Steps to Start a Business

Step 1: Choose a Business Structure/Business name

Register a Business Structure/Business name at www.sunbiz.org. Call the Florida Department of State for questions at 850-245-6058.

Beginning January 1, 2024, certain types of corporations, limited liability companies, and other similar entities created in or registered to do business in the United States must report information about their beneficial owners—the persons who ultimately own or control the company—to the Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). For more information, visit www.fincen.gov/boi-faqs.

Step 2: Apply for City of Port St. Lucie Business Tax Receipt

Apply Online for the City of Port St. Lucie Business Tax Receipt. Incomplete applications will be rejected and required to be resubmitted.

 Before you apply, upload all applicable documents: 

  • Business Tax Receipt Fee Exemption Request Form(PDF, 144KB) (if applicable)
  • Articles of Incorporation and/or Fictitious Name Registration (if applicable)
  • Submit payment for Port St. Lucie Business Tax Receipt
  • Submit payment for Use and Occupancy Zoning Review (Commercial Businesses)
  • State/Professional License (if applicable)
  • Valid Identification

Step 3: Apply for St. Lucie County Business Tax Receipt

Apply online at the St. Lucie County Tax Collector’s Office for the county Business Tax Receipt at www.tcslc.com or call 772-462-1650.

Step 4: Apply for St. Lucie County Tangible Personal Tax

Apply for St. Lucie County Tangible Personal Tax with theSt. Lucie County Property Appraiser atwww.paslc.org or call772-460-3340.

Basic requirements to start a business

Familiarizing yourself with the basic business requirements is essential. New business owners should always seek the guidance of a professional tax consultant, accountant and/or attorney to verify all legal requirements are met before operating a business.

Starting a Business Checklist

Starter kits for most common business types

Explore our starter kits for some of the City's most common business types and jump-start your path to success. Additional business requirements may be needed.

The City of Port St Lucie assumes no responsibility for failure to obtain all necessary operating permits, licenses, or failure to comply with all applicable government regulations.

Assisted Living Facility/Group Home

24-Hour residential or commercial care.

1. Register the business name/entity
Contact the Department of State Division of Corporation
www.sunbiz.org | 850-245-6058

2. Apply

Contact the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA)
www.ahca.myflorida.com | 850-412-4304

or

3. Apply
Contact the Persons with Disability (APD)
www.apd.myflorida.com | 561-837-5564

4. Hazardous Waste Screening
Contact the Department of Health
CHD56_Ehinfo@FLhealth.gov | 772-873-4931

5. Federal Employer Identification Number
Contact the IRS
IRS.gov | 800-829-4933

6. Sales Tax and Use
Contact the Department of Revenue
www.floridarevenue.com | 772-429-2900

7. City Business Tax Receipt (formerly Occupational License)
Apply for the City of Port St. Lucie Business Tax Receipt
772-344-4356

8. County Business Tax Receipt (formerly Occupational License)
Apply for the St. Lucie County Tax Collector's Business Tax Receipt
www.tcslc.com | 772-462-1650

9. Tangible Personal Tax
Contact St. Lucie County Property Appraisers Office
www.paslc.org | 772-460-3340

Automotive

24-Hour residential or commercial care.

1. Register the business name/entity
Contact the Department of State Division of Corporation
www.sunbiz.org | 850-245-6058

2. Apply Automotive Repair license
Contact the Department of Agriculture
www.fdacs.gov | 800-435-7352

3. Apply for Automotive Dealers license
Contact the Department of Motor Vehicles
www.dmv.org | 850-617-3003

4. Hazardous Waste Screening
Contact the Department of Health
CHD56_Ehinfo@FLhealth.gov | 772-873-4931

5. Federal Employer Identification Number
Contact the IRS
IRS.gov | 800-829-4933

6. Sales Tax and Use
Contact the Department of Revenue
www.floridarevenue.com | 772-429-2900

7. City Business Tax Receipt (formerly Occupational License)
Apply for the City of Port St. Lucie Business Tax Receipt
772-344-4356

8. County Business Tax Receipt (formerly Occupational License)
Apply for the St. Lucie County Tax Collector's Business Tax Receipt
www.tcslc.com | 772-462-1650

9. Tangible Personal Tax
Contact St. Lucie County Property Appraisers Office
www.paslc.org | 772-460-3340

Child Care

Center, resident, or institution that provides supervision and care of infants and young children during the daytime.

