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Pursuant to City of Winter Haven Ordinance Article II
Local Occupational License, § 9-26-9-35
An occupational license tax is levied on any person who maintains a permanent
business location or branch office within the City for the privilege of engaging
in or managing any business, profession or occupation within the City of Winter
Haven.
You are conducting business when you do any of the following: sell goods or
services; solicit business and/or offer goods or services for sale, hire, lease
or rent; acquire or use any vehicle, premises, machines or device within the
City; perform a trade or service for any person or business.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
How do I apply for an occupational license?
First, you must complete the occupational license application available in our
office or on our website on the link above. Bring documentation pertaining to your business such
as articles of incorporation, fictitious name registration and county and state
licensing where applicable.
Can I have my business in my home?
It depends. The use of your home as a business location is limited to office
space only. In a home occupation, no walk-up trade, signage, advertising of the
home address or storage of vehicles and equipment is allowed. Our Planning
Division staff reviews all applications and will advise if there are zoning
restrictions preventing issuance of a home occupational permit.
What is the cost of an occupation license in Winter Haven, Florida?
License fees vary depending on the type of occupation. We accept cash or check
for payment.
How long will it take to get the license?
The completed application is forwarded to City planners for review and approval.
This takes no more than five (5) business days. Our office will contact you to
either pick up your license or have it mailed.
Is this the only license needed to open a business?
No, before you can obtain your City license, you must first get a Polk County
license. The County office is located at 430 East Main Street, Bartow, Florida. Since
this is a separate agency, we suggest calling the Occupational Licenses-Polk County Tax Collector's Office at (863) 534-4700 to see what
information is required.
Is this license good for as long as I have my business?
An occupational license is issued for a fiscal year beginning October 1st and
ending on September 30th of the following year. Renewal notices are mailed in
August to allow time for processing payments, printing and mailing renewed
licenses.
What if I am late renewing my license?
Licenses not renewed by October 1st are subject to a penalty of up to 25% of the
total cost of the license. This is pursuant to § 205.0535. The fee schedule follows:
After:
October 15th: an additional 10% will be added.
November 15th: an additional 15% will be added.
December 15th: an additional 20% will be added.
January 15th: an additional 25% will be added.
What if I relocate my business within Winter Haven, change the name or close
my business?
If you move, change the name or sell your business, you need to follow the same
requirements as you would for a new occupational license. Bring in the current license,
supporting documents and complete a new application showing all new
information. There is a $3.00 transfer fee for processing. If you are closing
your business, notify the City in writing to inactivate the license to avoid any
additional fees.
FREQUENTLY CALLED NUMBERS:
Department of Professional Regulation
Tallahassee, Florida
Phone: (850) 487-2252
Fictitious Name Filing
Phone: (850) 488-9000
Polk County Occupational License
Bartow Tax Collectors Office
Phone: (863) 534-4700
State License - Food Service
Division of Hotels and Restaurants
Tampa, Florida
Phone: (813) 533-3398
Florida Department of Motor Vehicles
Tampa, Florida
Phone: (813) 975-6564
Alcoholic Beverage License
Tampa, Florida 813-272-2610
Orlando, Florida
Phone: (407) 245-0785
Winter Haven Fire Inspection
Winter Haven, Florida
Phone: (863) 291-5692
Winter Haven Building Department
Winter Haven, Florida
Phone: (863) 291-5695
Winter Haven Engineering Department
Winter Haven, Florida
Phone: (863) 291-5629
Winter Haven Police Department
Winter Haven, Florida
Phone: (863) 291-5858
Winter Haven Code Enforcement
Winter Haven, Florida
Phone: (863) 291-5697
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