Does Jacksonville, FL have its own secondhand dealers ordinance?

No. Jacksonville, FL does not appear to have a local secondhand dealers ordinance, Florida state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from Florida Statute §538.04.

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Jacksonville

Jacksonville, FL Business Licensing & Operations: Secondhand Dealers (2026)

Significant Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Licensing agency: Jacksonville Sheriff's Office
Permit renewal: Annually by September 30
Report deadline: Within 24 hours of acquisition
Holding period: 7 business days (secondhand articles)
Record retention: At least 1 year

Summary

Junk dealers, junk gatherers, and secondhand dealers in Jacksonville must hold a Sheriff-issued permit before doing business, renewed annually by September 30.

No person shall engage in any of the businesses regulated by this Chapter without a permit from the Sheriff. Permits shall be issued upon application stating: (a) The name and age of the applicant or, in the case of a business entity, the names and ages of its principals and officers; (b) The type of permit desired and the location of the business; and (c) Such other information as is required by law...

Source: Florida Statute §538.04View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 6 Update 1).

Full Breakdown

Ordinance Code Chapter 185 requires anyone dealing in junk or secondhand articles to get a permit from the Sheriff's Office, which can be denied to applicants under 18, felons convicted within five years, or prior Chapter 185 violators. Dealers must report acquisitions to the Sheriff within 24 hours, keep purchase records (item description, seller's name and ID number) for at least a year, and hold secondhand articles seven business days and junk five business days before resale so law enforcement can investigate. Junk dealers also can't buy from anyone under 18 or transact after 6 p.m. on weekdays or weekends.

Violations & Fines

Unlawful; punishable as a class C offense. A second conviction lets the Sheriff revoke the permit under Sec. 185.106.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who issues secondhand dealer permits in Jacksonville?

The Sheriff, not a city licensing office. Chapter 185 puts permitting and enforcement in the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.

How long must a dealer hold purchased items?

Secondhand dealers hold items 7 business days after reporting to the Sheriff; junk dealers hold junk 5 business days, per Sec. 185.205 and 185.303.

Sources & Official References

[1]Jacksonville Ordinance Code Ch. 185 (Municode)

Other rules in Jacksonville

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome Restrictions PawnbrokersSignificant Restrictions Towing CompaniesSignificant Restrictions Auto Repair on Residential PropertySignificant Restrictions Massage EstablishmentsSome Restrictions Adult EntertainmentSignificant Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Neighbor Fence RulesSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome Restrictions

All Jacksonville rules

Florida rules heatmap·Compare Jacksonville to another location·View the Florida business licensing & operations overview

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.