1. Register the business name/entity
Contact the Department of State Division of Corporation
www.sunbiz.org | 850-245-6058

2. Apply
Contact the Department of Children and Families
www.myflfamilies.com | 850-412-4304

3. Hazardous Waste Screening
Contact the Department of Health
CHD56_Ehinfo@FLhealth.gov | 772-873-4931

4. Federal Employer Identification Number
Contact the IRS
IRS.gov | 800-829-4933

5. Sales Tax and Use
Contact the Department of Revenue
www.floridarevenue.com | 772-429-2900

6. City Business Tax Receipt (formerly Occupational License)
Apply for the City of Port St. Lucie Business Tax Receipt
772-344-4356

7. County Business Tax Receipt (formerly Occupational License)
Apply for the St. Lucie County Tax Collector's Business Tax Receipt
www.tcslc.com | 772-462-1650

8. Tangible Personal Tax
Contact St. Lucie County Property Appraisers Office
www.paslc.org | 772-460-3340

Cleaning/Janitorial

Cleaning businesses offer a wide range of services, including disinfecting, vacuuming, dusting, tidying up, floor mopping, and waxing servicing residential and/or commercial properties.

1. Register the business name/entity
Contact the Department of State Division of Corporation
www.sunbiz.org | 850-245-6058 

2. Federal Employer Identification Number
Contact the IRS
IRS.gov | 800-829-4933

3. Sales Tax and Use
Contact the Department of Revenue
www.floridarevenue.com | 772-429-2900

4. City Business Tax Receipt (formerly Occupational License)
Apply for the City of Port St. Lucie Business Tax Receipt
772-344-4356

5. County Business Tax Receipt (formerly Occupational License)
Apply for the St. Lucie County Tax Collector's Business Tax Receipt
www.tcslc.com | 772-462-1650

6. Tangible Personal Tax
Contact St. Lucie County Property Appraisers Office
www.paslc.org | 772-460-3340

Contractor

A person, or entity who is hired to perform construction regulatory services.

1. Register the business name/entity
Contact the Department of State Division of Corporation
www.sunbiz.org | 850-245-6058

2. Apply
Contact the Department of Business and Professional Regulations (DBPR)
www.myfloridalicense.com | 850-487-1395

3. Hazardous Waste Screening
Contact the Department of Health
CHD56_Ehinfo@FLhealth.gov | 772-873-4931

4. Federal Employer Identification Number
Contact the IRS
IRS.gov | 800-829-4933

5. Sales Tax and Use
Contact the Department of Revenue
www.floridarevenue.com | 772-429-2900

6. City Business Tax Receipt (formerly Occupational License)
Apply for the City of Port St. Lucie Business Tax Receipt
772-344-4356

7. County Business Tax Receipt (formerly Occupational License)
Apply for the St. Lucie County Tax Collector's Business Tax Receipt
www.tcslc.com | 772-462-1650

8. Tangible Personal Tax
Contact St. Lucie County Property Appraisers Office
www.paslc.org | 772-460-3340

Cottage Food

A person or entity produces or packages cottage food products at the residence. A final food product that does not require time or temperature controls.

Contact the Department of Agriculture at www.fdacs.gov or 800-435-7352 for packaging and a list of cottage food items. 

