Secondhand dealers in Tampa must register under Florida Statute 538, report daily transactions to law enforcement through LeadsOnline, hold purchases for 30 days, and obtain a Tampa business tax receipt before opening.
Under Florida Statute Chapter 538, anyone buying used goods such as electronics, jewelry, tools, or sports equipment for resale qualifies as a secondhand dealer. Tampa dealers must register with the Florida Department of Revenue, pay a state registration fee, and submit daily transaction reports listing seller IDs and item descriptions through systems like LeadsOnline. A 30-day holding period applies before resale to support stolen-property recovery by Tampa Police. Dealers must additionally hold a city business tax receipt and comply with zoning rules under Tampa Code Chapter 24.
Failing to register, skipping daily reports, or selling within the 30-day hold period is a misdemeanor or felony under FS 538. Tampa code enforcement adds civil fines and permit revocation.
See how Tampa's secondhand dealers rules stack up against other locations.
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