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1. What is a "Local Business Tax"?

Formally known as "Occupational License", a "Business Tax Receipt" or BTR is a tax for the privilege of engaging in business within the jurisdiction of the local governing authority.

2. Who is required to pay the Local Business Tax?

As outlined in Ordinance 09-403A and following Chapter 205 of the Florida State Statues, any person(s) or entities maintaining a business within the municipal limits of the City, e.g: restaurants, state-licensed contractors, rental properties, motels, etc.

3. What does it cost?

The amount due varies based on the type of Business. Fees are determined by the business being conducted. In some cases, more than one tax will be required for a single location.

4. How do I apply for the Local Business Tax?

Applications can be picked up at City Hall or downloaded online.

5. Does the Local Business Tax require renewal?

Yes, your local business tax license is renewed annually on a fiscal calendar basis. Renewal notices are mailed out August 1, and the renewal fee must be received no later than the license expiration date of September 30 to avoid penalties. Any licenses not renewed by March 1 are subject to a $250 penalty upon reactivation. Any licenses not renewed by March 1 will be sent to Code Enforcement.

6. When will I receive my Local Business Tax Receipt License?

In most cases, after all documents have been submitted and approved by the appropriate parties and payment has been made, the City will email your license to the email address provided within 2 weeks.

7. Can I transfer my license?

Established Business Licenses can be transferred to new ownership at a cost of 10% of the annual Business Tax Fee, not to exceed $25. 

8. Who needs to submit a Fictitious Name Application?

If your business name is different than your legal name, you will be required to submit a Fictitious Name Application to the Florida Department of State and provide documentation when submitting your Local Business Tax Application.

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1. Why is the City doing these stormwater improvements?

When we get a big rain, we have a lot of standing water and flooding in different areas of the City. And sometime, when the tide is high, the drainage flow to alleviate flooding can be very slow or even reversed, and this causes even more flooding. The City's stormwater improvements are designed to help with the City's overall flooding issues by reducing the time it takes for standing flood waters to drain.

2. How does a stormwater infiltration trench work?

The stormwater trench acts like a French drain. The trench absorbs the surface water, and the rock and filter fabric allow the water to slowly drain to the island's freshwater lens.

3. What is a freshwater lens?

A freshwater lens occurs when rainwater seeps through the surface and gathers over the seawater. Freshwater is less dense than sea water, so it floats on top of the sea water. The weight of the rainwater that percolates into the ground depresses the salt water beneath it forming a profile that has the appearance of a lens. It is a source of fresh water for the island. We want to get rid of our storm water by allowing it to percolate to our fresh water lens.

4. Will my property be disturbed during the improvements?

The City is installing stormwater trenches along and within the City's 10-foot wide platted alleys. If you have items or structures within the platted alleys that isn't removed upon construction commencement, the items will be removed and placed within the limits of the private property.

5. How long will the construction take?

The entire project is scheduled to begin in November, 2017 and end in January, 2018. However each day of construction, areas will be excavated and filled the same day to ensure that no hazards are left open overnight or through weekends.

6. Where does this money come from to pay for these improvements?

The stormwater improvements are funded by the City's stormwater utility fee and a grant from the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

7. Where can I get more information?

You can call the City Engineer, Lynn Burnett, at 941-718-7625 or the Public Works Director, Tom Woodard, 941-778-1005, extension 212 with any questions. Also, the complete project book containing plans and contracts are available for review at City Hall.