Business Tax Receipts

Business Tax Receipt Application

Overview

Any person or business engaging in business activity within city limits must obtain a City Business Tax Receipt (BTR) to operate.  In some cases, if a business performs several functions or has multiple locations, it may be necessary to obtain more than one BTR for that business.

Any person who maintains a permanent or temporary business location or branch office within the City, for the privilege of transacting or engaging in or managing any business, profession, or occupation shall be required to pay a business tax pursuant to Chapter 12, Article II of the Code of Ordinances, this shall include home-based businesses in accordance with Article 7, Section 7.06.03 of the Land Development Code and Florida Statute 559.955.

A separate tax receipt is required for each person engaged in each profession, trade, shop or business, whether or not such businesses are co-located, connected, or operated in conjunction with any other business requiring a tax receipt.

Business Tax Receipts are valid from October 1 to September 30 of the succeeding year and must be renewed every year. Failure to renew a BTR subject the business owner to delinquent fees.

BTR fees are dependent on the nature of the business. Some variables include the gross revenue of business, number of employees, equipment, and seating capacity. To receive an estimate of the BTR fee due, please contact Email Planning Division, or call 850-279-6436 x.1215, or visit our office located at 212 Partin Drive N, Niceville, Florida.

Business Tax Receipts can be paid online by credit card through our Municipal Online Payments portal, or in person by cash, check, or credit card. 

BTR Fee Exemption

In accordance with Florida Statute Chapter 205, certain individuals are eligible for an exemption of the required BTR fee, please see the Fee Exemption Form (PDF) for more information.

Inspections

Prior to purchasing a Business Tax Receipt, please contact the Niceville Fire Inspector at 850-279-6436, ext. 1302 for a fire inspection at the building you intend to do business out of.

City Registrations

All contractors, not regulated by the state, i.e., landscapers, painters, handymen, fence installers, tile setters, etc., who operate their businesses from an address outside of the city limits are required to purchase a City Registration Certificate for $40. 

Requirement for purchasing this license are:   Okaloosa County Business Tax Receipt, General Liability insurance for 100,000.00 and worker’s comp.

Florida Certified Contractors

Florida Certified Contractors are not required to purchase a license with the City of Niceville but must show proof of state license, general liability for 100,000.00 and worker’s comp.

Florida Registered Contractors

Florida Registered Contractors (through Okaloosa County) are not required to purchase a license with the City of Niceville, but must show proof of state license, an Okaloosa County Competency Card, general liability for 100,000.00 and worker’s comp.