Business Tax

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). Apply for Your Business Tax Receipt below.

Business Tax Receipt

 

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

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 (BTR) Information

  • All BTRs vary depending on the nature of a business. A receipt is required for each place of business and for each individual classification at the same location.
  • Except as otherwise provided, local business tax receipts are due and payable on September 30 of each year. If September 30 falls on a weekend or holiday, they're due on or before the first business day following September 30.
  • The BTR must be displayed in plain sight 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.
  • 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.
  • If the business ceases operation, the owner must notify the Business Tax Office.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for a business tax receipt?

Please view the Business Tax Welcome guide(PDF, 273KB) for details on completing your business tax application. More tips and information are available in our Guide of Rules and Ordinances(PDF, 283KB).

How do I pay my business tax fees?

Business Tax fees may be paid online at LauderBuild Search for your Business Tax Record Number and select Payments > Fees on the Record Details page.

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, in-person or sent by mail to the Development Services Department, 700 NW 19th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311.

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

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

I sent a request for an application update, payment assistance, document request, etc., and have not received a reply. It's been more than seven (7) business days; who can I contact?

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

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 Office Affidavit with your application.

Do I need a business tax receipt for street vending?

Yes. It is unlawful to sell, or offer for sale, any food, beverage, service or merchandise on any street, alley, sidewalk, or public park within the City from any wagon, truck, auto, pushcart, vehicle or by any other means upon the streets, sidewalks, or alleys of the City unless the proper business tax receipt has been issued.

Do I need a business tax receipt to solicit from door-to-door?

Yes. You must obtain a business tax receipt before engaging in any solicitation and you must agree to abide by Section 23 and Section 8-73 of the City Code of Ordinances.

For charitable solicitations, please review the Charitable Solicitation Ordinance and complete the Charitable Solicitor's Affidavit.

How do I apply for a Sidewalk Cafe receipt?

You can submit an application by visiting LauderBuild. Sign in, or register for an account, then select New Application, then Permits/Engineering to create your application.

Please view the Article VII. - Sidewalk Cafés section of the City Code of Ordinances for more information.

I already applied for a commercial permit to alter or build a new business. Do I still need to apply for a business tax/occupational receipt?

Yes. Always ensure that your business is licensed to operate in the City of Fort Lauderdale, even after applying for a commercial permit.

Where is the Business Tax office located?

101 NE 3rd Ave, Ste 100, Fort Lauderdale, 33301

 

Business Tax Documents and Assistance

You may submit the Business Tax Assistance form to request assistance with the following services.

Please note this form is for questions or help. Applications must be submitted online through 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

You may find Business Tax forms and guides on the DSD Documents & Forms page.

  • 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(PDF, 140KB)
  • Charitable Solicitor's Affidavit
  • Vendor Information
  • Liability Insurance Document
  • Mobile Vendor Map
  • Holiday Related Merchandise Information Sheet

Additional Resources

We’ve highlighted some key resources and support services here, that are available to help you navigate and integrate seamlessly into our business community.

Public Affairs Office

Our Public Affairs Office is dedicated to fostering business growth in Fort Lauderdale. They can provide information on incentives, grants, and programs to support the economic development of your business. Contact them at economicdevelopment@fortlauderdale.gov or 954-828-6350.

Networking Opportunities

Fort Lauderdale boasts a dynamic business community. Attend local business events, join the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, and explore networking opportunities to connect with fellow entrepreneurs and professionals. Visit Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce for more details and contact information.

City Customer Service

There are many ways to contact the City for assistance, questions or concerns related to city services.

  • Ask: Our Chatbot to quickly find help.
  • Visit: FixIt FTL (or download the app) to report non-emergency issues.
  • Call: Customer Service at 954-828-8000.
  • Email: Customer Service at CService@fortlauderdale.gov.

City of Fort Lauderdale Service Directory

View the City of Fort Lauderdale Service Directory, our online comprehensive booklet with all available services the City of Fort Lauderdale provides.

Schedule an 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.

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