Margate, FL Local Taxes & Fees: Business Tax Classification (2026)
Key Facts
- Authority
- Margate Code § 25-11, Schedule of Business Taxes
- Tax due date
- October 1, receipt expires September 30
- Half-year rate
- One-half tax from April 1 to September 30
- Transfer fee
- $5.00 within ten days of sale
- Delinquency penalty cap
- 25 percent of the business tax
- Sample rates
- Bakery $125, beauty shop $90 to $140
Summary
In the City of Margate, Section 25-11 levies a local business tax on every business, profession or occupation and fixes an annual amount for each listed classification, such as $125 for a first bakery or $90 for a small beauty shop. Payment is a prerequisite to opening, and receipts expire each September 30.
There is hereby levied a local business tax on all persons engaged in or managing any business, profession or occupation within the corporate limits of the city. The payment of such business tax shall be deemed a prerequisite condition to the right to commence business or the right to commence any commercial activity associated with the business to which such local business tax receipt would apply. Unless otherwise provided herein, the amount of the annual local business tax with respect to each classification hereinafter described is hereby fixed as follows: ... (22)BAKERIES, wholesale and/or retail. . .(a)First store . .125.00(b)Additional stores, each . .75.00(23)BARBERSHOPS. . .(a)For each chair contained therein, whether operated or not . .25.00(b)Bootblack stands, each operator . .8.75(c)Manicurist, each . .12.50(24)BEAUTY SHOPS. . .(a)One to three (3) operators . .90.00(b)Over three (3) operators . .140.00
Full Breakdown
Section 25-11 of the Margate Code levies a local business tax on all persons engaged in or managing any business, profession or occupation within the corporate limits and calls payment a prerequisite condition to commencing business or any related commercial activity. The amount depends on the classification in the Schedule of Business Taxes, an alphabetical list of numbered categories. Bakeries, wholesale or retail, pay $125 for the first store and $75 for each additional store. Barbershops pay $25 for each chair, operated or not, $8.75 for each bootblack stand operator and $12.50 for each manicurist. Beauty shops pay $90 with one to three operators and $140 with more than three. Corporate office administration is $125, bowling alleys pay $25 per lane, auction companies pay $1,500, and pawnbrokers pay $840.
Section 25-1 requires a separate receipt for each business at each permanent location and each branch office. Under Section 25-7, a classified business needs its own tax even when connected to another business. Section 25-12 grants a new or transferred receipt only if the use complies with city land use, zoning, building and fire codes.
Receipts are due by October 1 and expire September 30. Applicants pay the full tax from October 1 to April 1 and one-half from April 1 to September 30. A receipt transfers for $5.00 within ten days of a bona fide sale, or from one location to another in the city on written request. Section 25-8 exempts charitable, religious, fraternal, youth, civic and service organizations whose fund-raising is done only by members and used only for their activities, and applies exemptions under Florida Statutes. Section 25-4 deducts a ten percent service charge from any rebate.
Violations & Fines
Under Section 25-5, a receipt not renewed by October 1 is delinquent: a ten percent penalty for October, plus five percent for each later month, capped at twenty-five percent of the tax. Section 25-6 adds a fee equal to twenty-five percent of the annual tax if the lapse passes ninety days. Refusing the business tax inspector is punishable by a fine up to $500 or up to ninety days in jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has to pay Margate's local business tax?
How much of the tax do I pay if I open mid-year in Margate?
What happens if I renew my Margate business tax receipt late?
Do I need zoning approval before getting a Margate receipt?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Margate
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Margate to another location·View the Florida local taxes & fees overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Business Tax Classification in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Broward County handle business tax classification.