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

City Code § 82-1 defines a "junk dealer" as anyone in the business of buying, selling or dealing in old junk, metal, bottles, siphons, books or other articles who keeps a store, stand, place of business or junkyard, and a "secondhand dealer" more broadly as any person or entity, other than a state-regulated secondary metals recycler, engaged in purchasing, consigning or pawning secondhand goods, including jewelers, garage sale operators, secondhand stores and consignment shops. Section 82-2(a) requires a written, sworn license application to the chief code enforcement officer listing the applicant's name and residence, the kind of materials to be bought, sold or handled, and the business location, with the applicant accepting that the city commission may suspend or revoke the license for cause after ten days' written notice and a hearing.

Section 82-3 bars any junk or secondhand dealer from buying anything but old rags, paper or bottles from a person under 18 without a parent or guardian's written consent, and bars acquiring goods from anyone visibly intoxicated. Section 82-4 subjects dealer premises to inspection by city authorities at any time, with refusal grounds for suspension. the next day. Section 82-7 separately bars any junk or secondhand dealer from knowingly buying, selling or possessing a vehicle part with a defaced or removed identification number, requiring immediate notice to the police chief if one is offered.