Monroe County, FL Business Licensing & Operations: Secondhand Dealers (2026)
Key Facts
- Scrap metal processor tax
- $150.00
- Junk dealer tax
- $100.00
- Traveling junk dealer tax
- $30.00
- Extra condition
- Proof of collection agreement (§ 23-76(a))
- Renewal
- Blocked without proof each year
Summary
Monroe County taxes junk dealers, scrap metal processors and traveling junk dealers as separate business classifications, and conditions their receipt on more than payment. Monroe County Code § 23-96 sets a $150.00 tax for scrap metal processors and $100.00 for junk dealers, § 23-97 sets $30.00 for traveling junk dealers, and § 23-76(a) requires every traveling junk dealer to prove it has a current commercial solid waste collection agreement before the county will issue or renew the receipt.
All mobile traveling junk dealer businesses operating in unincorporated Monroe County obtaining a business tax for the first time must complete the tax form prepared by the county tax collector and shall provide proof of a current commercial collection service agreement pursuant to subsection 21-74(2) of the Monroe County Code. Thereafter, all mobile traveling junk dealer businesses operating in unincorporated Monroe County renewing a business tax must continue to submit proof of a current commercial collection service agreement pursuant to subsection 21-74(2) of the Monroe County Code along with the renewal fee. The business tax will not be issued or renewed until proof of a current commercial collection service agreement is provided. ... (a)Every person in business as a scrap metal processor must pay a business tax of $150.00.(b)Every person in business as a junk dealer must pay a business tax of $100.00. ... Each person who travels from place to place purchasing junk must pay a business tax of $30.00.
Full Breakdown
00. 00 tax. All three classifications sit inside the same 'Junk' definition in § 23-71, which covers old or scrap copper, brass, rope, rags, batteries, paper, rubber, and junked, dismantled or wrecked automobiles or their parts. Section 23-76(a) layers an extra condition specifically onto mobile traveling junk dealers: before the county will issue a first-time business tax, and before it will renew one in later years, the dealer must submit proof of a current commercial solid waste collection service agreement under § 21-74(2) of the county code, and the tax collector will not issue or renew the receipt without that proof.
Violations & Fines
Operating as a junk dealer, scrap metal processor or traveling junk dealer without first paying the applicable classified tax, or a traveling dealer renewing without proof of a current commercial collection agreement under § 23-76(a), is a violation of § 23-77 and blocks issuance of the Local Business Tax Receipt. Late payment brings the § 23-79 delinquency schedule: 10 percent in October, 5 percent more each following month up to 25 percent, and civil penalties up to $250.00 after 150 days unpaid.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a junk dealer license cost in Monroe County?
What's the difference between a junk dealer and a traveling junk dealer?
Do traveling junk dealers need anything besides the tax payment?
Can my traveling junk dealer tax be renewed automatically?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Monroe County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Monroe County 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.