Frequently Asked Questions

F.A.Q. (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: What do I need in order to get my Business Tax Receipt?

A: The following is information is needed to obtain your BTR, but is not limited to the following items. Note, failure to submit necessary licensing and documentation could delay or deny your application.

  • Business name; Owner(s) or President's Name; Mailing Address; Physical location of the business; Telephone Number(s); Social Security or Federal Employer ID Number; and a copy of the Fictitious Name Registration, where applicable.
  • Businesses regulated by the State of Florida or other agencies, a copy of the documents provided by the state or agency, as proof of your compliance, will be required with your application for initial Local Business Tax Receipt. Verify if your business operations require licensing from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). 850-487-2252. My Florida License Note: Registered or Certified Contractors, regulated by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), 850-487-2252, whose business location is not located with the City, would not be required to have a City Local Business Tax Receipt.
  • 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. Sun Biz Note: Corporations are registered with the Florida Secretary of State, for information call, 850-245-6052. 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. 
  • Social Security or Federal Employer ID numbers are obtained from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. 800-829-3676 or 800-829-1040. Internal Revenue Service
  • Businesses that sell or serve food products must be inspected by either, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 800-435-7352, Fresh from Florida or The Florida Division of Hotel and Restaurant Commission, 850-487-1395, My Florida License. This inspection must be prior to obtaining a City Local Business Tax Receipt.
  • To obtain a Florida Sales Tax Number (resale number), contact the Florida Department of Revenue. 407-475-1200 or Tallahassee 800-352-3671. My Florida
  • State licensing requirements can be obtained by calling the Consumer Services Department 800-435-7352. Fresh from Florida
  • Businesses located in the City must also obtain an Osceola County Local Business Tax Receipt. For more information, please contact the Osceola County Tax Collector at 407-742-4000. Osceola Tax Collector
  • Proof of ownership and/or lease agreement.
  • Type of commercial businesses that must also obtain additional licenses and other documentation. Questions, please contact the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation at 850-487-1395:
    • Assisted Living and Congregate Living Facilities: Requires License from the Florida Health Care Administration's Adult Care Unit. 850-487-2515. Health Facility Regulations
    • Attorneys and Lawyers: Requires a copy of Florida Bar Association. Florida Bar
    • Banks, Savings and Loans, Mortgage Brokers and Lenders, Security Brokers, and Securities Agents: Requires Florida Department of Banking and Finances License. 850-410-9895 Florida Licenses
    • Barbers, Beauticians, and Cosmetologists:
      • Requires License from the Florida Department of Children and Families: 850-487-3166. Florida Families
      • NOTE: Each person engaged in professions or occupations that requires state licenses, registrations or certificates to conduct business, must apply for an individual Local Business Tax Receipt to perform work within the City limits.
    • Bonding Agency/Bail Bondsman: Requires License from the Florida Department of Insurance. 850-413-3136. Florida Department of Insurance
    • Child Care Facilities, Family Day Care Facilities, Group Care Homes, Nursing Homes: Requires License from the Florida Department of Children and Families: 850-487-3166. Florida Families
    • Coin Operated Machines: A list of all locations of the machines located inside city limits.
    • Exterminators and Pest Control: Contact the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: 800-435-7352. Fresh from Florida
  • Firework Sales:
  • Fortune Tellers and Palm Readers:
    • Requires Registration with the Florida Department of Financial Services: 850-413-3137. Florida Financial Services
    • Requires Registration with Florida Division of State Fire Marshall. Florida Fire Marshall
    • Requires Registration with the Florida Regulatory Licensing Section. Regulatory Licenses
    • A site sketch indicating the location and dimensions of the proposed sale and its relationship to any property lines, structure(s), parking space(s), drive aisle(s), closest fuel storage facility, closest restaurant, and closest school and church.
  • Fish Seafood Market and Wholesalers: Requires License from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. 800-435-7352. Fresh from Florida
    • Requires copy of a valid Driver's License identifying residency of the State of Florida.
