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Business Tax

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Any person who maintains a permanent business location or branch office within the city, for the privilege of engaging in or managing any business within the city's jurisdiction, or who transacts any business or engages in any occupation or profession in interstate commerce, including a home-based business is required by Chapter 15 of Fort Lauderdale's Municipal Code of Ordinances to obtain a City Business Tax Receipt (BTR). 

 

In-person assistance with your business tax questions is available Monday - Thursday 9:00am - 1:00pm.

Friday assistance is by appointment only and can be scheduled using our Business Tax Appointment Scheduler.

 

Vacation Rental assistance can be found on the Vacation Rental Program page or by submitting a Vacation Rental Assistance form. 

Business Tax Receipt Information

  1. All BTRs vary depending on the nature of a business. A receipt is required for each place of business and for each separate classification at the same location. Please click here for the fee schedule.
  2. Except as otherwise provided, local business tax receipt shall be due and payable on September 30th of each year. If September 30 falls on a weekend or holiday, it shall be due on or before the first working day following September 30.
  3. The BTR must be displayed conspicuously at your place of business and in such a manner as to be open to the view of the public and the holder of such business tax receipt shall exhibit same to any authorized representative of the City upon request.
  4. The Business Tax office must be notified in writing regarding any changes to the following: business name or ownership, change of location, closing of a business or any other contingencies.
  5. If the business ceases operation, the owner must notify the Business Tax Receipt Office.

Please click here for more information on the BTR Ordinance.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I apply for a business tax receipt?
How do I pay my business tax fees?
I submitted my business tax application. What's the status?
I sent a request for an application update, payment assistance, document request, etc., and have not received a reply in more than seven (7) business days, who can I contact?
Do I need to apply for a business tax receipt If I have a home-based business?
Do I need a business tax receipt for street vending?
Do I need a business tax receipt to solicit from door-to-door?
How do I apply for a Sidewalk Cafe license?
I just applied for a commercial permit to alter or build a new business; do I still need to apply for a business tax/occupational license?

Submitting a New Business Tax Application

Please click the link for a step-by-step guide to completing your Business Tax Application. More information is also available in our Business Tax Helpful Information Guide.

Business Tax Documents and Assistance

Click to request assistance with the following:

NOTE: This form is for questions or help. Applications must be submitted online at LauderBuild.

  • Application or Payment Assistance
  • Vacation rental assistance
  • Change of Ownership/Change of Address
  • General Questions
  • Liquor Measurements
  • Sidewalk Cafes/Outdoor Dining
  • Stationary or Mobile Vendors

Click for Business Tax forms:

  • Business Tax Application Checklist
  • Business Tax Fee Exemption Application
  • Apartment/Motel/Hotel/Lodging/Social Service Facility Affidavit
  • Restaurant Affidavit
  • Retail/Wholesale Affidavit
  • Application for Business Tax Exemption
  • Home-Based Business Affidavit
  • Home-Based Business Checklist
  • Charitable Solicitor's Affidavit
  • Vendor Information
  • Liability Insurance Document
  • Mobile Vendor Map
  • Holiday Related Merchandise Information Sheet

Click on the thumbnail below for a Welcome Message from our City Manager!

City Manager Letter to Businesses_Flyer

 

Click here to schedule an in-person Business Tax Assistance appointment

 

**Remember, the City of Fort Lauderdale does not send unsolicited correspondence asking for money or sensitive personal information, the Development Services Department does not take any form of payment over the phone and we’ll never threaten you. Also, no government agency will ever demand that you pay by gift card, wiring money, or digital currency. The City of Fort Lauderdale would never contact you asking for personal details, such as bank account information, credit and debit card numbers, social security numbers, or passwords.