1,009,833
U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2024 sub-county estimates (sub-est2024.csv), July 1, 2024
Duval CountyDuval County Tax Collector (consolidated City of Jacksonville)
Jacksonville business license: do you need a business tax receipt?
Jacksonville is Florida's largest city by population, with about 1.01 million residents, and it covers nearly all of Duval County because the city and county governments are consolidated. That means there is one local office to deal with. The Duval County Tax Collector issues a single Local Business Tax Receipt for the whole consolidated area, and staff classify your business and issue it when you apply at the Yates Branch downtown. You can also apply online through BTExpress. Working from home is easy here, because state law exempts home-based businesses from the city's Certificate of Use, though they still need the receipt. A new storefront or office needs a Certificate of Use from the City's Zoning Section at 214 N. Hogan St. The beach cities next door, Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach, each require their own additional receipt.
Occupational license vs. business tax receipt in Jacksonville
Jacksonville has an estimated 1,009,833 residents (U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2024), ranking #1 among Florida's incorporated places. It sits in Duval County, whose government is consolidated with the city, and businesses here file with the same state office as everywhere else in Florida: the Division of Corporations (Sunbiz).
How to start a business in Jacksonville: LLC, corporation or PLLC
State filing fees are the same everywhere in Florida. See the full cost and steps in our Start a Business in Florida guide.
Jacksonville business license FAQs
Do I need a Jacksonville business license (business tax receipt)?
Yes. Jacksonville and Duval County are consolidated, so you get one local business tax receipt from the Duval County Tax Collector. There's no separate city and county receipt.
Is a Jacksonville occupational license the same as a business tax receipt?
Yes. Florida law renamed the old occupational license the local business tax in 2006, so a business tax receipt, an occupational license and a local business license all mean the same thing in Florida (Chapter 205, Florida Statutes).
How much does it cost to form a business in Jacksonville?
Sunbiz state fees are the same anywhere in Florida: $125 for an LLC or PLLC and $70 for a corporation. Local business tax receipts are separate.
Which county is Jacksonville in?
Duval County. The city and county governments are consolidated.
Should my Jacksonville business be an LLC, a corporation or a PLLC?
Most small businesses choose an LLC for its simple management and pass-through taxes. A corporation suits owners who plan to issue stock or bring in investors. A PLLC is for state-licensed professionals such as doctors, lawyers and CPAs. All three file with Sunbiz: $125 for an LLC or PLLC and $70 for a corporation.