Business Tax

The local business tax grants the privilege of engaging in or managing a business, profession, or occupation. It is in addition to any other fees paid to operate a business. In 2007, the name was changed from occupational license tax to local business tax.

Business Tax Navigation

Business Tax Q&A

How are the funds used?
The funds are used by Charlotte County for economic development. An Economic Development Board comprised of business representatives from various areas of the county develops a plan which is submitted to the Board of County Commissioners for final action. The cities within the county also receive a small portion of the proceeds, based upon population. For more information contact the Charlotte County Board of Commissioners at (941)743-1300 or email them at bcs@charlottefl.com.

Who must pay the tax?
Most businesses and professions operating in Charlotte County must pay the tax. Paying the tax does not regulate a business and it does not ensure the quality of the work of a business.

When is the tax required?
A local business tax is required to be paid when a business begins operation. The business tax renewal period is from July 1 to September 30 each year. Applications are available in any of the Tax Collector offices or in the Business Tax Forms and Files Section.

Can I open a business anywhere?
Prior to paying the local business tax, contact the zoning department in either the city or county where your business is located to ensure the business is allowed in that location.

Who is exempt?
A business tax receipt is not required of any charitable, religious, fraternal, youth, civic, service, or other similar organization that makes occasional sales or engages in fundraising projects that are performed exclusively by the members, and the proceeds derived from the activities are used exclusively in the charitable, religious, fraternal, youth, civic, and service activities of the organization.

Other Exemptions from payment include; but still require a copy of Business Tax Receipt: Charlotte County residents who are 65 years of age or older, widow(er)s with dependent children, and physically disabled persons incapable of manual labor. The owner's capital investment must not exceed $1000 and there must be only one employee. If you think you qualify for an exemption, please call the Tax Collector's Office to discuss the specific requirements and the amount of the exemption. A local business tax receipt is required to conduct business and will be issued free or at a reduced fee.

If I am required to have a state license, do I need to do anything special?
Yes. You must include a copy of your current state license with your application.

I have multiple locations in Charlotte County, do I need to pay the local business tax for each location?
Yes. Business with multiple locations in Charlotte County must pay the local business tax for each location.

What happens if I do not pay the local business tax by October 1st?
The law provides that late renewal must include a delinquency penalty of 10% for the month of October, plus an additional 5% penalty for each month of delinquency thereafter until paid, not to exceed 25% of the local business tax. If you are doing business without having paid the local business tax, you are subject to a penalty of 25% of the tax plus other penalties. Any person who engages in any business, occupation, or profession covered by this chapter, who does not pay the required business tax within 150 days after the initial notice of tax due, and who does not obtain the required receipt is subject to civil actions and penalties, including court costs, reasonable attorneys’ fees, additional administrative costs incurred as a result of collection efforts, and a penalty of up to $250.

What do I need to do if I change my location or purchase an existing business?
If you change locations or if you purchase an existing business, you will need to contact Charlotte County Zoning to obtain a “Change of Occupancy” and submit a copy along with your Current Local Business Tax Receipt. If you purchase a business you must reapply for a new business tax receipt. A nominal fee and a corrected receipt will be issued.

Am I required to register a fictitious name?
Effective October 1, 1994, a new business paying the local business tax under a fictitious name must show a copy of the fictitious name registration. Fictitious name applications are available at our offices or in the Business Tax Forms and Files Section.

If I have a rental property, do I need to pay the local business tax?
If your rental property is available to rent for periods of less than six months, you are required to pay the local business tax.

Do I need to notify any other government office?
If you own rental property or operate a business you may be required to pay a Tangible Personal Property Tax. Contact the Property Appraiser at (941)743-1476 for more information.

If your business is in a non-residential building, you may be required to get a certificate of occupancy. In addition, make sure your business is in compliance with zoning regulations and if located in the unincorporated county, you will also need to comply with recycling regulations.


Business Tax Contacts

 

Small Business Resources

Report Unlawful Business Activity

  • All persons or firms doing business in Charlotte County must have a county local business tax receipt prior to operating
  • All persons or firms engaged in short-term or vacation rental home activities must also remit tourist development taxes.
  • All persons or firms advertising a fire, going out of business, or liquidation sale in Charlotte County must have a Going Out of Business permit.

Please report any person or firm that has failed to meet one or more of the above requirements. Provide as much information as possible, such as the name of the business, business owner's name, location at which the business is operating, telephone number, etc.

To report any of the above please go to this link.


Phone:
(941)743-1350

Email:
taxcollector@charlottecountyfl.gov
Mailing Address:
Charlotte County Tax Collector Enforcement
18500 Murdock Circle
Port Charlotte, FL 33948

Business Tax Forms and Files

  • Active Business List
    Instructions: Click on the above link. Highlight "Active Business List" on the left hand side, click "View Selected Report" and then click "Search" on the right hand side of the screen.

    Please note: You will see the    icon on the left hand side of the screen while the report is loading. The report may take some time to load, depending on your Internet connection.

    Download Instructions: The file can be downloaded in a number of formats by clicking one of the icons on the right hand side of the page beside the word "download"
  • New Business List
    Instructions: Click on the above link. Highlight "New Business List (Last Month)" on the left hand side and then click, click "View Selected Report" and then click "Search" on the right hand side of the screen.

    Please note: You will see the    icon on the left hand side of the screen while the report is loading. The report may take some time to load, depending on your Internet connection.

    Download Instructions: The file can be downloaded in a number of formats by clicking one of the icons on the right hand side of the page beside the word "download"
  • New Business Tax Receipt Information
    Important information regarding the new business tax receipt
  • Steps to Complete a Commercial Business Location
    File contains the necessary steps to be completed before a Local Business Tax Receipt can be issued
  • Business Tax Application
    Please remember to include payment with your application - For information regarding amount due, please contact our office
    Renewals can be processed online HERE.
  • Request for Fee Exemption
  • Out Of Business Affidavit
  • Handyman Agreement
  • Fictitious Name Application
    Online registration is available at www.sunbiz.org

 

Other Business Tax Links