Business Licensing & Operations in Harford County, MD (2026)
4 rules for unincorporated Harford County, Maryland.
Verified from official government sources
Adult Entertainment
Harford County requires a Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits license to operate an adult bookstore, and bans locating one within 1,000 feet of schools, churches, parks, licensed child care, homes, or another adult bookstore.
Harford County Adult Bookstore License Rules
Significant RestrictionsHarford County Code §§ 58-2, 58-9
A person shall not operate an adult bookstore without a license from the Department. ... A person shall not operate an adult bookstore within 1,000 feet of: (1) A house of worship; (2) A public or private elementary or secondary school; (3) A public park; (4) A child care home, child care institution, or family day care home licensed or registered under Maryland law; or (5) A lot devoted to res...
Massage Establishments
Harford County bars anyone from running a massage establishment without a license from the Department of Licenses and Permits, and every massagist must register separately under Section 166-4. Doctors, nurses, hospitals and qualifying health clubs are exempt under Section 166-3.
Harford County Massage Establishment License
Significant RestrictionsHarford County Code § 166-2
It shall be unlawful for any person to maintain, operate or conduct a massage establishment within Harford County without a license issued by the Department of Licenses and Permits, unless exempted in § 166-3.
Pawnbrokers
Every pawnbroker must buy an annual county license before opening in Harford County and pass a state criminal history check under Section 188-3. Pawnbrokers must report every transaction to the Sheriff by noon the next business day and hold items 30 days before resale.
Harford County Pawnbroker License Rules
Significant RestrictionsHarford County Code § 188-3A
Every pawnbroker prior to doing business in the County shall purchase a license for that purpose. Such license shall be for the term of 1 year, beginning on January 1 and expiring on December 31 of the following year. The license shall be issued by the Department at the cost provided in § 157-24 of the County Code. The pawnbroker must also pay any administrative and reporting fees that are requ...
Towing Companies
Harford County requires anyone towing a disabled vehicle from an accident scene to hold a license from the Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits under Chapter 237. Operating unlicensed, or towing after a license is suspended or revoked, is unlawful. The Sheriff's Office dispatches licensed operators from a rotation list, and DILP can revoke a license for rule violations, perjury, bribery or felony convictions.
Harford County Towing License Rules
Some RestrictionsHarford County Code § 237-5
A. It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in towing disabled vehicles from the scene of a motor vehicle accident in the county unless the person is licensed under this chapter and unless the license is not suspended or revoked at the time of towing. B. Nothing in this chapter shall prevent a law enforcement agency from contacting any towing company if special equipment is needed or if an...
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