Business Tax Receipts (BTR)

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The Business Tax Receipt process is a part of the Code Compliance Division within the Planning and Development Department. It is responsible for the issuance and maintenance of all Business Tax Receipts within the city of Clearwater, as defined through Chapter 29 of the Code of Ordinances.

  • The business tax year is from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30 and renews annually regardless of when the BTR is obtained.

Apply Online

Step 1.Types of Business Tax Receipts

  • Business Tax Receipt: Required for all businesses located within the city limits of Clearwater prior to opening a business or practicing a profession.
  • Home-Based Business: Requires a Business Tax Receipt plus an additional affidavit.
  • Residential Rental: Requires additional information as part of the Business Tax Receipt application.

The city of Clearwater requires different supporting documentation, approvals and fees depending on the type of business and location where it is operating. Applications can be submitted online. If you are operating without a Business Tax Receipt, you can be cited by a city inspector, given a Notice to Appear before the County Court, or a Notice of Violation can be given resulting in an appearance before the city's Municipal Code Enforcement Board. Failure to comply can result in fines or liens.

Step 2.Before you apply

Step 3.Online Applications

Step 4.Forms and Documents

Additional city-required forms and affidavits are listed below to download and fill out as needed. These will be uploaded with your application.

Step 5.Supplemental Forms

  • Fictitious Name Registration: Required if your business name does not contain your legal name (first and last name) and is not exempt from filing by 865.09(7) F.S.- sunbiz.org
  • Corporation Filing with the State of Florida: Required if your business name is INC, TM, LP or LLC - sunbiz.org
  • Pinellas County Certification or State License for Contractors: Submit copy of license - pcclb.com or myflorida.com
  • State License or Inspection Report for Restaurants or Food Service Businesses: myfloridalicense.com/dbpr or 800helpfla.com
  • Professionals Licensed by the State: myfloridalicense.com/dbpr or 800helpfla.com

Step 6.Review Process

  • Some business classifications may require both internal and external department approvals prior to issuing the BTR.
  • BTR is not valid until approved and final payment is collected.
  • Processing times may vary.

Step 7.Questions? Contact the BTR division at (727) 562-4005 or email BTR@myclearwater.com.

Online Payments and Renewals

Step 1.To Pay for a New Business Tax Receipt or Renew a Business Tax Receipt

Visit the ePermitting Website

Type your BTR Number in the top right corner search bar.

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Step 2.Click on "Payments"

Then click on "Pay Fees"

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Step 3.Review your fees and click "Continue Application"

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Pay your fee with a credit card. Your BTR is not active and valid until you pay for it.

The following payment types are accepted with no service charge: Check, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. 

Step 4.Your BTR will be mailed to you after the payment is made.

  • Contact the BTR division by emailing BTR@myclearwater.com or calling (727) 562-4005 and notify the city of any changes such as business or mailing address, name, ownership information or if the business is moving out of city limits or closing.
  • Failure to update the business information could result in unnecessary fees.
  • Email supporting documents and completed forms to: BTR@myclearwater.com
  • The city of Clearwater will no longer be issuing registrations for businesses that are located outside of the city limits but do come into the city of Clearwater to conduct business.
  • If you previously had a REG# issued from the Business Tax Receipt department, you will not need to renew this moving forward.
  • Some licensed contractors (that are required to pull permits) are still required to register their license with the city and should contact epermit@myclearwater.com or 727-562-4567 for additional direction and to see if your business applies.

Contact Us

Phone

(727) 562-4005

Email

BTR@myclearwater.com

Location

2741 State Road 580
Clearwater
33761
View Map

Business Tax Receipt Fees

Appendix A - Schedule of Fees, Rates and Charges

Printable Brochure

Obtaining a Business Tax Receipt

Printable Applications

Contractor Registration

Professionals performing work within Clearwater city limits and DO NOT carry a state (DBPR) or local (PCCLB) license, must first register their business with our Building Department prior to obtaining permits.

Please complete and submit the contractor registration form and contractor affidavit to ePermit@myclearwater.com to become registered:

Related Resources

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