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

Bill Express Logo

Business Tax Links

Bill Express

Save Time, Pay Online

    The Charlotte County Tax Collector's Office now offers you the convenience of receiving your Tax Bill electronically. Sign up quickly by using the following steps:
  • Click the Bill Express logo above or go to https://govhub.com/charlotte
  • Choose your tax type and search for your account
  • After finding your account, click "Get Bills by Email" button and fill out the form
    Under Florida law:
  • A discount period may not be extended due to a tax bill being returned as undeliverable electronically or by postal mail.(F.S.197.322)
  • Email addresses are public records. If you register for electronic billing your email address may be subject to public record requests.

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?
Exemptions; veterans, spouses of veterans and certain servicemembers, and low-income persons.—

  1. 1. The following persons are entitled to an exemption from a business tax and any fees imposed under this chapter:
    1. a. A veteran of the United States Armed Forces who was honorably discharged upon separation from service, or the spouse or unremarried surviving spouse of such a veteran.
    2. b. The spouse of an active duty military servicemember who has relocated to the county or municipality pursuant to a permanent change of station order.
    3. c. A person who is receiving public assistance as defined in s. 409.2554.
    4. d. A person whose household income is below 130 percent of the federal poverty level based on the current year’s federal poverty guidelines.
  2. 2. A person must complete and sign, under penalty of perjury, a Request for Fee Exemption to be furnished by the local governing authority and provide written documentation in support of his or her request for an exemption under subsection (1).
  3. 3. If a person who is exempt under subsection (1) owns a majority interest in a business with fewer than 100 employees, the business is exempt. Such person must complete and sign, under penalty of perjury, a Request for Fee Exemption to be furnished by the local governing authority and provide written documentation in support of his or her request for an exemption for the business under this subsection.

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. Choose "Active Business List" from the menu.

    Please note: 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. Choose "New Business List (Last Month)" from the menu.

    Please note: 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"
  • Business Tax Receipt Information
    Sample of Business Tax Renewal card and 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