West Palm Beach, FL Business Licensing & Operations: Secondhand Dealers (2026)

Article X of Chapter 22 covers any secondhand goods dealer, consignment shop, or precious metals dealer that buys, trades, or consigns used property such as jewelry, electronics, clothing, or household goods, but the article expressly excludes licensed pawnbrokers and dealers in motor vehicles (§ 22-405). No one may operate without first obtaining a local business tax receipt under Chapter 82, Article V, and a certificate of use under Chapter 22, Article II (§§ 22-406, 22-407). The application must include fingerprints and a current photo ID for a police background check, and the police department must report its findings within 30 days; applicants must show good moral character and no conviction within the preceding ten years for offenses including drug crimes, burglary, robbery, receiving stolen property, forgery, or any crime of violence (§ 22-408).

Every dealer must file a written affidavit agreeing not to buy serial-numbered items such as cameras, computers, TVs, or power tools unless the serial number is visible (§ 22-409). Each transaction must be recorded on a city-approved form within 24 hours, including the item's brand, model, and serial number, and the seller's name, address, driver's license number, physical description, and right thumbprint; completed forms must stay on the premises for three years (§ 22-413). 083 if they accept title instead of possession (§ 22-414). , from anyone visibly intoxicated, or from anyone under 18 without a parent's written consent (§ 22-415).

Suspicious sellers must be reported to police at once (§ 22-416). Exemptions cover nonprofits, court officers, garage sales held fewer than ten weekends a year, flea markets, licensed auctioneers, and antique dealers buying at a seller's residence under a written agreement (§ 22-412).