1. Register the business name/entity
Contact the Department of State Division of Corporation
www.sunbiz.org | 850-245-6058 

2. Federal Employer Identification Number
Contact the IRS
IRS.gov | 800-829-4933

3. Sales Tax and Use
Contact the Department of Revenue
www.floridarevenue.com | 772-429-2900

4. City Business Tax Receipt (formerly Occupational License)
Apply for the City of Port St. Lucie Business Tax Receipt
772-344-4356

5. County Business Tax Receipt (formerly Occupational License)
Apply for the St. Lucie County Tax Collector's Business Tax Receipt
www.tcslc.com | 772-462-1650

6. Tangible Personal Tax
Contact St. Lucie County Property Appraisers Office
www.paslc.org | 772-460-3340

Food Service (Mobile Food Vendor)

Food service businesses including caterers, restaurants, mobile food units, farmers markets, manufacturing, packaging, etc. require permits and periodic inspection.

1. Register the business name/entity
Contact the Department of State Division of Corporation
www.sunbiz.org | 850-245-6058

2. Apply for the food permit or mobile food dispensing vehicle permit (prepared food)
 Contact the Department of Business and Professional Regulations
www.myfloridalicense.com | 850-487-1395

or

Department of Agriculture (pre-packaged food, hot dog carts)
 www.fdacs.gov | 800-435-7352

3. Apply for alcoholic beverages if applicable
 Contact the Department of Business and Professional Regulations
www.myfloridalicense.com | 850-487-1395

4. Hazardous Waste Screening
Contact the Department of Health
CHD56_Ehinfo@FLhealth.gov | 772-873-4931

5. Federal Employer Identification Number
Contact the IRS
IRS.gov | 800-829-4933

6. Sales Tax and Use
Contact the Department of Revenue
www.floridarevenue.com | 772-429-2900

7. City Business Tax Receipt (formerly Occupational License)
Apply for the City of Port St. Lucie Business Tax Receipt
772-344-4356

8. County Business Tax Receipt (formerly Occupational License)
Apply for the St. Lucie County Tax Collector's Business Tax Receipt
www.tcslc.com | 772-462-1650

9. Tangible Personal Tax
Contact St. Lucie County Property Appraisers Office
www.paslc.org | 772-460-3340

Hair/Nail/Barber Establishment

An establishment where personal beauty services are rendered.

1. Register the business name/entity
Contact the Department of State Division of Corporation
www.sunbiz.org | 850-245-6058

2. Apply Salon Establishment license
Contact the Department of Business and Professional Regulations
www.myfloridalicense.com | 850-487-1395

3. Hazardous Waste Screening
Contact the Department of Health
CHD56_Ehinfo@FLhealth.gov | 772-873-4931

4. Federal Employer Identification Number
Contact the IRS
IRS.gov | 800-829-4933

5. Sales Tax and Use
Contact the Department of Revenue
www.floridarevenue.com | 772-429-2900

6. City Business Tax Receipt (formerly Occupational License)
Apply for the City of Port St. Lucie Business Tax Receipt
772-344-4356

7. County Business Tax Receipt (formerly Occupational License)
Apply for the St. Lucie County Tax Collector's Business Tax Receipt
www.tcslc.com | 772-462-1650

8. Tangible Personal Tax
Contact St. Lucie County Property Appraisers Office
www.paslc.org | 772-460-3340

Handyman

The City of Port St. Lucie issues a tax receipt, not a license to perform non-regulated trades. Further understand that the issuance of a Business Tax Receipt only allows for casual, minor, or inconsequential work (i.e. painting, trim, etc.) Tax classifications and fees are imposed for each service provided, there is no classification specifically identified as handyman, property preservation, repairs, or maintenance services.

