1,055,159
U.S. Census Bureau, Population Estimates Program, Vintage 2024 (co-est2024-alldata.csv), July 1, 2024 estimate
Jacksonville
Jacksonville · Jacksonville Beach · Atlantic Beach · Neptune Beach
Duval County business license: do you need a business tax receipt?
Duval County has about 1.06 million residents, and its government is consolidated with Jacksonville. Its other cities are Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach. Whether you form an LLC, a corporation or a PLLC, the Duval County Tax Collector issues the Local Business Tax Receipt, which most businesses need, including home-based and one-person operations. You can apply online through BTExpress or in person at the Yates Branch, 231 E. Forsyth St., Suite 130. Bring a photo ID, your SSN or EIN, your corporation or fictitious name certificate, and any state license. Staff classify the business and issue the receipt when you apply. Businesses in Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach or Baldwin also need a receipt from their city. Under F.S. 559.955, home-based businesses are exempt from Jacksonville's Certificate of Use, while new commercial locations need one. Receipts expire September 30.
Occupational license vs. business tax receipt in Duval County
Duval County has an estimated 1,055,159 residents (U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2024), making it Florida's 6th most populous of 67 counties, and it has grown about 6.0% since the 2020 Census base. The county seat is Jacksonville, and its largest incorporated communities include Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach. 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 Duval County: LLC, corporation or PLLC
Florida's Division of Corporations (Sunbiz) charges $125 to file Articles of Organization for an LLC ($100 filing plus $25 registered agent designation) and $70 for Articles of Incorporation ($35 plus $35). Florida requires every entity to keep a registered agent with a physical Florida street address, and an annual report is due to Sunbiz between January 1 and May 1 each year ($138.75 for an LLC, $150 for a corporation, with a $400 late fee). Corp USA can file your Articles, serve as your registered agent and remind you of the annual report deadline. Your registered agent's address appears in the public Sunbiz record, so many owners who work from home use a registered agent service to keep their home address off that filing.
After the state filing, check local requirements. Florida counties and cities may levy a Local Business Tax under Chapter 205, Florida Statutes; in Duval County, start with the Duval County Tax Collector (https://www.coj.net/departments/tax-collector.aspx), and if your business is inside a city such as Jacksonville, check that city's business tax office too. Add any state professional license and confirm zoning before you open.
Duval County business license FAQs
Do I need a Duval County business license (business tax receipt)?
Most businesses check with the Duval County Tax Collector for the county receipt, and with their city if they are inside city limits. Requirements vary by business type and location.
Is a Duval County 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).
Can I form a Florida LLC if my business is based in Jacksonville?
Yes. Florida LLCs are formed statewide through Sunbiz for $125; your Jacksonville address can be the principal office, and you need a Florida registered agent.
Where is the Duval County Tax Collector?
Its official site is https://www.coj.net/departments/tax-collector.aspx.
Should my Duval County 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.