Business Tax

Note: The Business Tax renewal period runs from July 1 through September 30, and a 5% fee increase is now in effect. Please note that some accounts will be invoiced a separate amount for this year’s fee increase.

We are located at 101 NE 3rd Ave, Suite 100, Fort Lauderdale Florida 33301
Walk-throughs available Monday - Thursday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm.
Appointments are available Monday -Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm.
(Paid parking is available at City Hall garage)

 

Business Tax Receipt (BTR) Information

Starting or operating a business in Fort Lauderdale? The City of Fort Lauderdale is here to help you navigate the Business Tax Receipt (BTR) process.

A Local Business Tax Receipt (BTR) is required for most businesses operating within the City of Fort Lauderdale. A BTR allows businesses to legally operate within the City and must be renewed annually.

A City Business Tax Receipt is separate from the Broward County Local Business Tax Receipt. Most businesses are required to maintain both a City and County Business Tax Receipt.

 

 

Do I Need a Business Tax Receipt?

In accordance with Chapter 15 of the City of Fort Lauderdale Municipal Code and Chapter 205 of the Florida Statutes, a Business Tax Receipt (BTR) is required for anyone who:

Maintains a local presence
Operates from a permanent storefront, office, or branch within the City of Fort Lauderdale.

Works from home
Operates a home-based business within the City.

Engages in commerce
Conducts business, trade, or professional activities from a local base, including mobile vendors and food trucks.

Please review the BTR Ordinance(PDF, 898KB) in full.

Business Tax Receipt Requirements

Before applying, verify that your business is located within the City of Fort Lauderdale and gather the required documents for your business type.

You may need:

  • Business registration documents
  • Professional licenses
  • Government-issued identification
  • Additional affidavits or supporting documents based on your business type

How to Apply for a Business Tax Receipt

Applying for a Business Tax Receipt is completed online through LauderBuild.
Before beginning your application:

  1. Verify that your business is located within the City of Fort Lauderdale.
  2. Create a LauderBuild account.
  3. Submit your Business Tax Receipt application.
  4. Complete any required reviews.
  5. Pay applicable fees.
  6. Receive your Business Tax Receipt electronically.

Apply Online

After You Apply

A Business Tax Specialist will review your application and supporting documents.
Additional reviews may be required depending on your business type or location.

Once approvals are completed:

  • Any required invoices must be paid.
  • Your Business Tax Receipt will be issued electronically.

Renew Your Business Tax Receipt

Business Tax Receipt renewal season runs from July 1 through September 30 each year.
Renewal notices are emailed as a courtesy before the renewal deadline. If your business requires updated insurance or other documentation, you will be asked to submit those items before your renewal can be completed.
Business Tax Receipts must be renewed annually to avoid delinquency.

Make a Payment

Manage Your Business Tax Receipt

Once you have a Business Tax Receipt, the Business Tax Office must be notified of changes, including:

  • Business name
  • Ownership
  • Business location
  • Contact information
  • Closing a business

A separate Business Tax Receipt is required for each place of business and each individual classification at the same location. Business Tax Receipts must be displayed in plain sight at the place of business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Business Tax Receipt?

Yes, you need a Business Tax Receipt (BTR) to operate in Fort Lauderdale, and you actually need two separate receipts. Per City of Fort Lauderdale Code of Ordinances Section 15-28, any individual or entity engaging in or managing a business, profession, or occupation within the city limits must pay an annual business tax. 


Am I required to obtain a Broward County Business Tax Receipt?

Yes. Most businesses are required to obtain both a City of Fort Lauderdale Business Tax Receipt and a Broward County Business Tax Receipt before conducting business. In most cases, the City Business Tax Receipt must be obtained first.



How long does the approval process take?

Standard processing ranges between 30 business days currently, once all correct documentation is submitted. It depends highly on internal multi-departmental reviews and the number of applications in processing at any given time.  


Can I begin operating my business before my Business Tax Receipt is approved?

Generally, no. A business cannot operate before the final application is fully approved, paid, and physically posted. Business owners may complete setup activities before opening, but may not conduct business until the receipt is approved.



How do I make a payment on my Business Tax Receipt account?

