Anyone operating a home-based business in Fort Lauderdale must obtain a City Business Tax Receipt (BTR) under Chapter 15, Article II of the Code of Ordinances before engaging in business, just as any other business must. Florida Statute 559.955 confirms a home-based business is subject only to the same business taxes under Chapter 205 that apply to comparable businesses.
Fort Lauderdale Code of Ordinances Chapter 15 (Business Tax Receipts and Miscellaneous Business Regulations), Article II, requires any person who maintains a permanent business location within the city, including a residence used as a home-based business, to register with the Business Tax Division and pay for a Business Tax Receipt on or before October 1 of each year and always before engaging in the business, profession, or occupation (Sec. 15-28). A separate receipt is required for each place of business and for each business classification at the same location. The city's authority to levy this tax flows from Florida Statute 205.042, which lets an incorporated municipality 'levy, by appropriate resolution or ordinance, a business tax for the privilege of engaging in or managing any business, profession, or occupation within its jurisdiction.' Under Florida Statute 559.955(2)(c), a qualifying home-based business 'is only subject to applicable business taxes under chapter 205 in the county and municipality in which the home-based business is located,' so the city may require the BTR but may not impose a different or heavier licensing regime than it does on comparable non-home businesses. Applications are filed online through the city's LauderBuild portal.
Operating without a required Business Tax Receipt is enforced under Chapter 15. Section 15-27 imposes a penalty on persons who engage in business without first obtaining the receipt; the receipt must be obtained before commencing business and delinquent taxes accrue statutory penalties under Chapter 205. Continued operation without a BTR may also draw code-compliance citations.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
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Fort Lauderdale, FL
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Fort Lauderdale, FL
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Fort Lauderdale, FL
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Fort Lauderdale, FL
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Fort Lauderdale, FL
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