What
are the City of Miami requirements need to open
your business?
A Certificate of Use and Business Tax Receipt
(all Construction Permit work that may be
required, must be completed, and approved before
obtaining the above stated documents).
What is a Certificate of Use?
A Certificate of Use is a required permit which
must be approved by the Department of Planning
and Zoning which ensures that the business
location is zoned for the type of business you
want to operate. A Fire Safety and Supplemental
Waste Fee Assessment is also issued in
conjunction with the Certificate of Use. For
Zoning information, call (305) 416-1499.
What is a Business Tax Receipt?
A Business Tax Receipt is a requirement for
engaging in any business, profession or
occupation in the City of Miami. For Business
Tax Receipt information call (305) 416-1570 or
(305) 416-1918.
Where do I go to apply for a City of Miami
Certificate of Use and/or Business Tax Receipt?
At the City of Miami Administration Building,
located at 444 S.W. 2nd Avenue, Zoning
Department, 4th Floor, Corridor C for
Certificate of Use, and Finance Department, 6th
Floor, north side of floor for Business Tax
Receipt. You may also go to any of the City NET
Offices.
What are the requirements to obtain an Business
Tax Receipt?
In order for an individual, partnership, or
corporation to apply for a Business Tax Receipt,
a valid and current Certificate of Use from the
City of Miami Planning and Zoning Department
must first be obtained for the business
location. Certain mobile businesses are exempt
from the Certificate of Use requirement such as
peddlers/street vendors, certain lawn
maintenance businesses and automobile mobile
repair units. Additionally, background checks
and/or special application forms are required
for some businesses. Professionals or businesses
regulated in any form by the State of Florida
(i.e. Physicians, Dentists, Engineers, Real
Estate Firms, Real Estate Brokers,
Cosmetologist, Ballroom Dance Studios, Health
Studios, Sellers of Travel, Motor Vehicle Repair
Shops, etc.), must submit their current State of
Florida documentation when applying for a new
City of Miami Business Tax Receipt. If the
applicant is a Corporate Entity or applying
under a Fictitious Name, it must be registered
and active with the State of Florida.
What documents do I need to bring with me when applying for a Business
Tax Receipt?
A Florida Drivers License or similar
identification, Federal Employee Identification
number (FEI) and/or copy of the Social Security
Card of the business/ individual, sales tax
number, if applicable, and contact information
of 3 persons that may be contacted in case of
emergency. Also, please bring any of the forms
and/or special requirements for the type of
receipt being applied for, as mentioned above in
Question 5.
If I have a home-based business, do I need a
Business Tax Receipt?
If you are operating a business in your home you
will be required to obtain a Business Tax
Receipt after applying and approval of an
Accessory Use Certificate from the Department of
Planning and Zoning.
Do I need a Business Tax Receipt for street
vending?
Yes, It shall be unlawful to sell, or offer for
sale, any food, beverage, service or merchandise
on any street, alley, sidewalk, or public park
within the City of Miami from any wagon, truck,
auto, push cart, vehicle or by any other means
upon the streets, sidewalks, or alleys of the
City until the proper business tax receipt has
been issued by the Department of Finance. Street
vending is prohibited within certain locations
and there are restrictions within the special
vending districts.
Do I need a Business Tax Receipt for each
person working in my company that has a State of
Florida license?
Yes, a Business Tax Receipt is required of any
person with a State License, with the exception
of Pharmacist
How much do I have to pay for a Business Tax
Receipt?
There are many factors that determine Business
Tax Receipt costs. Some Business Tax Receipt
types have a flat fee while others are
determined by the number of units in the
business (seats, sq. ft. inventory etc.)
How do I renew my City of Miami Business Tax
Receipt?
All receipts expire on September 30th. Renewal
bills, along with any requirements that must be
fulfilled on a yearly basis, are mailed out no
later than 60 days prior to expiration. However,
it is the responsibility of the receipt holder
to make sure that they are in compliance. Thus,
those business tax receipts not renewed prior to
September 30th shall be considered delinquent
and are subject to a delinquency penalty of 10%
for the month of October and an additional 5%
for each month delinquency thereafter, provided
that the penalty does not exceed 25% of the
Business Tax Receipt fee for the delinquent
establishment or individual. Certain business
tax receipts also require the submission of a
special application renewal form on a yearly
basis, as stated above, prior to a new receipt
being issued.
How long will it take before I receive my
Business Tax Receipt?
Business Tax Receipts are printed weekly and are
mailed within three business days thereafter.
Do I also need a Miami-Dade County Business
Tax Receipt in addition to the City of Miami
Business Tax Receipt?
In most instances, a Miami-Dade County
Business Tax Receipt is required in addition to
a City of Miami Business Tax Receipt. (For more
information call (305)-270-4949.
NOTE: Although the City provides the latest
information/requirements on a constant basis,
changes may occur from time-to-time, thus,
please contact the City to verify current
information.
All information regarding Certificate of Use and
Business Tax Receipt may be obtained in the City
Code: Chapter 31 for Business Tax Receipt and
Chapter 4 for Certificate of Use.
|
