Business Licensing & Operations in Orlando, FL (2026)
4 verified business licensing & operations rules for Orlando, Florida, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Adult Entertainment
Orlando requires every adult bookstore, dancing establishment, motion picture theater, commercial physical contact establishment, or qualifying body art shop to hold a City-issued adult entertainment facility permit before operating. Applicants pay a $750 fee and undergo review by five city departments before the City decides within 35 days.
Orlando Adult Entertainment Facility Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsOrlando City Code § 37.07(a)-(d)
(a)Permit required. It is unlawful to own, operate, manage, direct, or work at an adult entertainment facility unless the facility holds a valid adult entertainment facility permit in accordance with this chapter.(b)Permit classifications. Each adult entertainment facility permit issued in accordance with this chapter must be classified as either (1) an adult bookstore permit, (2) an adult danc...
Massage Establishments
Orlando requires a massage therapist to hold a City Business Tax Receipt, and Section 36.35(163) won't let the City issue that receipt without proof of state licensure first. Separately, Section 58.913 bars 'Massage Establishments' outright from operating as an accessory use tucked inside another business anywhere in the city.
Orlando Massage Therapist Business Tax License
Significant RestrictionsOrlando City Code § 36.35(163)
(163)MASSAGE THERAPIST:(SEE 36.36.(1) NUMBER OF WORKERS SCALE)(CERTIFICATE FROM STATE OF FLORIDA IS REQUIRED BEFORE A BUSINESS TAX RECEIPT MAY BE ISSUED)
Tattoo & Body Modification
Orlando's business tax code makes it unlawful for anyone but a person licensed to practice medicine or dentistry, or someone under that person's direct supervision, to tattoo another person's body. The classification also folds in permanent makeup application and cross-references Florida's tattooing misdemeanor statute.
Orlando Tattooing Restricted to Medical Licensees
Heavy RestrictionsOrlando City Code § 36.35(239)
(239)TATTOOING: Prohibited—It is unlawful for any person to tattoo the body of any human being, except that tattooing may be performed by a person licensed to practice medicine or dentistry or by a person under his general supervision as defined by the Board of Medicine. (SEE Florida Statutes § 877.04.) Tattooing for business taxing purposes shall include Permanent Make-up Application Services.
Towing Companies
Every company that trespass-tows or immobilizes vehicles for profit in Orlando needs a City business tax receipt plus an approved written contract for each property it tows from. § 39.85 sets the licensing mandate; § 39.89 caps what they can charge, from $125 to tow a car up to $500 for the heaviest trucks.
Orlando Tow Truck Company Licensing Rules
Significant RestrictionsOrlando City Code § 39.85(3); § 39.89(1)
(3)Every person, company, corporation, or other entity that owns or operates a service that engages in vehicle trespass towing, removing or immobilization for profit within the City of Orlando must secure and maintain a current occupational license or local business tax receipt issued by the City of Orlando consistent with the provisions of Subsection 36.02(2) and Section 36.03 and any other ap...
Looking for Orange County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Orlando city rules.
Business Licensing & Operations in Orange County →