659,114
U.S. Census Bureau, Population Estimates Program, Vintage 2024 (co-est2024-alldata.csv), July 1, 2024 estimate
Dade City
Zephyrhills · New Port Richey · Dade City · Port Richey
Pasco County business license: do you need a business tax receipt?
Pasco County has about 659,000 residents. Its incorporated cities include Zephyrhills, New Port Richey, Dade City and Port Richey, though much of its population lives in unincorporated areas. Whether you form an LLC, a corporation or a PLLC, most businesses need a Pasco County Business Tax Receipt from the Tax Collector. The BTExpress online application takes about 20 minutes, approval takes about two business days, and the printed receipt is mailed about two days after that. You can also apply at any of the five offices, or by mail or fax. Fees aren't prorated, and a receipt opened before July 1 must be renewed by September 30. The application won't accept a commercial mail-receiving agency address as your physical location. Every city in Pasco also requires its own receipt, and some want the county receipt first.
Occupational license vs. business tax receipt in Pasco County
Pasco County has an estimated 659,114 residents (U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2024), making it Florida's 10th most populous of 67 counties, and it has grown about 17.3% since the 2020 Census base. The county seat is Dade City, and its largest incorporated communities include Zephyrhills, New Port Richey, Dade City. 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 Pasco 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 Pasco County, start with the Pasco County Tax Collector (https://www.pascotaxes.com/), and if your business is inside a city such as Zephyrhills, check that city's business tax office too. Add any state professional license and confirm zoning before you open.
Pasco County business license FAQs
Do I need a Pasco County business license (business tax receipt)?
Most businesses check with the Pasco 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 Pasco 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 Dade City?
Yes. Florida LLCs are formed statewide through Sunbiz for $125; your Dade City address can be the principal office, and you need a Florida registered agent.
Where is the Pasco County Tax Collector?
Its official site is https://www.pascotaxes.com/.
Should my Pasco 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.