Real Estate Buying Guide
Volusia - Flagler - Palm Beach Counties
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Business Tax Receipts
Local Business Tax Receipts
The City of Palm Coast Code of Ordinances, Chapter 16 defines a business as any activity, enterprise, profession, joint venture or occupation whether or not for profit conducted within the city, of such nature that it provides either a product or a service to patrons, clients or customers.
This includes every business operation advertised at an address within the city by sign, newspaper, or other media.
How Do I Apply?
A Local Business Tax Receipt can be obtained from Palm Coast City Hall located at 160 Lake Avenue, Palm Coast, FL, 32164, or you may request information by phone at (386) 986-3766.
Applications for Local Business Tax Receipts can be obtained on the bottom of this page.
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Businesses operating from a commercial location within the City of Palm Coast must first obtain an Occupancy Permit from the Building Department.
Please contact the Building Department directly for details on how to obtain an Occupancy Permit at (386) 986-3780.
A Local Business Tax Receipt will not be issued to a commercial location within the City without an Occupancy Permit.
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Businesses intending to operate from a home within the City of Palm Coast must agree to abide by Section 4.12 of the City Code.
By signing & dating where indicated on the Business Tax application you are agreeing to these, as stated.
For questions regarding Home Occupations, contact the Business Tax Department at (386)986-3766.
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Businesses operating from an existing commercial location within the City of Palm Coast, please complete Local Business Tax Application Form and the Declaration for Renovation & Remodeling Form (this pertains to existing buildings/units).
The Declaration Form will be reviewed by our Planning/Zoning department & the Building department.
Once this review is complete, the Business Tax Receipt department will contact you.
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For business with locations outside of the City of Palm Coast, a Local Business Tax Receipt may be required.
A business performing a service in Palm Coast will need to present a copy of their current Business Tax Receipt from the City/County their business is located in order to obtain a City of Palm Coast Local Business Tax Receipt.
To help determine if a Local Business Tax Receipt is required, contact us at (386) 986-3766.
How Do I Apply?
A Solicitors Permit application must be made in person and requires a valid City of Palm Coast Business Tax Receipt along with photo identification.
Solicitation Permits require a criminal background check. Real estate brokers and sales associates are exempt from the background check provided that they can supply a copy of their Florida real estate license.
Solicitors Permits are valid for 1 year from issuance. There is a $55.00 administrative fee associated with this permit.
Solicitors must make application for the permit at Palm Coast City Hall located at 160 Lake Avenue, Palm Coast, Florida.
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For more information, contact the City of Palm Coast Business Tax Receipt Department at (386) 986-3766.
Ficticious Names
If you are advertising or doing business under any name other than your own personal name or your Florida Corporate name you must file for a fictitious name registration.
(DBA's are not acceptable).
Website: www.Sunbiz.org.
Foreign Corporations
Corporations formed in states other than Florida must be registered as a foreign corporation with the Florida division of corporations.
Please contact Florida Division of Corporations (850) 245-6058 for more information.
Website: www.Sunbiz.org.
State Licensing
Some occupations require confirmation of State licensing prior to issuance of the Local Business Tax Receipt.
Questions regarding State Licensing requirements for occupations such as contractors, electricians, plumbers, roofers, realtors and cosmetology, hotels & restaurants etc. should be directed to Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation at (850) 487-1395 or visit their website at www.myfloridalicense.com.
***If you are a Certified Contractor with the Department of Business & Professional Regulation and the business address is not in the City of Palm Coast, you do not need to obtain a Local Business Tax Receipt.***
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Businesses such as sellers of travel, health studios, telemarketing, dance studios, pawn shops, motor vehicle repair shops and intrastate moving companies, pest control etc. are regulated by the Florida Division of Consumer Services.
For questions regarding licensing/permit requirements contact the Florida Division of Consumer Services at (800) 435-7452 or visit their site at www.800helpfla.com.
Businesses such as hotels, restaurants and other eating establishments are regulated by the Florida Division of Hotels & Restaurants.
For information regarding these licenses, contact the Florida Division of Hotels & Restaurants at (850) 487-1395 or visit their website at www.state.fl.us/dbpr/hr.
You can determine whether your business is regulated by the state of Florida by visiting the State of Florida website at www.stateofflorida.com.
Consumer Problems
The Flagler County Board of County Commissioners established the Contractor Review Board to insure proper administration of contractor licensing and discipline of licenses.
For contracting issues within the City of Palm Coast call (386)986-3774.
The Florida Division of Consumer Services is to protect, inform & empower Florida's consumers and businesses while promoting a positive business environment.
For more information, contact the Division of Consumer Services at (800) 435-7352 or visit their website at www.800helpfla.com.
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The Better Business Bureau is a business-sponsored, non-profit organization promoting ethical standards of business practices for the protection of the general public through voluntary self-regulation and monitoring activities.
The Better Business Bureau's area of emphasis includes pre-purchase reliability reports on businesses, mediation-arbitration, monitoring of advertising, services for resolving consumer and business disputes, and consumer education and information.
If you suspect consumer fraud or would like to receive more information or file a complaint, contact the Better Business Bureau of Northeast Florida at (904) 721-2288 or visit their website at http://www.bbb.org.