Local Business Tax

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If you engage in, manage or operate a business, profession, occupation or vacation rental within the City of Punta Gorda, it is necessary to obtain a Local Business Tax Receipt. If your business has more than one location, a separate Receipt is required. Payment of the tax does not certify or imply any competence of the licensee. Businesses must comply with zoning codes, inspection requirements and any other applicable provisions of Punta Gorda Code.

The State of Florida offers a helpful How To Guide with basic information for opening a business.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Once you have established your business and selected a business location, an Application for Local Business Tax Receipt should be submitted along with all required documentation to the City Clerk’s Office. Documentation requirements are outlined within the Application.

All businesses including Vacation Rentals located within the City of Punta Gorda are also required to obtain a Charlotte County Business Tax Receipt. Contact the Charlotte County Tax Collectors Office for more information.

TRANSFERRING A TAX RECEIPT

To relocate (within the City limits) or transfer ownership of an existing business, you must submit a new Application for Local Business Tax Receipt to the City Clerk’s Office along with all required documents and payment. Applications with incomplete information or missing documentation cannot be processed.

BUSINESS TAX RECEIPT RENEWALS

Receipts expire annually on September 30th. Annual renewal notices are emailed in July/August of each year. Payment must be received prior to September 30th to avoid late penalties.

CLASSIFICATION AND ANNUAL FEE SCHEDULE
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL:	Any business or occupation regulated by any State or Federal Regulatory Agency. Photocopies of all regulatory licenses, certificates, bar cards, etc. Required. Annual Tax $105.oo Additional Locations $52.50
NON-LICENSED POFESSIONAL:	Based on Number of Employees 1 to 19 employees $63.00 20 to 39 employees $131.25 40 plus employees $157.50 Additional locations $31.50
MOBILE FOOD VENDING:	State license required. Property Owner Affidavit and Site Plan required, (except for construction sites). Annual Tax $63.00 Additional Vehicles $31.50
VEHICLE FOR HIRE:	Zoning Permit Required. Annual Tax $63.00
NON-RESIDENT INSURANCE COMPANY:	Annual Tax $105.00
COIN OPERATED/VENDING MACHINES:	Based on Number of Machines. A list of machine locations must be attached to this application. Vending machines are not permitted outdoors. Annual tax $63.00 plus $1.00 per vending machine
HOME BASED BUSINESS:	Affidavit for Limited Home Occupation required. Annual Tax: Licensed Professional $105.00 Non State Licensed Professional $63.00
PUBLIC LODGING ESTABLISHMENT: (Hotels, Vacation Rentals, etc.)	State of Florida License for Public Lodging required. Annual Tax $63.00
FLEA MARKET:	Based on average number of vendors during the previous fiscal year. Annual Tax $63.00 per vendor
FEE EXEMPT:	Proof of exemption in accordance with Florida State Statute 205.055 is required.
Pro-Rated Fees: New businesses opening after March 30^th pay a pro-rated tax for the first year equal to 50% of the annual fee. Late fees begin accruing on October 1st. Penalties are 10% after October 1st; 15% after November 1st; 20% after December 1st and 25% after January 1st.

PAYMENT OPTIONS

Pay Online: Businesses classified as non-state-licensed professions with a valid PIN and a Visa, Mastercard or Discover credit card may pay online.
Pay by phone: Credit card payment can be made by calling (941)575-3369.
Pay by mail: Make checks payable to the City of Punta Gorda and mail to the City Clerk’s Office, 326 West Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda FL 33950.
Pay in person: Cash, check or credit card accepted at 117 Herald Court, Unit 211, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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