The below examples are not an all-inclusive list:

Non-Regulated Regulated

Painting

Install Wiring

Trim Carpentry

Replace Switches or Receptacles

Repair or replace Gutters and Downspout

Install Light Fixtures, ceiling fans, water lines, plumbing fixtures

Caulking, pressure washing, installation of cabinets, countertops, pavers, debris removal

Replace/Repair A/C Units, recharge refrigerant, irrigation/sprinkler systems, replace, install or repair roofs

Lock changes, Repair or replace shelving, wallpaper, replace tank floaters, window a/c unit

Change out windows, garage doors, or exterior doors

Flooring

 

 

City of Port St. Lucie Phased Out Licenses State of Florida (DBPR) Required License – Please contact DBPR for Licensure

Aluminum Structure

General, Building, Residential, Specialty Structure Contractor (FAC 61G4-15.015)

Carpentry/Carpentry Finish

No license required for trim carpentry.

For general carpentry; General, Building, or Residential.

Child Safety Barrier

Pool Contractor, General, Building (commercial and residential) Residential (1&2 Family dwelling). Specialty Structure (aluminum & vinyl only)

Concrete

General, Building or Residential Contractor.

Demolition

General, Building, Residential, Demolition Specialty Contractor (FAC 61G4-15.038)

Drywall

General, Building, Residential, Specialty Drywall Contractor (FAC 61G4-15.017)

Fence Installation

General, Building, Residential

Garage Door Installation

General, Building, Residential, Specialty Structure Contractor (FAC 61G4-15.015)

Glass & Glazing

General, Building, Residential, Specialty Glass & Glazing (FAC 61G4-15.018)

Hurricane Shutters/Awnings

General, Building, Residential, Specialty Structure Contractor (FAC 61G4-15.015)

Irrigation

Plumbing, Specialty Irrigation Contractor (FAC 61G4-15.003)

Lath

No License is required. FS 489.117(a)

Marine Contractor

General, Building, Residential, and Specialty Marine Contractor

Masonry

General, Building, or Residential.

Plaster & Stucco

No License is required. FS 489.117(a)

Sheet Metal

Sheet Metal Specialty, Mechanical

Windows & Doors

General, Building, Residential, Specialty Glazing Contractor, Specialty Structure Contractor (FAC 61G4-15.015)

Signs, non-electrical

General, Building Contractor

Solar

Solar Contractor, Plumbing Contractor and Electrical Contractor

Structural Steel

General, Building, Residential.

 

 

1. Register the business name/entity
Contact the Department of State Division of Corporation
www.sunbiz.org | 850-245-6058 

2. Federal Employer Identification Number
Contact the IRS
IRS.gov | 800-829-4933

3. Sales Tax and Use
Contact the Department of Revenue
www.floridarevenue.com | 772-429-2900

4. City Business Tax Receipt (formerly Occupational License)
Apply for the City of Port St. Lucie Business Tax Receipt
772-344-4356

5. County Business Tax Receipt (formerly Occupational License)
Apply for the St. Lucie County Tax Collector's Business Tax Receipt
www.tcslc.com | 772-462-1650

6. Tangible Personal Tax
Contact St. Lucie County Property Appraisers Office
www.paslc.org | 772-460-3340

Insurance Agency/Agent/Company

A single entity that writes insurance policies, pays claims, and carries all the risk associated with the policies it writes or an individual or company authorized by a carrier to sell the insurer’s products in exchange for compensation.

1. Register the business name/entity
Contact the Department of State Division of Corporation
www.sunbiz.org | 850-245-6058

2. Apply
Contact the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation
www.floir.com | 850-413-3140

3. Hazardous Waste Screening
Contact the Department of Health
CHD56_Ehinfo@FLhealth.gov | 772-873-4931

4. Federal Employer Identification Number
Contact the IRS
IRS.gov | 800-829-4933

5. Sales Tax and Use
Contact the Department of Revenue
www.floridarevenue.com | 772-429-2900

6. City Business Tax Receipt (formerly Occupational License)
Apply for the City of Port St. Lucie Business Tax Receipt
772-344-4356

7. County Business Tax Receipt (formerly Occupational License)
Apply for the St. Lucie County Tax Collector's Business Tax Receipt
www.tcslc.com | 772-462-1650

8. Tangible Personal Tax
Contact St. Lucie County Property Appraisers Office
www.paslc.org | 772-460-3340

Lawn Care

Lawn care includes, tree trimming and stump grinding.

