Local Business Tax

A Local Business Tax is issued by the Tax Collector for the privilege of operating a business. Anyone providing merchandise or services to the public, even through a one-person company or home based occupation must obtain a county permit to operate. In some cases, if a business performs several functions, it may be necessary to acquire more than one Local Business Tax.

Before a Hendry County Local Business Tax can be issued, a business must meet all conditions required by city, county, state, or federal agency regulations, which apply to that business or occupation.

In Hendry County, a business located within a city limit requires both a municipal license and a county tax to operate. If the nature of a business takes employees inside a city limit to conduct business, even though the business establishment is in the county, it may be necessary to obtain a city license also.

Local Business Tax vary depending on the nature of the business or occupation. The number of employees, equipment and seating capacity are a few variables that may be included in the cost factor.

Local Business Tax are renewed annually in August and September. If you have ANY changes to be
made to your existing Local Business Tax you must contact or come in to one of our offices to make the changes. The permit is valid through September 30th of the following year. New Local Business Tax are issued any time during the year, and are prorated April 1st, at which time half-year fees apply. Failure to renew Local Business Tax subjects the owner to delinquent fees. All businesses must maintain a current Local Business Tax.

It is the responsibility of the business owner to report to the Tax Collectors' Office a change of address, name change, or ownership transfer.

Information Guide for New Business Owners

New businesses must obtain their Local Business Tax prior to engaging in their enterprise. This varies depending on the type of business, employees, and seating. Businesses seeking new Local Business Tax after March 31st, will pay a prorated tax fee. To apply for Local Business Tax, telephone the Tax Collector's Office at (863) 675-5280, or visit the Tax Collector's Office.

The information needed to obtain Local Business Tax includes, but is not limited to the following items:

(1) Business name; Owner(s) or President's Name; Mailing Address; Physical Location of Business; Telephone Number(s); Social Security or Federal ID Number; and a copy of the Ficticious Name Registration, copy of lease where applicable.

(2) Businesses regulated by the State of Florida or County Agencies, a copy of the documents provided by the state or county, as proof of your compliance, will be required with your application for a Local Business Tax.

Note: Certified Contractors, regulated by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), 850-487-2252, whose business location is not located within Hendry County, would not be required to have a Hendry County Local Business Tax.

(3) If the business name used in your business, does not include the full first name, and last name of the business owner, the business name would be
considered a Fictitious Name, and must be registered with the Florida Secretary of State's Office, (850) 487-6058.

Note: Corporations are registered with the Florida Secretary of State, for information call, (850) 487-6052. Out of State corporations must register with the Secretary of State if they intend to use their corporate name. For information call (850) 487-6051.

(4) Social Security or Federal ID numbers are obtained from the US Internal Revenue Service. Toll Free Number 1-800-829-3676.

(5) Businesses that sell or serve food products must be inspected by either, the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, 1-800-435-7352, or The Florida Division of Hotel & Restaurant Commission, 1-800-780-5680. This inspection must be prior to obtaining a county occupational license.

(6) To obtain a Florida Sales Tax Number, (resale number) contact the Florida Department of Revenue.

(7) State licensing requirements can be obtained by calling the Consumer Services Department 1-800-435-7352.

(8) All businesses must file Tangible Personal Property Tax Return, with the Property Appraiser, before April 1st. Personal Property Taxes are assessed against your business equipment as of January 1st, and become payable in November. Taxes become delinquent April 1st. If the Tangible Personal Property Tax is not paid, a Tax Warrant will be issued. Personal Property Taxes follow the equipment, NOT the owner. When purchasing an existing business, make sure a TAX SEARCH has been done.

(9) Businesses located within any city limits of a municipality, may be required to have a city occupational license, also.

NOTES:

If you discontinue (close) your business, contact The Tax Collector's Office (863) 675-5280 and The Property Appraiser's Office.

If a change of ownership has taken place, a notarized bill of sale must be presented to change ownership of an existing business.

Any changes to an existing business must be reported to the County Local Business Tax Department, in the Tax Collector's Office (863) 675-5280.