be required - Empl
- Flea Market Operator - Empl
- Flight School &/or Charter Service, State of Florida license may be required - Empl
- Floor & Floor Sanding Contractor , PCCLB registration required - Empl
- Florist - Empl
- Freight Transportation, Transfer or Forwarding Services or Similar Activities - Empl
- Fruit Packing & Shipping, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Fruit Packing Branch, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Fuel Oil Bulk Plant, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Fuel Oil Retail Truck, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Funeral Establishments, State of Florida license required - Empl
G
- Game Machines - Mach
- Game Room - Empl
- Garbage Collection, Waste Disposal, may require a permit from our Sanitation Dept. - Empl
- Gas Distribution Plant, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Gas Fitter, State of Florida license & PCCLB registration required - Empl
- Gasoline/Oil Delivery Truck, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Glazing Contractor, PCCLB registration required - Empl
- Golf Driving Range - Empl
H
- Halls for Rent - Empl
- Handbill/Sample Distribution - Empl
- Handcrafts - Empl
- Hauling Trailer or Truck Rentals - Empl
- Hauling Truck for Hire - Empl
- Health Clubs, Spas, Reducing Clubs, Salons, or Gymnasiums, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Hearing Aid Business, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Holding Company - Empl
- Home Health Services, Agencies or Similar Activities, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Hospitals, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Hotel Apartment Rental, State of Florida license required 5 or more units - DU
- Hotel Room Rental, State of Florida license required 5 or more units - DU
- House Moving/Wrecking Contractor, PCCLB registration may be required - Empl
- Hypnosis, Non-Therapeutic - Empl
I
- Ice Cream Peddling by Bicycle, State license & Police Department registration required - Empl
- Ice Cream Retail Store, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Ice Cream Truck (Class III) , State license & Police Department registration required - Empl
- Import/Export Retail - Inv
- Import/Export Wholesale - Inv
- Independent Barber, State of Florida license required - Flat65
- Independent Cosmetology Specialist, State of Florida license required - Flat65
- Independent Electrologist, State of Florida license required - Flat65
- Independent Message Therapist, State of Florida license required - Flat65
- Independent Optician, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Independent Physical Therapist, State of Florida license required - Flat65
- Independent Salon Cosmetologist, State of Florida license required - Flat65
- Independent Yacht/Boat Salesperson, State of Florida license required - Flat65
- Inspection Services - Empl
- Installation Contractor, PCCLB registration required - Empl
- Insulation Contractor, PCCLB registration required - Empl
- Insurance Adjuster - Empl
- Insurance Agency - Empl
- Insurance Booth - Empl
- Insurance Claims - Empl
- Insurance Company Office - Empl
- Interior Decorators - Empl
- Interior Designers, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Intrastate Airline - Empl
- Investment Counselors - Empl
J
- Janitorial Services - Empl
- Jewelers - Empl
- Junk Gathering - Empl
- Junkyard - Empl
K
- Kennels - Empl
- Knife & Scissors Sharpening - Empl
L
- Landscape Architecture, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Landscapers and Tree Surgeons - Empl
- Landscaping - Empl
- Lathing Contractor, PCCLB registration required - Empl
- Launderette by Machine - Mach
- Launderette by Employee - Empl
- Laundry or Linen Service - Empl
- Laundry/Dry Cleaning Drop Off Service - Empl
- Laundry/Dry Cleaning/Linen Truck - Empl
- Lawn Irrigation Equipment Contractor, PCCLB registration required - Empl
- Lawn Service-Maintenance Only - Empl
- Lawn/Tree Spraying/Power Equipment - Empl
- Life or Health Insurance Company- Flat400
- Limos or Vans for Hire- VFH
- Loans, Financing - Empl
- Locksmiths - Empl
- Low Speed Vehicle, license agreement with Cities Transportation Department required- VFH
- Low Voltage Contractor, PCCLB registration required - Empl
M
- Machine Shop - Empl
- Machine-Child Ride, Coin, Credit, or Token Operated - Mach
- Mail Order Merchant, Retail - Empl
- Mail Order Merchant, Wholesale - Empl
- Manufacturers’ Representatives or Agents - Empl
- Manufacturing: Fabricating, Machine Shops - Empl
- Marine or Boat Storage - Empl
- Marine Insurance - Flat400
- Marine Specialty Contractor - Empl
- Marine Ways - Empl
- Marketing - Empl
- Masonry Flatwork, PCCLB registration required - Empl
- Masonry Structural, PCCLB registration required - Empl
- Massage School, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Massage Therapy, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Mechanical Contractor, State of Florida license & PCCLB registration required - Empl
