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Lafayette Parish, LA Business Licensing & Operations: Secondhand Dealers (2026)

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

Key Facts

Permit fee
$50 annually, expires Dec. 31
Bond required
$2,500 surety bond
Holding period
30 days before resale
Territorial scope
City of Lafayette only
Records retention
Kept 3 years, police-inspectable

Summary

The City of Lafayette requires secondhand and junk dealers to hold an annual permit, backed by a $2,500 bond, before buying or reselling used goods: the rule applies only inside city limits, not the wider parish.

City-specific rules exist: Lafayette has its own secondhand dealers rules that differ from Lafayette Parish's county-level regulations. If you live in Lafayette, check the city-specific page instead.

Any person engaged in the business of a secondhand dealer must first have obtained a permit in accordance with the provisions of this division. This permit shall be displayed in public view at the place of business for which the permit was issued.

View 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 65).

Full Breakdown

Secondhand dealers, buyers and sellers of used jewelry, tools, firearms, appliances, and similar goods, must get an annual permit from Lafayette's administrative services department before operating. Applicants need a $2,500 surety bond, sworn character references from three city taxpayers, and a clean record: no felony theft or stolen-property convictions, ever. Permits cost $50, expire December 31, and require reapplication yearly. Dealers must log every transaction with the seller's ID and hold acquired goods 30 days before resale or alteration. This article applies only inside the city limits, not the unincorporated parish, and not Broussard, Carencro, Duson, Scott, Youngsville, or Milton.

Violations & Fines

First violation suspends the permit 15 days; second violation, 30 days; a third violation revokes it permanently: the department can never reissue a revoked secondhand dealer permit to that person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this permit apply outside Lafayette city limits?
No. Sec. 90-32 limits the article to the city; Broussard, Carencro, Duson, Scott, Youngsville, and Milton set their own rules, and unincorporated parish areas aren't covered.
Can a felony theft conviction disqualify an applicant?
Yes. Sec. 90-53 bars anyone convicted of felony theft, or of receiving or possessing stolen property, from holding a secondhand dealer permit in Lafayette.
Is there a yard-sale exemption?
Yes. Private yard, carport, or garage sales in residential areas are exempt, as long as they're held no more than four days in any calendar month.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lafayette Parish

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Water RestrictionsSome RestrictionsAuto Repair on Residential PropertySignificant RestrictionsAdult EntertainmentSignificant RestrictionsTowing CompaniesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Rainwater HarvestingFew RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Native PlantsFew RestrictionsTrash & Recycling: Yard Waste CollectionSome Restrictions

All Lafayette Parish rules

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Secondhand Dealers in Cities Across Lafayette Parish

Lafayette, LA