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Business Tax - FAQ
Q: How will I know when I am doing business?
A: You are conducting business when you do any of the following:
- Sell goods or service(s)
- Solicit business and/ or offer goods or services for sale, hire, lease or rent
- Acquires or uses any vehicle, premises, machine, or device within the City for business purposes
- Perform a trade or service for any person or business
Another way to know if you are in business is if you hold yourself out to the public at a given location, by sign, printed matter, classified section, telephone directory, city directory, word of mouth, or otherwise, as being engaged in business.
Q: When do I need a Pinellas Park Business Tax?
A: You need to apply for a Business Tax before you open any type of commercial, industrial or business office within the City limits of Pinellas Park. Although your mailing address may be Clearwater, Largo or St. Petersburg, you may still be located within the City. Please call or stop in to check if you are within the current City boundaries. You can reach us at (727) 541-0752.
Q: What do I do if I want to apply for a Pinellas Park Business Tax?
A: First you must complete and submit, in person or by mail, a Business Tax application. You may obtain the application in person, by fax (727) 541-0886, or by downloading the Business Tax application.PDF. This information will be reviewed and you will be told the amount due for the tax. If your business will be located in a commercial building, please be aware that your proposed site will be required to be inspected by a building and fire inspector. The cost for these inspections are $25.00, and must be paid at the time of application. The Zoning Division will review the application for zoning requirements.
Q: Is Business Taxing the only place I have to go?
A: Yes. Business Taxing is located at the Public Works/ Technical Services Complex, 6051 78th Avenue North, Pinellas Park, Florida. While filing your Business Tax application you can contact the Building and / or Zoning Divisions at the same information service counter. If your business requires any other agency inspection, you will need to contact that agency in person.
Q: Can I have a business in my home?
A: It depends. There are zoning restrictions on home businesses. To check if your business can operate from your home, please contact the Zoning Division (727) 541-0756.
Q: How long does it take to get a Business Tax?
A: Most Business Taxes can be issued the same day you come to the office. However, a business tax at a commercial location requires a zoning review and an on-site inspection by the Building Division and Fire Department. Therefore, it may take 2 to 3 working days to complete.
Q: When is an inspection scheduled?
A: Generally the next business day, however we will be flexible with your schedule.
Q: What if there are problems with either the building or fire inspection?
A: These departments will tell you the corrections you will need to make and the time frame to complete these corrections.
Q: How much does an Business Tax cost?
A: License fees vary depending on the occupation, square footage of business and number of employees. After an application has been filed and reviewed, an actual amount will be quoted.
Q: How long is the Business Tax valid?
A: A Business Tax is issued for a fiscal year beginning October 1st and ending September 30th of the following year. Renewal notices are mailed out August 1st.
Q: What if the Business Tax is renewed late?
A: Licenses not renewed by October 1st are subject to penalty of up to 25% of the total cost of the license. After 150 days of nonpayment, an additional administrative penalty of $250.00 will be added to the amount due.
Q: How can I pay for my Business Tax?
A: The City will accept payment in the form of cash, check, VISA or MasterCard.
Q: What if I change the location of my business?
A: You will need to follow the same requirements as for a new business tax. If your new business location is within the City, you can transfer your current business tax. You will need to make out a new updated application, surrender your current business tax, have a building and fire inspection and pay a transfer fee of 10% of the annual business tax fee, but not less than $3.00 or more than $25.00 and a $25.00 inspection fee is required. If the size of the new building being occupied or the number of employees increases, the cost of the business tax may increase.
Q: What if I change the name of my business?
A: You will need to make out a new updated application, surrender your current business tax and pay a transfer fee of 10% of the annual business tax fee, but not less than $3.00 or more than $25.00
Q: What if I change the ownership of my business?
A: You will need to make out a new updated application, produce a copy of the bill of sale, surrender your current business tax, have a building and fire inspection and pay a transfer fee of 10% of the annual business tax fee, but not less than $3.00 or more than $25.00 and a $25.00 inspection fee is required.
Q: What if I do business in Pinellas Park but my business office is located elsewhere?
A: You will need to obtain a registration to conduct business within Pinellas Park. To register, you will need to bring your home based license and any documents or licenses that may be required for your profession. There is a $20.00 fee to register each type of business you are engaged in. Those persons who are regulated by the Department of Business Regulation are exempt from this fee.
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