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.
Contact
In-person assistance is 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)
Address:
101 NE 3rd Avenue, Suite 100
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone:
954-828-5207 Option 1
Email:
BusinessTax@fortlauderdale.gov
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.
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.
Remember, the City of Fort Lauderdale does not send unsolicited correspondence asking for money or sensitive personal information, the Community 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.