FAQs • Pensacola, FL • CivicEngage

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Business Licenses (BTR)

Phone: (850) 436 - 5693

2. What is a BTR?: Business Tax Receipt (formerly Occupational License or Business license)

3. Is a BTR the same as a business license?: Yes

4. Which one do I get first- City BTR or the Escambia County BTR?: We recommend you obtaining your BTR with us first especially if the business is home-based.

5. Are BTR refundable?: BTR is non- refundable.

Chapter 7 Section 7-2-1 (a) No person shall engage in or manage the business, profession or occupation or exercise any privilege mentioned and designated in this chapter, unless a city local business tax receipt shall have been procured from the city treasurer by the payment of the local business taxes set opposite such designation of the business, profession, occupation or privilege as set forth in this chapter.

(b) The persons upon whom the local business tax shall be levied shall be construed to be the following:

(1) Any person who maintains a permanent business location or branch office within the city for the privilege of engaging in or managing any business within the city's jurisdiction;

(2) Any person who maintains a permanent business location or branch office within the city for the privilege of engaging in or managing any profession or occupation within the city's jurisdiction;

(3) Any person who does not qualify under the provisions of (1) or (2) above and who transacts any business or engages in any occupation or profession in interstate commerce where such a local business tax is not prohibited by Section 8 of Article I of the United States Constitution.

7. How much is a BTR?: Rates varies please refer to City ordinance Chapter 7-2 section 7-2-9

8. How often do I renew my BTR?: Annually

9. When will my BTR expire?: Local BTR expires on the thirtieth day of September each year.

10. I have a BTR with the County, do I still need a City of Pensacola BTR?: Yes, the county BTR is required to conduct business in Escambia County. Because the business is within the city limits you’re required to have both.

11. My office location is in the county, but I conduct business in the city do I need a BTR with City of Pensacola?: Yes

12. What should I do if my business close or goes out of business?: Send notification of closure of your business in writing via email to: businesslicenses@cityofpensacola.com or by mail to: City of Pensacola local Business Tax PO Box 12910 Pensacola FL 32521-0015.