Pinellas County, FL Business Licensing & Operations: Pawnbrokers (2026)
Key Facts
- Holding period
- 15 calendar days
- Recordkeeping
- sheriff-form transaction register
- ID required
- government photo ID + thumbprint
- Minors
- no pledges/pawns from under-18s
- Max fine
- $500 per offense
Summary
Pinellas County pawnbrokers must hold every item they buy or take in pledge for 15 calendar days, log each transaction in a sheriff-issued register and check government photo ID on every seller.
Any property obtained by purchase by any of the businesses covered by this article shall be retained in its original condition for a minimum of 15 calendar days, in the possession of the purchaser, provided that nothing in this section shall prevent the sale of such property as long as possession is retained for the 15-day period. This holding period shall not apply to:
(1)A repurchase or redemption by the original seller or pawnor.(2)Transfers between dealers or pawnbrokers licensed in the county or holding state sales tax numbers.(3)Those items excluded from the definition of precious metals in section 26-201 of this article. (Ord. No. 84-17, § 2(e), 5-22-84; Ord. No. 90-91, §§ 3, 4, 12-4-90)
State Law reference— Holding period, F.S. § 538.06.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 124).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 26-208 sets a 15-calendar-day holding period on property a pawnbroker, precious metal dealer or secondhand dealer purchases, running from the purchaser's possession, before resale. Sec. 26-206 requires a transaction register on county sheriff forms recording the seller's description and the item's markings, and Sec. 26-207 requires photo ID plus a signature and thumbprint. Sec. 26-210 bars taking property by pledge, pawn or exchange from anyone under 18.
Violations & Fines
Violations of Article VI are punishable under Sec. 1-8's general penalty, a fine up to $500.00, with each continuing day a separate offense (Sec. 26-202).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long must a Pinellas County pawnbroker hold an item before reselling it?
What ID does a Pinellas County pawnshop need from a seller?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pinellas County
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