1. Register the business name/entity
Contact the Department of State Division of Corporation
www.sunbiz.org | 850-245-6058 

2. Federal Employer Identification Number
Contact the IRS
IRS.gov | 800-829-4933

3. Sales Tax and Use
Contact the Department of Revenue
www.floridarevenue.com | 772-429-2900

4. City Business Tax Receipt (formerly Occupational License)
Apply for the City of Port St. Lucie Business Tax Receipt
772-344-4356

5. County Business Tax Receipt (formerly Occupational License)
Apply for the St. Lucie County Tax Collector's Business Tax Receipt
www.tcslc.com | 772-462-1650

6. Tangible Personal Tax
Contact St. Lucie County Property Appraisers Office
www.paslc.org | 772-460-3340

Medical

An individual licensed, registered, or certified under Federal or State laws or regulations to provide health care services.

1. Register the business name/entity
Contact the Department of State Division of Corporation
www.sunbiz.org | 850-245-6058

2. Apply
Contact the Florida Department of Health
Floridahealth.gov | 850-245-444

3. Hazardous Waste Screening
Contact the Department of Health
CHD56_Ehinfo@FLhealth.gov | 772-873-4931

4. Federal Employer Identification Number
Contact the IRS
IRS.gov | 800-829-4933

5. Sales Tax and Use
Contact the Department of Revenue
www.floridarevenue.com | 772-429-2900

6. City Business Tax Receipt (formerly Occupational License)
Apply for the City of Port St. Lucie Business Tax Receipt
772-344-4356

7. County Business Tax Receipt (formerly Occupational License)
Apply for the St. Lucie County Tax Collector's Business Tax Receipt
www.tcslc.com | 772-462-1650

8. Tangible Personal Tax
Contact St. Lucie County Property Appraisers Office
www.paslc.org | 772-460-3340

Online Business

Online E-commerce, mail order business.

1. Register the business name/entity
Contact the Department of State Division of Corporation
www.sunbiz.org | 850-245-6058 

2. Federal Employer Identification Number
Contact the IRS
IRS.gov | 800-829-4933

3. Sales Tax and Use
Contact the Department of Revenue
www.floridarevenue.com | 772-429-2900

4. City Business Tax Receipt (formerly Occupational License)
Apply for the City of Port St. Lucie Business Tax Receipt
772-344-4356

5. County Business Tax Receipt (formerly Occupational License)
Apply for the St. Lucie County Tax Collector's Business Tax Receipt
www.tcslc.com | 772-462-1650

6. Tangible Personal Tax
Contact St. Lucie County Property Appraisers Office
www.paslc.org | 772-460-3340

Party Rental

Party and event supply rental.

1. Register the business name/entity
Contact the Department of State Division of Corporation
www.sunbiz.org | 850-245-6058 

2. Federal Employer Identification Number
Contact the IRS
IRS.gov | 800-829-4933

3. Sales Tax and Use
Contact the Department of Revenue
www.floridarevenue.com | 772-429-2900

4. City Business Tax Receipt (formerly Occupational License)
Apply for the City of Port St. Lucie Business Tax Receipt
772-344-4356

5. County Business Tax Receipt (formerly Occupational License)
Apply for the St. Lucie County Tax Collector's Business Tax Receipt
www.tcslc.com | 772-462-1650

6. Tangible Personal Tax
Contact St. Lucie County Property Appraisers Office
www.paslc.org | 772-460-3340

Public Service

Public service businesses include bookkeepers, home companions, pressure washing, auto detailers, etc.

