FAQs • Safety Harbor • CivicEngage

Am I exempt from the business tax receipt?: Florida Statutes allow exemption from business taxes for certain disabled persons, the aged (65 years of age or older), widows with minor dependents, disabled veterans or their unremarried spouses, and certain charitable organizations. If you feel you qualify for exemption, please inform our business tax department.

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Local Business Taxes

1. What is an business tax and why do I need a business tax receipt?: Business tax is a method used by a local government to grant the privilege of engaging in or managing any business, professional and occupation within its jurisdiction. Chapter 205 of the Florida Statutes governs the authority of municipal governing bodies to collect the business taxes in Florida and set provisions for the enforcement of this process.
Under section 14.01 of the city code requires all businesses within the City of Safety Harbor to obtain a business tax receipt prior to commencing business. A receipt would be required if you represent to the public goods or services for a fee.

2. How can I apply for a business tax?: To obtain a City of Safety Harbor business tax, your business must be physically located with the city limits. An application may be obtained on our website or in the Building Department at City Hall. Our hours of operation are Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

3. What do I need to apply for a local business tax?: The address of the business, general description of your business, FID number or social security number, any regulatory certificate or state license you may be required by the state to have. You will also need to provide (if using any other name other than your legal name) a copy of your fictitious name certificate filed with the Florida State Dept.

4. What is the cost of a business tax?: The cost of a business tax receipt depends on what the business classification is. To find out the specific fee which would apply to your business, please call 727-724-1515. Each applicant shall be required to obtain a separate tax receipt for each business category, which applies to his or her business activities.

5. When will this business tax expire?: A business tax is not valid for more than one year. Fiscal year for tax receipts is October 1 through September 30th. Renewals are mailed in August. Business tax receipts issued after April 1st are charged half price.

6. Can I operate a business from my home and can I operate more than one business out of my home ?: (A) Yes, home businesses are permitted; however, certain restrictions apply. These restrictions are included on our application for a home-based business.
(B) More than one business is permitted as a home occupation.

7. If my business is not in Safety Harbor and I have a job to do in Safety Harbor do I need a business tax receipt?: Anyone transacting business here that does not live in the city would be required to register his or her business. A $25 registration fee is required at time of registration.

8. Are hot dog stands permitted in Safety Harbor?: Although they are not a permitted use in the City, anyone interested can take part in our weekly flea market events, as well as all of the City's special events. Application can be made by contacting our Chamber of Commerce located at 200 Main Street. Their phone number is (727)726-6407

9. Am I required to register a fictitious name?: A person may not engage in business under a fictitious name unless the person first registers their name with the State of Florida Division of Corporations. A fictitious name means any name under which a person transacts business in this state, other than his legal name. Legal name means a person's given name.

10. How long will it take to receive my business tax receipt?: All business applications must be routed for approvals. Home occupations require zoning approval. All other businesses require zoning, fire, and building department approvals. Generally speaking, must applications take a week to ten days to receive.

11. Is my business tax receipt transferable?: Yes. If you are transferring ownership, you must present a bill of sale and current business tax receipt, co-signed by the buyer and the seller. Transfer fees are based on 10% of your business tax receipt. You will also need to make out a new updated application

12. Am I exempt from the business tax receipt?: Florida Statutes allow exemption from business taxes for certain disabled persons, the aged (65 years of age or older), widows with minor dependents, disabled veterans or their unremarried spouses, and certain charitable organizations. If you feel you qualify for exemption, please inform our business tax department.

13. Will I be able to open up business anywhere in the City?: Any business location must be compatible with our City's zoning regulations. If you have any questions regarding your business zoning, please call our zoning official at (727)724-1555.

14. How are the business tax fees determined?: Business tax receipts are authorized by Florida Statute Chapter 205 and defined under City of Safety Harbor Code.

15. Can I solicit or canvass my business in Safety Harbor?: Canvasser or solicitor is defined in our City of Safety Harbor Code, Chapter 17. Any person wishing to engage in business within the City would be required to obtain a permit from the building department.