When Starting a New Business, you will need to complete the business questionnaire to ensure that you comply with all applicable codes of the City, including building, fire, and zoning laws before you obtain a license. A pre-license inspection is required for any business operating as a mercantile, restaurant, short-term rental property, or professional office. No person shall engage in or manage any business, occupation or profession within the city limits of the City without first obtaining a Business Tax Receipt (BTR).  Please complete the New Business Questionnaire and submit for approval to get started.   

Registering Your Business is the next step. Please login to complete the appropriate application that relates to your type of business and submit for approval to obtain a Business Tax Receipt (BTR).  The BTR fees are based on one dollar ($1) per one hundred dollar ($100) retail sales or one percent (1%). The BTR registration year begins in March and ends the last day of February each year. If you are operating as a Professional/Contractor your BTR registration year is October 1 through September 30 each year.

Fees are due and payable by the first of the following monthly sales. If the payment is received by the 10th of the month a three percent (3%) deduction will be applied.  Delinquent payments, ones received on the last day of the following monthly sales, will not receive the deduction. A delinquent filing fee of eight percent (8%) for each month the payment is late will begin the 1st of the month of the following monthly sales and will be applied each month until it is paid.

Business Tax Receipt (BTR) is a minimum annual fee of $50 collected during the registration year. 

Everything can be done online. The City's online Business Tax System allows you to register your business, file your 1% BTR and remit payment. When using the online system please complete the application forms using Internet Explorer to email the completed forms to our office.

Short-Term Rentals - If you are using VRBO, HomeAway, Airbnb or such like companies YOU are responsible for reporting and submitting your one percent (1%) BTR to the City of Panama City Beach. Short-term rental inspection information is available here.

We are available to assist you regarding your inquiries pertaining to your Business Tax Receipt, please contact our offices between the hours of 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday thru Friday. Offices are located at 116 S. Arnold Road. For further assistance, please contact staff at 850-233-5100.

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