Panama City Beach has a growing business community. City staff works hard to support entrepreneurs who want to start a business in PCB.  Here are a few tips we hope you'll find useful.

Starting a New Business?

First 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.

Also, as outlined in our code, 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

Once you've completed the above questionnaire, you'll now need to register your business by logging in and completing the application that relates, or is applicable, to your type of business and submit for approval to obtain a Business Tax Receipt (BTR), which 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.

• BTR fees are based on one dollar ($1) per one hundred dollar ($100) retail sales or one percent (1%). Business Tax Receipt (BTR) has a minimum annual fee of $50 collected during the registration year. 
• 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.

Short Term Vacation Rental Registration

If you are operating a short term vacation rental, you will need to fill out our Individual Short-Term Rental form.  

IMPORTANT: 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. 

We are happy to assist you regarding your inquiries pertaining to your Business Tax Receipt.  Please feel free to reach out to one of the following staff members between the hours of 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday thru Friday. 

Business Tax Analyst, Terri Jordan - (850) 233-5100, x 6862

Business Tax Analyst, Lauryn Pumphrey - (850) 233-5100, x 6860

Business Tax Analyst, Lise-Lott Phlegar - (850) 233-5100, x 6861

In person appointments may also be made.  We are located in the City Municipal Complex, Public Services Building at 17005 Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach, FL 32413.

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