Requirements

Before a Business Tax Receipt can be issued, the person, company, or corporation seeking the receipt must meet all of the following requirements.

1. The Business Tax Receipt Application must be completed IN FULL. Please also complete the Police Emergency Information form. 
   
   
2. The Ownership Information on Page 2 must include full and complete personal information, including home address and home telephone number, on all corporate officers (corporations) and partners (partnership). Ch. 205.0535(5), Florida Statutes states that "No receipt shall be issued unless the federal employer identification number or social security number is obtained from the person to be licensed."
   
   
3. If your business or profession requires a State of Florida license, a copy of that license must be attached to the application.
   
   
4. If you are a Contractor, prior to obtaining an Business Tax Receipt, you must present a certificate showing that you are insured for general tort liability in the amount of not less than $300,000 combined single limit per occurrence and $500,000 annual aggregate.
   
   
5. Proof of your Fictitious Name Registration or Reason for Exemption must be provided on the application. (Per Ch. 205.023, F.S.)
   
   
6. Additional forms and attachments may be required depending on the type of business. Please refer to the Classification / Certificate Requirements for Professionals to determine which application requirements apply to your business type.
   
   
7. All additional required forms must be completed and submitted with the application in the following instances:
   • Mobile Food Dispensing Vehicle must submit a Mobile Food Dispensing Vehicle Business Tax Receipt Stipulation form along with a City of Melbourne/Fire Prevention Food Truck Database Registration Form. 
   • For businesses operating in the construction industry, but the owner is not a contractor, a Construction Service Affidavit Form must be submitted with your application.
   • If you are applying for a home-based Business Tax Receipt, a Home Business Tax Receipt Stipulation (signed by the property owner) must be submitted with your application.
   • If you are planning to operate from a Mini-Storage facility or a Private Mail Box facility, you will need to submit the Mini Storage Unit Rental / Shared Business Stipulation Form. View a list of facility locations.
   • If you have an alarm system, you will need to complete the Alarm Registration Form.

You may request these forms from the business tax office at 321-608-7038, or download the necessary forms from our website.

Zoning

If you have any questions regarding the zoning regulations for your business location, contact the Community Development Department at Community.Development@mlbfl.org or call 321-608-7500.

If your new business is in one of the City’s three Community Redevelopment Areas (CRAs), and you wish to add new signage, or make any exterior changes to the building, including painting, you will require prior approval from the Historic and Architectural Review Board (HARB), which is appointed by City Council. More information, including adopted Downtown and Babcock design guidelines and application, can be found on the Historic and Architectural Review Board page.

• Map of Melbourne Downtown CRA
• Map of Babcock Street CRA
• Map of Olde Eau Gallie CRA

If you have any questions regarding the CRAs, or to confirm your business location within a CRA, contact the Community Development Department at Community.Development@mlbfl.org or call 321-608-7500.

Code Compliance

It is your responsibility to provide a contact name and telephone number because your presence is required during all inspections. The inspectors will advise you of any Code violation that must be corrected. If you have any questions pertaining to the requirements, contact the Code Compliance Division at Code.Compliance@mlbfl.org or 321-608-7900.

Application Fee

Completed applications should be submitted to the business tax office along with a non-refundable application fee of $25. Please make checks payable to the City of Melbourne.

Estimated Time to Issue Business Tax Receipt

Please allow 5-10 business days for processing. You will be notified via e-mail when your Business Tax Receipt has been approved.