- Medical Laboratory, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Medical or Health Therapy, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Mental Health Counseling, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Merchant - No Stock in City - Inv
- Merchants for 30 Days or Less - Flat25
- Miniature Golf - Empl
- Miscellaneous Insurance Service - Empl
- Mobile Homes and Trailer, Dealer In - Empl
- Mobile Kitchen (Class I), State of Florida license required - Empl
- Mobile Merchant, State of Florida license may be required - Empl
- Mobile Rental Vehicle - Empl
- Mobile Repair Business, State of Florida license may be required - Empl
- Mobile Vending Vehicle - Empl
- Mortgage or Loan Broker, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Motel Apartment Rental, State of Florida license required 5 or more units - DU
- Motel Room Rental, State of Florida license required 5 or more units - DU
- Motorcycle Rental - Empl
- Motorcycle Repair, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Motorcycle Sales, Repair, Rental, State of Florida license required - Empl
N
- Naturopathy, State of Florida license required - Empl
- New Vehicle Agency - Empl
- Newspaper - Empl
- Non-Motorized vehicles, requires license agreement with City - VFH
- Non-Public Sector Buses, up to 29 passengers including driver. Not including exempt vehicles - VFH
- Non-Therapeutic Hypnosis, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Nurseries or Kindergartens, certification required from Pinellas County License Board - Empl
- Nursing Homes, State of Florida license required - Empl
O
- Occupational Therapy, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Opticianry, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Optometrists, or Optometrist’s Office, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Osteopathic Physicians, or Osteopath’s Office, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Outdoor Advertising - Empl
P
- Painting & Paper Hanging - Empl
- Par-3 Golf Course - Empl
- Patrols, Guards or Watchperson Agencies or Services, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Paving Private Driveways, PCCLB registration required - Empl
- Pawnbrokers, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Peddling, registration from St. Petersburg Police Department required - Empl
- Permanent Exhibit - Empl
- Permanent Exhibit Ride/Attraction - Empl
- Pest Control or Fumigation, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Photography - Empl
- Physical Therapy, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Independent Physical therapist, State of Florida license required - Flat65
- Physicians, or Physician’s Office, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Piano Tuning - Empl
- Plant Nurseries - Empl
- Plastering Contractor, PCCLB registration required - Empl
- Plating with Metals - Empl
- Plumbing Contractor, State of Florida license & PCCLB registration required - Empl
- Podiatrists, or Podiatrists Office, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Pool Contractor, State of Florida license & PCCLB registration required - Empl
- Pool Maintenance/Cleaning - Empl
- Pool Rooms - Empl
- Postal Contract Station - Empl
- Processing - Empl
- Pressure Cleaning - Empl
- Printing, Engraving, Lithographing - Empl
- Private Instruction - Student
- Private Investigation, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Promoters, State of Florida license may be required - Empl
- Propeller/Instrument Service - Empl
- Property Developing, Leasing, Managing, or Renting - Empl
- Property/Casualty/Surety Insurance Company - Flat400
- Prosthetics Design, Fitting, Assembly, or Service, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Psychologists, or Psychologists Office, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Public Relations - Empl
- Public Stenographer - Empl
- Publications other than Daily - Empl
- Publishing - Empl
- Pushcart Sales, State of Florida license may be required - Inv
R
- Radio Broadcasting Studio - Empl
- Radio/Television Sales, Advertisement - Empl
- Railroads - Empl
- Real Estate Broker/Office, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Refrigeration Contractor, State of Florida license & PCCLB registration required - Empl
- Regulation Golf Course - Empl
- Rendering Plant Garbage Collection - Empl
- Rental Light Machinery & Equipment - Empl
- Rental/Leasing of Articles - Empl
- Rental Heavy Machinery & Equipment - Empl
- Repair Services, State of Florida license may be required - Empl
- Reproduction - Empl
- Restaurants, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Retail Distributor - Inv
- Retail Establishment or Sales - Inv
- Retail Showroom - Inv
- Retail Via Electronic A/V Means (Internet Sales) - Inv
- Roofing & Shingle Siding Contractor, State of Florida license & PCCLB registration required - Empl
- Room Rental, State of Florida license required 5 or more units - DU
S
