Start Your Business in Broward County

Broward County business license: do you need a business tax receipt?

Broward County is home to about 2.04 million people, and its largest cities include Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood and Miramar. Whether you form an LLC, a corporation or a PLLC, the Broward County Tax Collector requires a Business Tax Receipt for every business operating in the county, including home-based businesses and sole proprietors. Fees depend on the type of business and range from $27 to $150. Once all documents are in, receipts are usually issued within minutes. Most cities require their own receipt before the county will issue one, so the Tax Collector suggests starting with your city, especially for a home-based business. A county receipt isn't refunded if your city later denies zoning. In unincorporated Broward you need a Certificate of Use from the county's Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Division first. Receipts expire September 30, and you can renew starting July 1.

Occupational license vs. business tax receipt in Broward County

Broward County has an estimated 2,037,472 residents (U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2024), making it Florida's 2nd most populous of 67 counties, and it has grown about 4.8% since the 2020 Census base. The county seat is Fort Lauderdale, and its largest incorporated communities include Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood. Wherever you are in the county, your LLC or corporation is formed at the state level, so the entity itself is the same as one formed in Miami or Tallahassee.

How to start a business in Broward County: LLC, corporation or PLLC

Broward County founders coordinate local Business Tax Receipt requirements through Broward County Tax Collector, with the county seat in Fort Lauderdale and major communities including Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Miramar. Under Chapter 205, Florida Statutes, confirm the county receipt and any applicable municipal requirements for the actual business address. Corp USA Starter $299 / Pro $449 / Complete $749 bundles include a corporate kit; separate Sunbiz state fees are $125 LLC/PLLC or $70 corporation. Our $199/yr registered-agent service provides a physical Florida registered address under F.S. § 605.0113; it does not replace a business location or local receipt.

Businesses based in Fort Lauderdale or Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Miramar should keep local receipt requirements with Broward County Tax Collector separate from the Sunbiz annual report, due May 1 ($138.75 LLC / $150 corporation; $400 late fee). Florida's individual income tax rate is 0%, while federal tax obligations remain. An eligible Broward County business may consider an IRS Form 2553 S-Corp election ($149 filing service, generally within 2 months and 15 days of tax-year start), with reasonable salary and payroll obligations. Nonresident aliens cannot be shareholders; consult a tax professional before electing.

After the state filing, check local requirements. Florida counties and cities may levy a Local Business Tax under Chapter 205, Florida Statutes; in Broward County, start with the Broward County Tax Collector (https://browardtax.org/), and if your business is inside a city such as Fort Lauderdale, check that city's business tax office too. Add any state professional license and confirm zoning before you open.

Broward County business license FAQs