A Business Tax Receipt is required for any business performing services or selling goods, advertising goods for sale, or advertising the performance of services for a fee.

A separate Business Tax Receipt is required for each place of business.

Please note that a Business Tax Receipt must be obtained BEFORE the business begins operation. If you operate a business prior to obtaining the Business Tax Receipt, you are subject to a penalty as provided by City Code.

All businesses must meet additional requirements, which include compliance with zoning codes and inspections through the City of Melbourne Code Enforcement Division.

The Application Process

We suggest that you begin the application process by reviewing all of the information on this page describing the required steps for obtaining a business tax receipt.

You will then be able to determine which application process is required for your type of business, and you will be directed to the appropriate "Applicant Information & Instructions" page.  

Please note: Brevard County requires that any business that operates within the City of Melbourne must have a County Business Tax Receipt. For more information call Brevard County at (321) 255-4453.

Contact the Business Tax Receipts Office

If you need assistance, contact the Business Tax Receipts office by e-mail at Business.Tax.Receipts@mlbfl.org  or call 321-608-7038, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Required Steps to Obtain a Business Tax Receipt

1. Contact the Brevard County Property Appraiser's Office to ensure the planned business location is within the city limits of Melbourne.
2. Contact the Community Development Department to ensure the planned business location is compatible with the land use. The Community Development Department can be reached at 321-608-7500 or by e-mail at Community.Development@mlbfl.org.
3. If you are a professional or in a business that requires a license from any division of the State, you must first obtain your State license before applying for your City of Melbourne Business Tax Receipt. For more information, please refer to: State of Florida and Brevard County License Requirements for Businesses and/or State of Florida and Brevard County License Requirements for Professionals.
4. Contractors must present a certificate showing proof of insurance for general tort liability in an amount of not less than $300,000 combined single limit per occurrence and $500,000 annual aggregate.
5. If a business uses any name other than the full legal name of the owner or a corporation uses a name other than its legal corporate name, a fictitious name (also referred to as a D/B/A) must be registered with the State. Forms and additional information are available from the Florida Department of State, Fictitious Name Registration,
6. Any entity that transacts business as a corporation is required to file documents of incorporation or authorization with the State Division of Corporations. Proof of active status must be submitted with your application for a City of Melbourne Business Tax Receipt. Contact the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations.
7. Use this link to determine your Business Tax Receipt Category. Once you have determined the appropriate category from the listing, complete the application and pay the application fee, if required.
8. Application Information and Instructions

Costs

The cost of a Business Tax Receipt varies, depending on the type of business, the number of employees, and other factors. The professional business tax rate starts at $100 for one professional.

A detailed Schedule of Rates can be reviewed in the Melbourne Municipal Code, Chapter 54, Division 3 - Sec. 54-284. Schedule of

At the time of initial application a $25 nonrefundable application fee is required and will be applied toward the first year business tax at the time the Business Tax Receipt is issued. To determine the tax rate that applies to your business, inquire by e-mail or call 321-608-7038.

MasterCard, Discover, and VISA are accepted at City Hall or online. Use of this service carries a 3.25% convenience fee (minimum $2). E-checks carry a $1.50 convenience fee.