Opening a New Business

Are you opening a business in the City of St. Pete Beach?

Zoning Division and Business Tax

"How" a property can be used is determined through Zoning. The City's Land Development Code (LDC) provides specific development criteria. The review of development plans, zoning guidelines, sign criteria, variances, landscaping standards, and most other aspects related to the development of property are governed by the City's LDC 

ZONING MAP

Building Improvement Process

Are You Planning on Making Improvements to Your Home, Business, or Property? 

If your home, business or property is located within the city limits of St. Pete Beach, you will be required to obtain Zoning Approval and a Building Permit prior to starting your project. The Zoning approval verifies the city regulations have been met. Once you have obtained Zoning Approval, you may proceed in submitting your Building Permit.

Obtain a Zoning Clearance

To obtain a zoning clearance you will need to provide the following: 

  • Property Record Card or Recorded Warranty Deed 
  • Floor Plan/Parking plan (if applicable) 
  • Impact Fee (if applicable) 

Please contact Community Development for more information 727-363-9256 

Local Business Tax Receipt 

Community Development issues business tax receipts to those having a commercial and/or residential business within the city limits of St. Pete Beach.

Anyone desiring to engage in a business in St. Pete Beach, whether in a commercial zone or from home, is required to pay for and obtain a Business Tax Receipt from the City of St. Pete Beach. Operating a business in the City without a Business Tax Receipt can result in a penalty, surcharge and applicable delinquent charges.

Prior to applying and paying for a Business Tax Receipt, it should be determined: 

  1. If the skill/trade or business requires Federal and/or State certification/inspection and obtain the necessary proof. 
  2. If the business name will be different than your legal given name, it is required that the name is registered with the Florida Division of Corporations and provide proof that the registration is active. 
  3. Home occupations additionally are required to provide proof of residency at the location where the business will be operating from. 
  4. Home businesses must be aware of possible limitations. Please ask Planning & Zoning staff before submittals to make sure you can adhere to these conditions. 
  5. Business may be required to have a Life Safety Inspection prior to occupancy. The Building and Fire Inspector will inspect the unit/building to verify that it is code compliant. *This does not apply to home-based businesses (other than residential care homes).   

Details on obtaining a City Business Tax Receipt can be provided by contacting Community Development at 727-363-9214.  

Businesses must have a Local Business Tax Receipt (formerly known as Occupational License) prior to opening a business in St. Pete Beach. 

The application must be filled out, signed (original signatures) and submitted with proof of registration for a corporation, LLC, etc. and proof of fictitious name filing. 

BUSINESS TAX RECEIPT APPLICATION  

HOME DECLARATION PAGE  (Home Occupations only) 

Get a Business Tax Receipt

You must pay a tax to operate any business within city limits. A business tax receipt is proof of payment and it is required before a business opens.

 Step 1: Gather your information

  •  If you are not using your legal first and last name as your business name, you will need to register with the State of Florida. Visit www. sunbiz.org to register before applying for your business tax receipt.
  •  If the state regulates your profession, go to the appropriate site:   
  • If you are operating a business in your residence, additional information is required. You will also need to: 
    • Provide a sketch with dimensions of the floor plan and label each room and the area to be used for the business. 
    • Get a notarized letter of approval from the property owner or property manager. Condo owners need a notarized letter from the Homeowner’s Association or property manager. 

Step 2: Fill Out an Application

BUSINESS TAX RECEIPT APPLICATION  

HOME DECLARATION PAGE  (Home Occupations only)

Step 3: We will review your application 

Our staff will review your application.  Zoning will review along with building if applicable.  Upon approval, you will be contacted by our permit administrator regarding fire inspection and payment procedure.  Once approval is received from fire and payment is submitted we will email you the receipt and you are on your way! 

Step 4: Don't forget to renew your business tax receipt 

All Business Tax Receipts are issued for a period of 1 year on a fiscal year basis that begins on October 1 each year with all receipts expiring on September 30. The city will email renewal notices as a courtesy reminder; however, it is the business owner's responsibility to renew on time. Failure to receive a renewal reminder notice will not exempt the receipt holder from paying any penalties for late payment.  Failure to renew on or before September 30 will result in penalties being applied to the total license renewal tax as follows: 

Month. |. Renewal Tax Percentage 

October - 10%
November - 15%
December - 20%
January - 25%
March 1* - 25% + $250 

*Please Note: Any person who does not pay the required business tax receipt prior to March 1 is subject to an additional penalty of $250 and any costs incurred as a result of collection efforts.