Commercial Business Tax Receipt & Certificate of Use

Opening a NEW Business in a Commercial Location

If you are a first time applicant wishing to conduct a business out of a commercial or industrial location, a Business Tax Receipt and/or Certificate of Use is required and may be obtained in 5 simple steps. 

Step 1 - Verify Allowance and Standards: Determine where you would like to operate your business. Consult the Planning and Zoning Department to verify that your proposed business is located inside the City limits and is zoned appropriately for the property in question by filling out a New Business Information Form (PDF).

Step 2 - Application and Plan Requirements: Download and complete the Commercial Business Tax Receipt Application Packet (PDF) in its entirety.

Step 3- Submit: Submit the completed application, associated documents, and fees by one of the following ways:

  • In Person: City Hall - Planning and Zoning, Building A 1st Floor between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday - Friday;
  • By Mail: City of St. Cloud, 1300 9th Street, Attn. Licensing, St. Cloud, FL 34769

Step 4- Staff Review: Staff will review the proposed request for compliance with City standards and will offer any applicable comments.

Step 5- License Inspection and Issuance: Once approved, staff will schedule an inspection with the Fire Marshal and obtain approval. After receiving your Business Tax Receipt and Certificate of Use, it must be displayed conspicuously at your place of business and in such a manner as to be open to the view of the public and subject to inspection by all duly authorized officers of the City.

State License(s)

There are certain types of businesses that are state regulated professions, and required to show a state license, registration or other certification to obtain a new Business Tax Receipt and Certificate of Use.

For more information about how the Planning and Zoning Department can assist you or your business, please call 407-957-8422, email us at St. Cloud Business Licenses or stop by the office located in Building A of St. Cloud City Hall.