Palm Beach County, FL Business Licensing & Operations: Secondhand Dealers (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit fee
- $350, renews annually
- Renewal deadline
- October 1 each year
- Record retention
- 5 years per transaction
- Holding period
- 15 days before resale
- Business hours ban
- Closed 10 p.m.–8 a.m.
Summary
Palm Beach County requires a sheriff's-office permit before anyone buys, consigns, or pawns secondhand goods, with a $350 fee, mandatory transaction records, and a 15-day holding period on all items.
It shall be unlawful for a person, corporation, or other business entity to engage in the business of purchasing, consigning or pawning secondhand goods within the unincorporated and incorporated areas of the county without first obtaining a permit thereof. All persons applying for a secondhand dealer's permit shall present proof of registration issued by the state Department of Revenue in accordance with F.S. Ch. 538. A secondhand dealer shall also show proof that a county-issued occupational license has been obtained.
Full Breakdown
Under Article IV of the county code, secondhand dealers, pawnbrokers, and consignment shops must obtain an annual permit from the sheriff's office ($350 fee, expires September 30, renews by October 1) and show proof of state Ch. 538 registration and a county occupational license. Dealers must record every transaction, including a thumbprint and photo ID of the seller, deliver a copy to the sheriff's office within 24 hours, retain records for 5 years, and hold acquired goods 15 days before resale. Stores may not operate between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. The article applies in both unincorporated and incorporated areas of the county.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a permit, refusing a records inspection, or violating the holding period is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $500 fine and 60 days in jail per offense; the sheriff or municipal police chief can also deny, suspend, or revoke a dealer's permit after a hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to run a pawn or consignment shop in Palm Beach County?
How long must a Palm Beach County dealer hold goods before reselling them?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Palm Beach County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Palm Beach County to another location·View the Florida business licensing & operations overview
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