Business Tax Receipts (BTR)

• Business Tax Receipt: Required for all businesses located within the city limits of Clearwater prior to opening a business or practicing a profession.
• Home-Based Business: Requires a Business Tax Receipt plus an additional affidavit.
• Residential Rental: Requires additional information as part of the Business Tax Receipt application.

The city of Clearwater requires different supporting documentation, approvals and fees depending on the type of business and location where it is operating. Applications can be submitted online. If you are operating without a Business Tax Receipt, you can be cited by a city inspector, given a Notice to Appear before the County Court, or a Notice of Violation can be given resulting in an appearance before the city's Municipal Code Enforcement Board. Failure to comply can result in fines or liens.

Before you apply:

• Check to ensure your business type is permitted within the chosen location or call Zoning at (727) 562-4604.
• Confirm your business address is located within the city limits of Clearwater through the Pinellas County Property Appraiser’s office.
• Business Tax Receipt (BTR) can be applied for online and should be obtained before opening business for operation.
• Requirements to obtain your BTR may vary depending on the type of business you apply for.

• Online Applications:
  • Business Tax Receipt (BTR) - from the blue navigation menu on the top of the site, select New -> Business Tax Application. An account is required to log in and apply. 
  • Residential Rental Property (BTR)

To Pay for a New Business Tax Receipt or Renew a Business Tax Receipt

Visit the ePermitting Website

• Type your BTR Number in the top right corner search bar.

• Click on "Payments"
• Then click on "Pay Fees"

• Review your fees and click "Continue Application"

• Pay your fee with a credit card. Your BTR is not active and valid until you pay for it.
• The following payment types are accepted with no service charge: Check, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. 
• Your BTR will be mailed to you after the payment is made.

• Contact the BTR division by emailing BTR@myclearwater.com or calling (727) 562-4005 and notify the city of any changes such as business or mailing address, name, ownership information or if the business is moving out of city limits or closing.
• Failure to update the business information could result in unnecessary fees.
• Email supporting documents and completed forms to: BTR@myclearwater.com

• The city of Clearwater will no longer be issuing registrations for businesses that are located outside of the city limits but do come into the city of Clearwater to conduct business.
• If you previously had a REG# issued from the Business Tax Receipt department, you will not need to renew this moving forward.
• Some licensed contractors (that are required to pull permits) are still required to register their license with the city and should contact epermit@myclearwater.com or 727-562-4567 for additional direction and to see if your business applies.