Business Licenses

The City of Saint Augustine is one of the cities in Florida which elected to collect Local Business Taxes (formerly known as Occupational Licenses) when the state turned it over to local government level. Payment of the Local Business Tax allows you the right to do business in the City of St. Augustine and is paid annually with the fiscal year beginning October 1 through September 30. 

The renewal process is handled by the City of St. Augustine Finance Department. Business license renewals can be paid online. Please call 904-825-1034 regarding permit portal or renewal questions. 

How to Apply / Update Contractor Licensing

Email buildingpermits@citystaug.com with the following documents: 

  • Insurance (Including Worker's Compensation)
  • Contractor license

Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (ABT) Zoning Approvals

  • Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (ABT) licenses can be submitted via the permit portal for zoning review:
    • Sign in or create an account.
    • Create new application: Select Planning and Zoning, then select Alcohol License
    • Please visit our how-to guide (PDF) for assistance submitting.

How to Apply for a Local Business Tax Receipt

  • Business license applications can be submitted via the permit portal: 
    • Sign in or create an account.
    • Create new application: Business Licenses.
    • Please visit our how-to guide (PDF) for assistance submitting.
  • Please note:A state-licensed professional will need to provide a copy of their current State of Florida license prior to a City Local Business Tax Receipt issuance. Some professional offices will require two receipts. i.e., 
    • Attorney's Office 
    • Beauty Salon/Cosmetologist 
    • Physician's Office 
    • Business license applications are subject to review by the planning and zoning department, building department, public works, and the fire marshal prior to approval. 
    • Zoning approval is needed for all businesses. Please email businesslicense@citystaug.com for zoning approval or visit our maps page. 
      • If the property located in St. Johns County limits or St. Augustine Beach City limits contact the appropriate office needed, according to the business location, for zoning approval and Local Business Tax Receipt. 
        • Call St. Johns County at 904-209-0675 
        • Call St. Augustine Beach at 904-471-8758 
    • When a Business Tax Receipt has been obtained from any other municipality, it is then brought to the Tax Collector’s Office to obtain the County Local Business Tax Receipt. 
    • Once a Business License is issued you can proceed with applying for a sign permit. 
    • Food Trucks (Mobile Dispensing Vehicles) 
    • Going out of business: If your business closes or relocates to another City or County, it is your responsibility to contact our offices to close your business record. Contact customer service at 904-825-1037.