Fee Information

Steps for Obtaining a Certificate of Use -- Fee Information -- Commonly Asked Questions -- Directions for Filling Out a Business Tax Receipt Application (formerly Occupational License)

The fees for a Certificate of Use are $35.00 or $100.00 based on required inspections. If the property is located on a septic/well system, there may be additional fees. For more information, call the Department of Environmental Health at (239) 690-2148. As stated above, the Fire Department may charge for their inspection. Your Business Tax Receipt fee is collected by the Tax Collector's office and will cost $30.00 annually for most businesses.

Allow 7-10 workdays for a complete review and approval. There is a possibility that your application can be submitted by mail. To see if your location qualifies, contact Community Development, (239) 533-8585.

Streamlining Process

Effective June 1, 1994, the Building Department started a "Streamlining Process" for all Certificate of Use permits. If research indicates that a building inspection has been done within the last 2 years for the space, it is possible that your application could fall into the streamlining process. This will be determined at the time of application.

OTHER SITUATIONS

Food Handling

If you will be handling food, contact the Division of Hotels and Restaurants at (850) 487-1395.

Day Care Facilities

All Day Care Facilities should contact Florida Department of Children and Families at (239) 338-1341, prior to making application for a Certificate of Use.

Sign for the Business

A permit is required for a business sign. You may pickup an information packet at Community Development.

Buying an Existing Business and Changing Name

A Certificate of Use is required if you are changing the name of the business. This type of permit falls into the streamlining procedure. Certificate of Use will be issued in your name and requires only Fire and Garbage verification. The fee is $35.00.

Executive Suites

If you are occupying a space in an Executive Suite commercial building, you may not have to pay the $100.00 fee and go through all of the inspections. Executive Suites that have registered with Community Development and have submitted a master plan of their executive suites along with a master parking lot diagram will only be charged a $35.00 fee. However, you will still need to notify the Fire Department in your area and schedule an appointment for your required inspection. You will receive an approval for a Business Tax Receipt the same day that you apply. Your Certificate of Use will be mailed to you.

Use of Desk and a Telephone Within an Existing Business

If you are using space in an existing business that already has a Certificate of Use and a Lee County Business Tax Receipt, you are required to provide the following to Community Development:

1. A copy of the current business's Certificate of Use.
2. A copy of the current business's Lee County Business Tax Receipt.
3. A completed Lee County Business Tax Receipt application for you.
4. A letter from the current business giving you permission to operate your business from their location.
5. A letter from you giving a brief description of your business.
6. If you are state-certified, include a copy of your state license.
7. Floor plan showing where your desk is located.

Once all of the above has been received, it will be sent to the Code Enforcement Officers for review. You will be notified by mail of the approval. Please allow 7-10 days for a complete review.

Home Businesses

You are not required to get a Certificate of Use for a business being operated from your home. However, you are required to get a city (if applicable) and a county Business Tax Receipt.

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