Lauderhill, FL Business Licensing & Operations: Pawnbrokers (2026)

Chapter 12, Article IV, Sections 12-76 through 12-81 of the City Code license and regulate pawnbrokers, defined as a person or business entity licensed to lend money at a legally specified interest rate on personal property left as security. Section 12-77 requires every pawnbroker to keep a complete and clear record of every article pawned or purchased, identified by size, make, model, color and serial number, with the date received and other identifying details. Anyone selling or pawning an item must present positive identification such as a driver's license with photograph, and the record must include the seller's full name, address, phone number, sex, race and date of birth.

Section 12-78 requires those records to be kept in duplicate and furnished to the chief of police on demand, at regular intervals or otherwise. Section 12-79 requires pawnshops to remain open to police visitation and inspection; if a pawnbroker refuses inspection or refuses to furnish the required records, the mayor can order the shop closed immediately after investigating the refusal, and the city council can then revoke the pawnbroker's occupational license after a hearing. Section 12-80 flatly bars pawnbrokers from buying, taking or receiving any property by pledge, pawn or exchange from anyone under 18. Section 12-53's fee schedule sets the pawnbroker local business tax at $703.55, the same rate charged to auction stores.