Key Facts Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources

Miami-Dade County, FL Business Licensing & Operations: Pawnbrokers (2026)

Heavy Restrictions

Verified 1 week ago|Source: Florida Pawnbroking Act →

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Key Facts

State law: FL §539.001
Bond required: $10,000 per location
Service charge cap: 25 percent monthly
Hold after maturity: 30 days

City-specific rules exist: Miami has its own pawnbrokers rules that differ from Miami-Dade County's county-level regulations. If you live in Miami, check the city-specific page instead.

Summary

Pawnbrokers operating in Miami-Dade need a state Florida Pawnbroking Act license under FL Statute 539.001, a county Local Business Tax Receipt, and must report every pledge to MDPD via LeadsOnline within 24 hours of the transaction.

Full Breakdown

Florida's Pawnbroking Act (FL §539.001) is one of the strictest in the nation. Pawnbrokers must obtain a state license from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, post a $10,000 bond per location, and cap monthly service charges at 25 percent of the loan. Pledged items must be held 30 days from the maturity date before resale. Miami-Dade requires daily electronic reporting through LeadsOnline and a Local Business Tax Receipt under Chapter 8A. Pawn shops also fall under MDPD's secondhand-dealer enforcement and are routinely audited for stolen property.

Violations & Fines

Operating without a state pawnbroker license is a third-degree felony under FL §539.001. Failing to report transactions or selling within the hold period leads to license revocation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do pawnbrokers differ from secondhand dealers?

Pawnbrokers lend money against pledged property and must allow redemption. Secondhand dealers buy items outright. Florida regulates each under separate statutes with different hold rules.

What if I cannot pay back the pawn?

After the maturity date plus a 30-day grace period, the pawnbroker takes ownership of the pledged item and may resell it. Your credit is not affected.

How does Miami-Dade County compare?

See how Miami-Dade County's pawnbrokers rules stack up against other locations.

Compare to Another Location View Florida Overview

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Miami-Dade County, FL Business Licensing & Operations: Pawnbrokers (2026)

Key Facts

Summary

Full Breakdown

Violations & Fines

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official References

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