- Sandwich Manufacturing, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Savings & Loans Associations & Banks - Empl
- Schools, State of Florida license may be required - Student
- School for Students Under 18, State of Florida license may be required - Student
- Secondhand Merchants/Sales - Empl
- Secretarial, Steno, and Related Services - Empl
- Sewing, Home Occupation - Empl
- Sheet Metal Installation Contractor, PCCLB registration required - Empl
- Shoe Repair - Empl
- Shoeshine Stand - Empl
- Shooting Ranges, Galleries &/or Archery Ranges - Empl
- Sign Construction/Installation, PCCLB registration required - Empl
- Sign Painter - Empl
- Sitting or Companion Services - Empl
- Skating, Skateboarding Rink - Empl
- Soft Water Services - Empl
- Surface Sealing & Coating Contractor, PCCLB registration required - Empl
- Surveyors, State of Florida license required - Empl
T
- Tailor - Empl
- Takeout or Delivery Restaurant, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Talent Agency, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Tattooing, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Taxicab for Hire - VFH
- Taxidermy - Empl
- Telegraph Company - Empl
- Telegraph Substation - Empl
- Telephone Answering Services - Empl
- Telephone Company - Empl
- Telephone Solicitations, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Television Broadcasting Studio - Empl
- Temporary Help Agency - Empl
- Temporary Special Event - Flat25
- Theaters, Stadium & Other Permanent Places of Amusement - Empl
- Tile, Marble, Terrazzo Contractor, PCCLB registration required - Empl
- Title Insurance Company, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Trade Inducement - Empl
- Transit Mix Cement - Empl
- Travel Agencies, State of Florida license required unless exempt - Empl
- Tree Surgeon - Empl
- TV & Radio Broadcasting Studio - Empl
- Typesetting - Empl
U
- Unclassified (for businesses engaged in the city and for which no sub-code has been designated.) - Empl
- Unclassified Contractor - Empl
- Underground Utility Contractor, PCCLB registration required - Empl
- Used Car Dealer - Empl
- Used Car Sales - Empl
V
- Valet Services - Empl
- Vehicle Driveway Service - Empl
- Vehicle or Marine Wash/Polish - Empl
- Vehicle Painting/Undercoating - Empl
- Vehicle Parking, Parking Lots, or Vehicle Storage Garages - Pkg
- Vehicle Renting or Leasing - Empl
- Vehicle Repair, State of Florida license may be required - Empl
- Vending Machine - Mach
- Vending Machine Operator - Empl
- Veneer Specialty Contractor, PCCLB registration required - Empl
- Vessels for Hire - VFH
- Veterinarians, or Veterinarian’s Office, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Video Equipment/Tape Rental - Empl
W
- Wallcovering Contractor - Empl
- Warehouse, Warehousing, or Storage - Ware
- Well Drilling Contractor, PCCLB registration required - Empl
- Wholesale Distribution - Inv
- Wholesale Sales - Inv
- Wholesale Via Electronic A/V Means (Internet) - Inv
- Wholesale Showroom - Inv
- Window Cleaning - Empl
- Window Tinting, Filming, State of Florida license required - Empl
- Wood Dealers - Empl
- Wrecking Yards - Empl
- Wrecker or Towing Service - Empl
- Writing - Empl
Business Tax Application
The Business Tax Division provides Business certificate receipts for more than 400 business classifications. These classifications have different requirements, as well as different costs.
Click Requirements & More below for additional services.
Business Location
A St. Petersburg Business Tax Certificate Receipt is required for businesses located inside the city of St. Petersburg. Determine whether or not the business is located within the St. Pete city limits by contacting the Pinellas County Property Appraiser's Office at 727-582-7652.
Mobile and temporary businesses, vehicles for hire, and insurance companies are exceptions to this rule and are required to obtain a St. Petersburg Business Tax Certificate Receipt, regardless of their business address.
Additional Requirements & Specialized Information
Contractors who wish to pull permits in St. Petersburg will need to register their business with the Construction Services and Permitting Department by contacting 727-893-7231.
Individuals doing work on a structure, or making any repairs, additions, or alterations to a structure, need to first acquire licenses/registration from the State of Florida and/or Pinellas County.
Commercial Locations
For commercial locations, a certificate of occupancy from the Construction and Permitting Department may be required. Please contact them at 727-893-7231. Commercial location application.
Peddlers & Mobile Vending Vehicles
For peddlers and/or mobile vending vehicles, like ice cream trucks or meat trucks, a permit from the police department is required to peddle by selling merchandise or products door-to-door or business-to-business. A Business Tax Certificate Receipt is also required. For more details view the Solicitor / Peddler / Canvasser application.
