Business Tax Receipts (BTR)

Anyone engaged in any business, profession, occupation, trade, amusement, or industry (Per section 26.140 of the City of Mount Dora Code of Ordinances) within  the City of Mount Dora is required to obtain a Business Tax Receipt prior to opening or conducting business after any such qualifications, licenses, permits, or requirements have been met in accordance with federal, state and local requirements.  Fee Schedule (PDF)




PLEASE NOTE:  Payment not received after 150 days from the date of the initial notice of tax due and who does not obtain the required Business Tax Receipt is subject to civil actions and penalties, including court costs, reasonable attorney’s fees, additional administrative costs incurred as a result of collection efforts, and a penalty of up to $250.00.



BUSINESS INFORMATION

  • If your business has recently closed, moved or contact information needs to be updated, please send an email to our office (plandev@cityofmountdora.com) to make these changes on your account.
  • The license year begins on October 1st and ends on September 30th of each year. 
  • Annual courtesy renewal notices are sent via email beginning July 1st. 
  • To prevent additional late fees, all payments must be made by September 30th. 
  • Please note that Business Tax Receipts issued after April 1st and before August 1st will be billed at half the original fee.  
  • Any business that operates without a current and valid Business Tax Receipt will be in violation of Section 26.140 of the City of Mount Dora Code of Ordinance.    

APPLYING FOR A BUSINESS TAX RECEIPT

The application and inspection fees must be paid for at time of application.  After zoning and fire inspections (commercial applications only) are completed and approved, the applicant will be mailed (or can be picked up) the Business Tax Receipt.  Additionally, any re-inspection fees must also be paid prior to the issuance of the Business Tax Receipt.

HOME BASED BUSINESS:

Shall be allowed only when there is no appearance of commercial activity. No signs shall be permitted. Pickup and delivery, vehicular and pedestrian traffic should not exceed normal traffic to and from other residences in the neighborhood. No adverse noise, light or dirt impacts will be allowed. All equipment used in the business must be stored in an enclosed structure. For contractors and handymen, no materials may be stored on site. If it is determined by the development review coordinator that the above criteria are met, the home occupation license shall be granted. If, in the opinion of the development review coordinator, the subject home occupation does not meet one of these requirements the home occupation shall be denied. 

There is no fire inspection for home-based businesses. 

The following items are required when applying for a Business Tax Receipt:

  1. Completed Application (Signed and Notarized): Business Tax Receipt Application - Home Based Business (PDF)
  2. Completed Landlord-Tenant Agreement is required giving permission to the applicant to conduct business out of the residence (attached in application)
  3. Copy of Landlord-Tenant Agreement (lease) if renting.
  4. Copy of State License (If required)
  5. Copy of Federal Identification Number
  6. Copy of Sunbiz registration (If business name is anything other than legal first and last name)
  7. Applicants who meet the provisions of FS 205.055 may submit a Tax Request for Fee Exemption (PDF) with supporting documentation.

COMMERCIAL BUSINESSES:

Businesses who are operating a store front business within City Limits is required to obtain a Business Tax Receipt, which includes a Fire Inspection conducted by Mount Dora Fire Department. The business being conducted must meet the zoning requirements outlined in the City's Land Development Code based on the zoning district.  

The following items are required when applying for a Business Tax Receipt:

  1. Completed Application (Signed and Notarized): Business Tax Receipt Application - Commercial Business (PDF)
  2. Copy of Landlord-Tenant Agreement (lease) if renting a space.
  3. Copy of State License (If required)
  4. Copy of Federal Identification Number
  5. Copy of Sunbiz registration (If business name is anything other than legal first and last name)
  6. Copy of a Valid Drivers License
  7. Applicants who meet the provisions of FS 205.055 may submit a Tax Request for Fee Exemption (PDF) with supporting documentation.

CONTACT INFORMATION

For additional information or to notify us of a closed Business, please contact the Planning & Development Office at:

 

City Hall (2nd Floor)

510 N. Baker Street

Mount Dora, FL  32757

(352) 735-7112
PlanDev@Cityofmountdora.com