The next FREE Business Workshop is Thursday, February 9 at 9 a.m. in the Building Department Training Room. Florida Department of Management Services will be conducting a Webinar on "How to become a Certified Business Enterprise in Florida" for new and existing business owners. Please call 772-344-4238 or email Cgomez@cityofpsl.com to reserve your seat. New applicants will receive a 50% reduction on their application fee for attending.
Coming soon to your email will be the 2017 Free Business Workshop schedule.
City offices will be closed on Monday, January 16, 2017 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
The start of the New Year also marks the beginning of tax season. As you begin to gather and organize your business' financial documents, you may need to hire a certified public accountant (CPA) to assist with the process. Tax laws, auditing processes and business trends are ever-changing, and it's important to know that someone with the proper education and training is overseeing this arduous task for you. Although there are many capable accountants and tax professionals, only CPAs are licensed by the state to perform specific services. Remember to keep in mind that only licensed CPAs may use the CPA designation or advertise themselves as a CPA. Before hiring a CPA, always verify their professional license with DBPR. Licenses can be verified quickly and easily by visiting www.myfloridalicense.com, calling 850-487-1395 or downloading the free DBPR Mobile app available in the iTunes and Google Play app stores. There are countless dangers of hiring unlicensed CPAs to assist with your business' financial needs, especially during tax season. Not only do unlicensed CPAs pose a financial risk to consumers, but they also threaten the livelihood of licensed CPAs. If you suspect unlicensed activity is taking place, don't forget to report it to DBPR by emailing ULA@myfloridalicense.com.
Business Tax Receipt payments received (or postmarked) on or after January 1st will have a 25% late fee added. If you have not renewed yet, please add 25% to the tax due amount. An additional penalty of $250 will be imposed on February 1 for delinquent businesses operating without a valid business tax receipt.
Businesses opening or relocating to a commercial location are required to obtain an "Occupancy Use and Zoning Review Permit" per the Florida Building Code and City Ordinance. Contact the Business Tax Division at (772) 344-4356 with any questions about this permit.
Let us know how we can assist you in the success of your business, contact Yvonne at (772) 344-4356.
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What do you feel is the greatest obstacle to a successful business?
City of Port St. Lucie Business Tax Division
121 S.W. Port St. Lucie Boulevard
· Port St. Lucie, FL 34984
