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1. How do I to make an online payment?

Visit the online payments link and follow the steps below. 

Step 1 - Click on "Make a Payment" 

Step 2 - On the Make a Payment window, enter the Application Number and click "Find". 

Step 3 - Select the application by clicking the checkmark in the results and you will see a list of fees associated with the application number. Confirm the fees and then click "Checkout." On the screens that follow, enter payment information and complete the transaction. 

2. Do I Need a Business Tax Receipt for a Home-Based Business?

All home-based businesses need a business tax receipt. However, a Certificate of Use is not required. Sec. 98-91 (a) of the City of Deerfield Beach Land Development Code States: 

Permitted home occupations operated in any dwelling unit may be operated only if they comply with all of the following conditions: 

Where permitted: Within a residential dwelling unit and only by the person or persons occupying that dwelling therein and no additional employees shall be permitted. Evidence of use: Storage of materials and/or equipment, signs and/or advertising displays, motor vehicles (other than the owner's noncommercial vehicles) or any other indication that said premises is being used commercially is hereby prohibited. Size: Does not exceed 20 percent of the total living area of the dwelling unit within which it is located. Permitted uses: Includes not more than one of the following uses, provided that such uses are clearly minor and secondary to the use of the dwelling unit for residential purposes.

• Arts and crafts;
• Custom dressmaker, tailor, seamstress or milliner;
• Artist or musician;
• Tutoring for not more than one student at a time;
• Professional offices (excluding medical or dental) and other business offices (excluding any general business use which normally utilizes vehicular equipment in the normal course of operation, i.e., lawn and pool maintenance, towing service, carpet cleaning, building trades, etc.)
• Family home day care (in compliance with F.S. Ch. 402.313)

3. Where Can I Obtain a Certificate of Use and/or a Business Tax Receipt Application?

Both Business Tax Receipt and Certificate of Use applications along with instructions are available to download for your convenience under the "Applications & Information" section of this web page.

4. Do Business Tax Receipts Expire?

All receipts issued shall expire on the 30th day of September of each year. No receipt shall be issued for more than one year.

5. Is There a Different Price for a Full and Half Year Tax Receipts?

For each receipt obtained on October 1st through March 31st, the full tax for one year shall be paid. For each receipt obtained on April 1st through September 30th, one half (1/2) the full tax for one year shall be paid.

6. How Do I Renew?

Each year, the City will begin sending renewal notices in July. However, if the renewal notice is not received, it is still the responsibility of the business owner to ensure that their business tax is renewed prior to September 30th of each year. Failure to receive a renewal reminder notice will not exempt business owners from paying any penalties for late payment.

7. Who Should I Contact for Zoning Information?

All business tax receipts must be approved by Planning & Zoning. Contact the Planning & Zoning Division at 954-480-4206 to determine if the proposed use is permitted prior to filling out an application. 

8. Where Do I Post My Tax Receipt?

All businesses are required to post the tax receipt on-site in a conspicuous place.

9. What Is the Penalty for Failure to Pay the Business Tax?

For any person who engages in any business within the City without first obtaining a BTR, the penalty is up to 25% of the business tax due, in addition to any other penalty provided by law or ordinance. Persons who do not pay the required taxes within 150 days after initial notice of the tax being due are subject to a penalty equal to the annual amount of the Business Tax or $250.00, whichever is less, in addition to possible civil action and penalties. Penalties cannot be waived as the City Code does not provide for administrative relief by staff, administrators or elected officials. 

Schedule  - Percentage Added to Toal Renewal Tax
(For illustration, based on the original fee of $150.00) 

Month	October	November	December	January
Penalty Percentage	10%	15%	20%	25%
Total Renewal Tax Example	$165.00	$172.50	$180.00	$187.50

10. Can I Transfer my Business Tax Receipt (BTR) to a New Location and/or to a New Owner?

Transfers of the business location, name change, and change of ownership are charged a Transfer fee of 10% of the original cost fee, up to a maximum of $25.00. The ORIGINAL Business Tax Receipt must be returned and must be signed and dated by the previous owner and indicate that all rights, interest, and title of the business are assigned to the new owner. 

11. What Type of Materials Will I Need to Fill Out the Business Tax Application?

A Business Tax Application Checklist is available to download for your convenience under the "Application & Information" section of this web page.

12. Do I Still Need a Broward County Business Tax Receipt?

A Broward County Business Tax Receipt is also required in addition to the City of Deerfield Beach Tax Receipt. See below for Broward County BTR contact information. 

Broward County Business Tax 

Revenue Collection Division Governmental Center Annex (Ground Floor) 

115 S. Andrews Ave. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 

Phone: 954-765-4697 

www.broward.org 

13. Is a Business Tax Receipt Required?

A Business Tax Receipt is required before any person may engage in, manage, or be in charge of any business, profession, or occupation in the City of Deerfield Beach, including home-based businesses. Sections 1-15, 18-5 & 38-263 of the City of Deerfield Beach Code provide complete details regarding the provisions. Once obtained, the business tax receipt must be renewed annually on or before October 1. 

Except for home businesses, no Business Tax Receipt shall be issued until a Certificate of Use for the location has been issued; in accordance with the city code. For questions regarding Certificate of Use, please contact the Planning & Zoning Division at 954-480-4206.