Business Tax

Thinking of starting a business? Not sure where to start? The members of our Business Tax Team are here to help you get your business up and running. Stop by the Community Development Department or call to set up an appointment with a member of your Business Tax Team. We are eager to help the small business owner, entrepreneur or corporate executive succeed in opening a business in our city and obtain the necessary local Business Tax Receipt to operate within the City of Port Orange. We will also guide you through the Building Permit process for any permits required in order to open your business. 

The following topics are outlined below: 

  • What is a Business Tax Receipt?
  • Before you apply, consider these questions
  • Application Process
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
  • Important Links


What is a Business Tax Receipt?

In order to conduct business in the City of Port Orange, all businesses must first obtain a Local Business Tax Receipt (formerly known as Occupational License) issued by the City of Port Orange. This is a tax that provides for the privilege of engaging in a business, trade, or occupation within Port Orange which includes home based or commercial businesses. The fee for each business varies. In addition, Volusia County requires a business tax as well. You must receive the certificate from the City prior to applying with Volusia County. For questions regarding the Volusia County's process, please call 386-736-5938 or visit Volusia County Business Tax site for more information.

The requirements for obtaining a local business tax receipt will vary with each profession. Some businesses necessitate a State license, and we require a copy of this license prior to the issuance of the local business tax receipt.

A few questions to consider before you apply:

  • Is your business located within the City of Port Orange and am I properly zoned? To confirm, check out the City’s Interactive Zoning Map  or visit the Volusia County Property Appraiser website. (Click here to be redirected to zoning FAQs located below.) 
  • Is your business registered with SunBiz? If yes, fantastic! If not, please visit the Division of Corporations - SunBiz.org to register prior to submitting your Business Tax Application with the City.
  • Have you obtained an Employer Identification Number (EIN) also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number? If yes, you are on track! If not, information on applying for an EIN can be found at the IRS’ website. This is required prior to submitting your Business Tax application with the City.
  • Is a state license required to operate your business? Examples of businesses requiring a state license include but are not limited to the following: professional services, restaurants, auto dealers, vehicle repair and contractors. If your business does require a state license, this is required prior to submitting your Business Tax application with the City.  For more information concerning requirements and applying for a state license, click here

Application Process

Now that you know what a Business Tax Receipt is, and have answers to the above questions, now it's time to begin the application process! 

The City of Port Orange requires either a home-based business tax application or commercial business tax application to be submitted depending on your business. Each application package has a detailed list of items required for the Business Tax application process. Fees vary based on classification. Once your application is ready to be submitted, you can mail the package along with associated fee to City of Port Orange Building Division, Attn. Business Tax, 1000 City Center Circle, Port Orange, FL 32129, or feel free to drop it off directly to our office. And remember, if you have questions related to your Business Tax Application, please contact us and we will walk you through the process 386-506-5602 or email the Business Division. 

Application Types: 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The following questions are outlined below:

  1. Does the zoning allow for the use?
  2. Do I need to register my business name?
  3. What if my business has a different use than the previous business in my business’ location?
  4. How much does the Business Tax cost and how often do I pay for it?
  5. I have a license already with the State of Florida. Do I still need one with the City of Port Orange?
  6. What information will I need to bring in with me when applying for a Business Tax?
  7. Are any inspections required to obtain a business tax receipt?
  8. Once I complete the process and receive a City Business Tax Receipt, will I need a County Business Tax Receipt?
  9. Once I receive my Business Tax Receipt, can I install signage?


1. What is the zoning at my location and does the zoning allow for my business use in Port Orange? Check out our Interactive GIS Zoning Map to find zoning information for your property. If you need further assistance, contact the Planning/Zoning Division at 386-506-5601 or email the Planning/Zoning Division. 

Interactive Map directions:

  • Type in the address you are inquiring about in the search tool at the top.
  • Click on the blue Layer List button at the bottom and then select the Zoning layer.
  • When you click on the property you are interested in, a Parcel Information box will appear.
  • Click on the arrow on the top right of the box to see the Zoning of the property.
  • If you click on the link icon at the right of the search tool, it will take you to the City's Land Development Code (LDC). Chapter 17 of the LDC lists all the Zoning districts and what uses are permitted in each district.

2. Do I need to register my business name? If you choose to use a name other than your formal full name, a Fictitious Registration with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations is required.  Registration can be completed online with the Division of Corporations - Sunbiz.org.

For Example: “Fictitious name” means any name under which a person transacts business in this state, other than the person’s legal name,” so, if a business is naming their company “John Smith Business” they would have to register for a fictitious name since “Business” is not part of the business owner’s legal name. 

3. What if my business has a different use than the previous business in my business’ location?  If the commercial space you are locating your business in previously had a different use than your current business (example: Realtor changes to a Restaurant), please contact the Building Division at (386) 506-5602 or email [email protected]. We will assist you to determine if a building permit is required for proposed interior or demolition work. If a building permit is required, we will give you a list of steps to proceed to have your licensed contractor pull the building permit.  *Note: Transportation, water, and sewer impact fees could also be required due to a change of use. 

4. How much does the Business Tax cost and how often do I pay for it? Fees vary based upon the classification your business is assigned.  Classifications are determined by the type of service or services offered. Business Tax Receipts are paid for on a yearly basis. Renewals are mailed July 1st and all Business Tax Receipts expire September 30th. Click here to view fees.

5. I already have a license with the State of Florida. Do I still need one with the City of Port Orange? The short answer is, yes, you do need a Business Tax Receipt with the City of Port Orange even if you have on with the State of Florida. Many businesses and professions are regulated by the State of Florida (i.e. Physicians, Dentists, Engineers, Real Estate Firms, Real Estate Brokers, Cosmetologists, Ballroom Dance Studios, Health Studios, Sellers of Travel, Motor Vehicle Repair Shops, etc.). In most cases, the state license, registration or permit must be obtained prior to receiving your City Business Tax Receipt. A new business applying for a business tax receipt using a fictitious name (any name that is not the owner’s complete legal name) must show a copy of the Fictitious Name Registration before a business tax receipt can be issued. A Social Security number or a Federal Employee Identification number is also required. Please submit a copy of your state license, registration or permit with your application.

6. What information will I need to bring in with me when applying for a Business Tax? A detailed list of items required to complete the Business Tax process is included in the Commercial or Home-Based Business Tax Application and Information packages. Business Tax Applications

7. Are any inspections required to obtain a business tax receipt? If your business is a home-based Assisted Living Facility or a home-based Daycare, then a fire inspection is required. All Commercial businesses (not home-based) are required to have an initial fire and building inspection and annual fire inspections. A building inspector is looking to confirm that no permittable work has been completed without a permit, points out work that needs to be complete that requires a building permit, and checks that the site is ADA compliant. The Fire Marshall inspects for any and all fire and life safety code violations according to the current edition of the Florida fire prevention code.  *Note: Fire Inspection fees are required to be paid by Exempt entities when Fire Inspections are a requirement.

8. Once I complete the process and receive a City Business Tax Receipt, will I need a County Business Tax Receipt? Yes, you are also required to contact Volusia County to apply for their Local Business Tax Receipt at 386-736-5938 or visit Volusia County Business Tax site once you have completed your process with the City of Port Orange.

9. Once I receive my Business Tax Receipt, can I install signage? Contact the Planning Division at 386-506-5601 or email them for further information. 

Important Links

Business Resources

  • Volusia County www.volusia.org/revenue/btrinfo.htm Business Taxes are only issued online Daytona Beach office (386) 254-4635 New Smyrna Beach Office (386)423-3325

Initial Business Contacts

State Licensing Agencies