    • Requires a background check with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Complete and submit attached form and self-addressed stamped envelope to:
      • FDLE (Florida Department of Law Enforcement)
      • Attention: Criminal Record Inquiries
        P.O. Box 1489
        Tallahassee, FL 32302
  • Grocery/Convenience Store and the like: Requires a Food Permit from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. 800-435-7352. Fresh from Florida
  • Gun Dealer: Requires License from Florida Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. 850-487-1395. My Florida License
  • Health Club and Physical Fitness Facilities: Requires License from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: 800-435-7352. Fresh from Florida
  • Hospitals: Requires License from the Florida AHCA Bureau of Health Facility Regulations Hospital Unit. 850-487-2717. Health Facility Regulations
  • Hotels, Motels, Rooming Houses, and Apartments:
    • Requires copy of the lease agreement.
    • Requires copy of the State of Florida Hotel Commission License. DBPR: 800-749-6368. My Florida License
    • Requires copy of the Articles of Corporation or a copy of the original Certificate of Factious Name: 850-245-6052. Sun Biz
    • Requires the total number of units to be rented.
  • Insurance Agencies: Requires registration with the Florida Department of Financial Services. 850-413-3137. Florida Financial Services
  • Medical Professionals and Massage Therapy: Requires License from the Florida Department of Health. 850-245-4444. Florida Health NOTE: Each person engaged in professions or occupations that requires state licenses, registrations or certificates to conduct business, must apply for an individual Local Business Tax Receipt to perform work within the City limits.
  • Mobile Food Vendor/Peddler:
    • Requires a Florida Division of Hotel and Restaurant License. 850-487-1395. My Florida License
    • Requires Articles of Incorporation, LLC or Fictitious Name. 850-245-6052. Sun Biz
    • Requires a background check with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Complete and submit attached form and self-addressed stamped envelope to:
      • FDLE (Florida Department of Law Enforcement)
      • Attention: Criminal Record Inquiries
        P.O. Box 1489
        Tallahassee, FL 32302
    • Requires acknowledgment and submittal of the memorandum of understanding. See attached form.
  • Mobile Home Parks: Requires License from the Florida Department of Children and Families: 850-487-3166. My Florida Families
  • Motor Vehicle Repair: Contact the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: 800-435-7352. Fresh from Florida
  • Motor Vehicle Dealer: Requires a Dealer's License from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles: 850-617-2000. Florida Department of Highway Safety
  • Non-Profit Organizations: Requires of 501(C)(3) Non-Profit Tax-Exempt status filed with the Internal Revenue Service: 800-829-3676 or 800-829-1040. Internal Revenue Service
  • Nursing Homes, Hospices and Convalescent Homes: Requires License from the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration's Long Term Care Unit: 850-488-5861. My Florida
  • Pawnbrokers, Consignment Shops:
    • Requires Secondhand Dealers License from the Florida Department of Revenue. 407-475-1200 or Tallahassee 800-352-3671. My Florida
    • Requires a list of materials to be loaned upon, bought, sold or otherwise handled.
  • Real Estate Sales, Broker: Requires Florida Division of Real Estate Commission Certificate: 407-245-0314. My Florida License NOTE: Each person engaged in professions or occupations that requires state licenses, registrations or certificates to conduct business, must apply for an individual Local Business Tax Receipt to perform work within the City limits.
  • Restaurants, Bakeries, Caterers and other Dining Establishments:
    • Requires a Florida Division of Hotel and Restaurant License. 850-487-1395. My Florida License
    • Requires Proof of Ownership or Lease Agreement.
    • Requires Articles of Incorporation, LLC or Fictitious Name. 850-245-6052. Sun Biz
    • Requires Floor Plan and Seating Capacity Arrangement.
    • If alcohol is proposed:
      • Requires a Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco License: 850-487-1395. My Florida License
      • Requires copy of the menu.
  • Telemarketers: Contact the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: 800-435-7352. Fresh from Florida
  • Travel Agency, including independent travel consultants: Contact the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: 800-435-7352. Fresh from Florida. NOTE: Each person engaged in professions or occupations that requires state licenses, registrations or certificates to conduct business, must apply for an individual Local Business Tax Receipt to perform work within the City limits.
  • Wrecker Service (Home or Commercial):
    • Must be listed on Kissimmee Police Department Wrecker Service List and proof of this must be submitted to the Building Division upon BTR submittal. 407-847-0176

