Start a Business in Tampa

Permits, costs, timeline, and step-by-step requirements.

✔ 4 permits⏱ 2-6 weeks💰 $50–$200

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Overview

Starting a business in Tampa requires a Local Business Tax Receipt through the Revenue & Finance Department. Base fee: $50–$200. No state business license. No state income tax. Local Business Tax Receipt required by most cities/counties.

Required Permits

✓Federal: EIN from IRS (free, instant online)

✓State: LLC/Corp filing + seller's permit/sales tax registration

✓County: health department permit + fire inspection

✓City: business licence/tax certificate

Step-by-Step Process

Federal: EIN from IRS (free, instant online)

State: LLC/Corp filing + seller's permit/sales tax registration

County: health department permit + fire inspection

City: business licence/tax certificate

Costs

Estimated total: $50–$200 depending on permits and inspections.

General Business$50–$200

Restaurant$100–$500

Contact

Revenue & Finance Department

Phone: 813-274-8100

Apply Online →

Common Mistakes

⚠ Dual BTR: City of Tampa AND Hillsborough County required

⚠ Hillsborough County Tax Collector for county BTR

⚠ Renewal deadline September 30

⚠ Ybor City historic district has additional requirements

⚠ Channelside/downtown has special development standards

Choose Your Business Type

Restaurant Food Truck Barber Shop Retail Store Coffee Shop Bar / Nightclub Gym / Fitness Studio Nail Salon Cannabis Dispensary Dog Grooming Bakery Cleaning Service Daycare Center Auto Repair Shop

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