1. Visit LauderBuild
2. Scroll down and enter Record Number (BT/BL)
3. Search
4. Select Payments - Fees
5.Select: Pay Fees 
6.Verify amount and select Continue Application/Check Out
7. Select Payment Option (credit card or bank account)
8. Submit payment 
 This takes you to a 3rd party which charges 2.75% service charge fee
9. Enter payment information
10. Next

Accepted payment types are Visa, MasterCard, American Express or e-Check. Please note that a service fee of 2.75% of the total payment amount will be applied to all credit and debit card payments. The service fee does not apply to payments made by the following alternative payment methods: recurring ACH or one-time EFT transactions OR check payments made online via e-Check, 


I submitted my business tax application. What's the status?

If you have already submitted your Business Tax application, you can check its status online by following these steps:

  1. Go to https://aca-prod.accela.com/FTL/Default.aspx.
  2. Enter your application number in the search bar and click Search.
  3. Select your application from the search results.
  4. Click Record Info, then select Processing Status to view the current status of your application.
  5. Review the information displayed. If additional documentation or action is required, follow the instructions provided.

Please complete the Business Tax Assistance form for application status or further assistance.

Do I need to apply for a business tax receipt If I have a home-based business?

Yes. The City issues restricted business tax receipts to work out of the home. You'll be required to include a copy of your Florida driver's license or state-issued identification and submit the Home-Based Business Affidavit(PDF, 341KB) and Home(PDF, 140KB)-Based Business Checklist(PDF, 140KB) with your application.

Is there a service charge when making a payment with a credit card or bank account?

Yes, when you pay your Business Tax Receipt fees using a credit card or bank account, a service charge of 2.75% will be applied to your transaction. This fee is assessed by the third-party payment processor to cover processing costs. Please verify the total amount, including the service charge, before submitting your payment


When is my Business Tax Receipt due for renewal?

Renewal season starts July 1, annually. Your Local Business Tax Receipt (BTR) payment is due by September 30. A courtesy renewal notice is sent out annually on July 1 to your email on record. The active renewal window spans three months from July 1 through September 30. If your payment is not processed by the deadline, your BTR automatically becomes delinquent on October 1.  The notices are considered courtesies. Failure to receive a notice does not excuse nonpayment or pause late penalties. 

 

How long will my receipt remain valid?

Local BTRs operate on a fiscal year. They are valid until September 30th and must be renewed annually by October 1st to avoid delinquency. Renewal season starts July 1, annually.


How do I make a change to my Business Tax account? (Change of address, Business name, ownership, close the business or update contact information)

1) Go to LauderBuild

2) Login/Sign in

3) Apply

4) Business Tax

5) Agree to terms and conditions

6) Continue Application

7) Scroll down to Business Tax

8) Use drop down, select Business Tax Change of Information

9) Continue Application

10) Select relative account and request change

Keep in mind these changes may trigger new reviews and there is an associated cost.


Do vacation rentals require a Business Tax Receipt?

Yes. You must first apply via Vacation Rentals, before proceeding to a Business Tax application.



Who can I contact if there is an escalated issue with my Business Tax Receipt?

Please contact the Program Manager, Gail Jagessar at 954-828-6814 or GJagessar@fortlauderdale.gov.


Forms and Documents

Download commonly used applications, checklists, affidavits, and other Business Tax forms.

Business Tax Application Checklist(PDF, 165KB)
Business Tax Fee Exemption Application(PDF, 173KB)
Cottage Food Operations(PDF, 1MB)
Handyman(PDF, 136KB)
Holiday Merchandise(PDF, 141KB)
Home-Based Business Affidavit(PDF, 341KB)
Home-Based Business Checklist(PDF, 140KB)
Liability Insurance Document(PDF, 61KB)
Mobile Vendor Map-Allowed Locations(PDF, 3MB)
Restaurant Affidavit(PDF, 90KB)
Retail/Wholesale Affidavit(PDF, 11KB)
Sidewalk Cafe(PDF, 94KB)
Vendor Information(PDF, 57KB)

 

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.

Contact

Hours:
Monday - Thursday
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

In-person assistance is available Monday - Thursday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm.

Appointments are available Monday -Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm.

Address:
101 NE 3rd Avenue, Suite 100
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Phone:
954-828-5207 Option 1

Email: 
BusinessTax@fortlauderdale.gov

 

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