About Us

The Business Tax Division is comprised of thirteen (13) employees who work under the direction of Jake Slater, Director of Code Enforcement and Business Tax. A total of six (6) Business Tax Inspectors are assigned to specific areas in the City of Tampa and are responsible for compliance with Business Tax regulations and the identification of new businesses. In Addition (1) Business Tax Alcohol and Beverage Inspector. At the Business Tax Office located at the German American Club (Ybor Service Center) at 2105 N. Nebraska Ave., four (4) Customer Service Representatives handle walk-in customers who wish to purchase a business tax receipt and inquiries by telephone.

Rental Certificate Information:

The Business Tax Division is responsible for the collection of Rental Certificate fees in the City of Tampa. These fees are required under Chapter 19 of the City of Tampa Code for dwellings or units that are used as rental properties to ensure compliance with housing standards. Code Enforcement handles the on-site inspections of rental properties and coordinates with the Business Tax Division on maintaining accurate data bases on existing rental properties in the City of Tampa.

Business Operating Permits Information:

The Business Tax Division also administers the issuance of Business Operating permit to certain regulated businesses defined by Chapter 6 of the City of Tampa Code, “To protect the health, safety and welfare of the general public through the administration and regulation of certain businesses”. The Business Tax Division coordinates this application process with the City of Tampa Office of Land Use and Development and the Tampa Police Department to ensure current zoning restrictions are met and the necessary background checks are completed.

The Enforcement of Chapter 3 of the City of Tampa Municipal Ordinances is a coordinated effort of City of Tampa Departments.

The Business Tax Division has a full time Tax Inspector assigned to Alcoholic Beverages. For enforcement questions or complaints call (813) 274-7392.

General Information:

In the Business Tax year for 2007, the Business Tax Division issued over 38,000 Business Tax receipts and collected revenue in excess of  $10.9 million. Included in that figure is over 6,000 new business tax receipts and rental certificates that were issued during that time period.

The Business Tax Division is an active member of the Florida Association of Occupational Licensing Officials and also the National Bureau of Business Licensing Officials.