Public Service Tax
Individuals collecting a Public Service Tax for the sale of Metered or Bottled Gas and/or Fuel Oil will need to submit this form on a monthly basis.
Applying Fertilizer
Anyone applying fertilizer must obtain a certificate of training through Pinellas County Extensions before they can add this type of service to their business tax certificate. For details visit the Pinellas County Fertilizer page.
Documents Required for Businesses Prior to Receiving Your Business Tax
Any person applying for or renewing their business tax receipt to practice any profession or engage in or manage any business or occupation regulated by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the Florida Supreme Court, or any other state regulatory agency, including any board or commission thereof, must provide an active state certificate, registration, or license, or proof of copy of the same, before such local business tax receipt may be issued.
Examples
Contractors / Specialty Contractors:
All contractors licensed and regulated through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and/or the Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board (PCCLB).
State Certified Contractors:
Those contractors who are certified through the DBPR shall submit the following:
- A copy of the active license issued by the DBPR.
- A copy of the current PCCLB.
Pinellas County Certified Contractors:
Those contractors who are certified through the PCCLB shall submit the following:
- A copy of the current PCCLB registration card.
- If your profession requires licensure through DBPR, you must submit a copy of that license as well.
Food Service / Restaurants / Convenience store / Gas station:
A copy of current license from Division of Hotel and Restaurants or Dept. of Agriculture/Food Safety
Dwelling (5 units or more):
A copy of current license from Division of Hotel and Restaurants
Motor Vehicle Repair (MVR):
A copy of the MVR registration issued by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Physicians / Massage Therapists:
A copy of current state license from the Department of Health and Human Services from the state of Florida
Attorneys:
A copy of your state of Florida Bar card or Bar number
Nail Specialist / Barber / Cosmetologist / Skin Care Specialist:
A copy of your Division of Business & Professional Regulations (D.B.P.R.) License
Can I renew online?
Yes, click Renew License Online above. This will bring you to the local business tax page where you can renew. You will need your license number and PIN to complete. Business owners can also request a renewal notice by calling 727-893-7241 (option 2) to obtain their license and PIN numbers to complete the renewal online.
Business owners who have received a renewal notice should mail the notice with their payment in the envelope provided or drop payment into one of the two drop boxes located outside at 325 Central Ave. or One 4th St. N. These boxes are labeled for utility payments.
Is there a penalty for late payment?Yes, Florida Statute 205.053 (1) imposes a delinquent penalty for business taxes renewed after September 30 of each fiscal year, as follows:
- Penalty if renewed in October - 10% of tax
- Penalty if renewed in November - 15% of tax
- Penalty if renewed in December - 20% of tax
- Penalty if renewed after December 31 - 25%
*Please note that these penalty fees cannot be waived by the City.
Additional Penalties: Individuals or companies engaging in a business, occupation, or profession without first obtaining a St. Petersburg Business tax, are subject to a penalty of 25 percent, per Florida Statute 205.053 (2). City code allows one calendar month from the date we give the business their first written notice of business taxes due before assessing the 25 percent penalty.
I'm out of business or relocated outside the City of St. Petersburg.
If you are no longer in business or you have relocated your business outside the city, please contact our office by phone or email regarding your business closure. At time of renewa, sign, and return renewal application to verify your business closure. There is no fee for this service. If we do not receive notification of your relocation or closing, the city will presume you are still operating a business and you could face penalties.
I've made changes to my business information.
If you have changed your name, home address, business name, mailing address or if there are any other items which require correction or updating, please contact us at License@Stpete.org with changes. (A new application and a $3.00 transfer fee may be required.)
I'm relocating my business to another location within the City limits.
If you have relocated or are planning to relocate your business from one location to another location within the City then you must transfer the local business tax receipt to the new location. To do so you must complete and submit a new application along with the transfer fee of $3.00 and current business tax receipt. During renewal submit form along with changes.
I've sold my business.
If you sold the business, please notify us of the buyer’s name, address, telephone number, email, etc. Local business tax receipts may be transferred to a new owner when there is a bona fide sale of the business upon completion of a new local business tax application, payment of a transfer fee of $3.00, presentation of the original receipt signed by original owner, and evidence of the sale.
I'm exempt from payment of local business taxes, why am I receiving a renewal notice?
Even businesses that are “exempt” from payment, are required to return the renewal notice to renew their local business tax receipt. If there are any informational changes please notify us, which require corrections or updating please provide these as well so that we can update our records. Please notify us if you are no longer doing business.