Q: What is a Business Tax Receipt (BTR)?

A: A Business Tax Receipt, formerly known as Occupational License, is proof of payment of the business tax which is required before a business opens or starts. A business operating without a BTR is subject to penalty.

Q: Are there any zoning requirements?

A: Yes, there are varieties of commercial, industrial and residential zones that dictate whether a particular use could be allowed. It is important to check to see if the location you choose allows for the type of business you want to do. Please contact the Planning and Zoning Department at 407-957-8422 to check your zoning.

Q: How much does a BTR cost?

A: Please view our fee schedule (PDF).

Q: When will my BTR expire?

A: BTR's are valid each year from October 1 - September 30. All BTR's expire on September 30th of each year. Renewals made AFTER September 30 are delinquent and are subject to penalty. Beginning October 1 delinquent penalties will be assessed with increases the first day of each additional late month as follows: 10% of the first month plus 5% each additional month up to a max of 25%. Beginning January 1, each BTR not renewed will incur a final penalty of $250 on top of the other penalties already assessed.

Q: Do I need just one BTR for my business?

A: You will need a BTR for each location you operate your business from, and one for each type of business you conduct.

Q: Do I also need a county BTR?

A: Yes. A business must have both a City and County business tax receipt. To guarantee zoning and building regulations are met, the City BTR must be obtained first. The county BTR can be obtained afterward by contacting the Osceola County Tax Collector's Office at 407-742-4000 or visiting their main office at 2501 E Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee.

Q: How do I renew my BTR?

A: Courtesy invoices are mailed in July and are due no later than October 1 to avoid penalties. These invoices are a courtesy and failure to receive an invoice is not an excuse for nonpayment. After January 1 an additional penalty of $250 will be applied to any unpaid business tax receipt.

Q: Are BTR's transferrable?

A: Yes. BTR's can be transferred to a new owner. To get more information or to make a transfer, please contact the Planning and Zoning Department at 407-957-8422 or email St. Cloud Business Licenses.

Q: Do I need a Fictitious name?

A: If you choose to use anything else besides your full first and last name, you will need to register with the state at Sun Biz (any corporations can be registered at this site as well). If you choose to register a fictitious name, we will need the certificate of the fictitious name or your articles of corporation.

Q: How do I get an Federal Employer ID Number or Sales tax Number ?

A: For a Federal Employer IDNumber you contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 or for forms 800-829-3676. For sales tax ID, contact the Florida Department of Revenue at 407-475-1200 or 800-352-3671.

Q: Do I need a BTR to work from home or to operate an internet-based business from home?

A: Yes. All businesses must obtain a Business Tax Receipt. Please review the Home/ Mobile Business section of this webpage to find out more information.

Q: Can I sell items on the roadside/sidewalks?

A: No. Roadside vending is not allowed in the city.

Q: What if I bought a business which already has a valid BTR?

A: You must still apply for your own local BTR in your name. We must see the change of ownership of the business name through Sun Biz (unless the name of the business changes) and if required we must see any state licenses in your name as well. We also need a lease in the new owner's name.

Q: What if my business closes?

A: Notify the Planning and Zoning Department at 407-957-8422 or email St. Cloud Business Licenses to close your business account. Otherwise, if not, renewals and late penalty fees will continue to accrue.