1. Register the business name/entity
Contact the Department of State Division of Corporation
www.sunbiz.org | 850-245-6058 

2. Federal Employer Identification Number
Contact the IRS
IRS.gov | 800-829-4933

3. Sales Tax and Use
Contact the Department of Revenue
www.floridarevenue.com | 772-429-2900

4. City Business Tax Receipt (formerly Occupational License)
Apply for the City of Port St. Lucie Business Tax Receipt
772-344-4356

5. County Business Tax Receipt (formerly Occupational License)
Apply for the St. Lucie County Tax Collector's Business Tax Receipt
www.tcslc.com | 772-462-1650

6. Tangible Personal Tax
Contact St. Lucie County Property Appraisers Office
www.paslc.org | 772-460-3340

Restaurant

A place where people pay to sit and eat meals that are cooked and served on the premises.

1. Register the business name/entity
Contact the Department of State Division of Corporation
www.sunbiz.org | 850-245-6058

2. Apply for the food permit
Contact the Department of Hotel and Restaurants
www.myfloridalicense.com | 850-487-1395

3. Apply for alcoholic beverages if applicable
 Contact the Department of Business and Professional Regulations
www.myfloridalicense.com | 850-487-1395

4. Hazardous Waste Screening
Contact the Department of Health
CHD56_Ehinfo@FLhealth.gov | 772-873-4931

5. Federal Employer Identification Number
Contact the IRS
IRS.gov | 800-829-4933

6. Sales Tax and Use
Contact the Department of Revenue
www.floridarevenue.com | 772-429-2900

7. City Business Tax Receipt (formerly Occupational License)
Apply for the City of Port St. Lucie Business Tax Receipt
772-344-4356

8. County Business Tax Receipt (formerly Occupational License)
Apply for the St. Lucie County Tax Collector's Business Tax Receipt
www.tcslc.com | 772-462-1650

9. Tangible Personal Tax
Contact St. Lucie County Property Appraisers Office
www.paslc.org | 772-460-3340

Retail

Retail business is the selling of consumer goods or services to customers.

1. Register the business name/entity
Contact the Department of State Division of Corporation
www.sunbiz.org | 850-245-6058 

2. Federal Employer Identification Number
Contact the IRS
IRS.gov | 800-829-4933

3. Sales Tax and Use
Contact the Department of Revenue
www.floridarevenue.com | 772-429-2900

4. City Business Tax Receipt (formerly Occupational License)
Apply for the City of Port St. Lucie Business Tax Receipt
772-344-4356

5. County Business Tax Receipt (formerly Occupational License)
Apply for the St. Lucie County Tax Collector's Business Tax Receipt
www.tcslc.com | 772-462-1650

6. Tangible Personal Tax
Contact St. Lucie County Property Appraisers Office
www.paslc.org | 772-460-3340

Transportation

Non-medical, trucking, taxi, ridesharing. Motor carrier "operating authority" is generally required for any intrastate carrier that transports commodities or passengers for hire. Carriers who are involved in the intrastate transportation of passengers and household goods.

1. Register the business name/entity
Contact the Department of State Division of Corporation
www.sunbiz.org | 850-245-6058

2. Apply Motor Carrier License
Contact St. Lucie County
www.stlucieco.gov | 772-462-1672

3. Apply for a DOT license
Contact the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
www.fmcsa.dot.gov | 800-532-5660

4. Federal Employer Identification Number
Contact the IRS
IRS.gov | 800-829-4933

5. Sales Tax and Use
Contact the Department of Revenue
www.floridarevenue.com | 772-429-2900

6. City Business Tax Receipt (formerly Occupational License)
Apply for the City of Port St. Lucie Business Tax Receipt
772-344-4356

7. County Business Tax Receipt (formerly Occupational License)
Apply for the St. Lucie County Tax Collector's Business Tax Receipt
www.tcslc.com | 772-462-1650

8. Tangible Personal Tax
Contact St. Lucie County Property Appraisers Office
www.paslc.org | 772-460-3340

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