Business Tax Receipts (BTR)

The Business Tax Receipt is a part of the Code Compliance Division within the Planning and Development Department, which is responsible for the issuance and maintenance of all Business Tax Receipts within the city of Clearwater, as defined through Chapter 29 of the Code of Ordinances. The business tax year is from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30 and renews annually regardless of when the BTR is obtained.

The city 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 BTR, 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.

BTR application types are provided below.

  • 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 BTR plus an additional affidavit.
  • Residential Rental: Requires additional information as part of the BTR application.

To apply for a business tax receipt, see the steps below. You can renew online or by mail if there are no changes to the:

  • Business address
  • Business name
  • Business ownership
  • Mailing address

Contact the BTR department for direction on your specific requirements.

Payment can be made online. The following payment types are accepted with no service charge: Check, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.

Email supporting documents and completed forms to: BTR@myclearwater.com

Apply Online

Applications can be submitted for all business types (excluding Residential Rentals and Home-Based Businesses) through our online portal. Requirements to obtain your BTR may vary depending on the type of business you apply for. Below are steps to complete prior to submitting your BTR.

Step 1.Confirm your business address is located within the city limits of Clearwater through the Pinellas County Property Appraiser’s office.

If it is within Clearwater, you need a BTR. If it is in a different jurisdiction, you will need to register your business.

Step 2.Gather additional information and fill out the required form(s):

Pay Online

Step 2.Select the "Business Tax" Tab

Business tab instructions screenshot

Step 3.Enter BTR Number

General Search Screenshot

Step 4.Search Results

The search results will display at the bottom of the page. Click "Pay Fees Due".

Pay Fees Due Window Screenshot

Step 5.Review your fees and click "Continue Application"

Step 6.Pay Your Fee with Credit Card

Step 7.Your Business Tax Receipt will be mailed to you after the payment is made