The information below is for small minority and women owned businesses and potential businesses located within Hillsborough County. This information is some of the first steps needed in order for your business to get off to a good start.

Permitting / Zoning - 601 E. Kennedy Blvd. Tampa, Fl. 33602

Permitting (813) 307-4739
Zoning (813) 272-5920

It is important for you to verify zoning rules and regulations even if your proposed business will be in your home.

Building Department - 601 E. Kennedy Blvd. Tampa, Fl. 33602 - (813) 635-7300

If you are remodeling or renovating permits might be required. If so, you will need to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy

Occupational License (813) 635-5200

All businesses within Hillsborough County must obtain an occupational license. The County does not have a formal application. They need to see applicable state licensing documents, locations, and a mailing address(if different) and a description of the business. Below is a list of the locations where you can walk-in and obtain a Hillsborough County occupational license.

Downtown 601 East Kennedy Boulevard 14th Floor	Brandon 2211 North Falkenburg Road	North Tampa 9309 N. Florida Ave., Ste 111
West County Waters Crossing Shopping Center, 6283 W. Waters Avenue	South County Sun Pointe Shopping Center, 3002 College Avenue in Ruskin	Plant City Strawberry Plaza 1834 J.L. Redman Parkway

If your business is also within the City of Tampa, Plant City or Temple Terrace you need to check with their occupational license offices to see if you need to obtain one for the City.

Planning and Growth Management Division -601 E. Kennedy 20^th Fl. - Tampa, Fl. 33602 - (813) 272-5920

Impact Fees are assessable to certain businesses within Hillsborough County. They vary depending on the business location within the county, the type of business, and the size of the business.

Women / Minority Business Enterprise Program - 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., 13^th Fl. Tampa, Fl. 33602 - (813) 272-5969

Information and applications can be obtained by visiting the » Hillsborough County Women/Minority Business Enterprise Program web site

Procurement Services -

In order for you to receive a written or verbal request for quotation or bid you need to be a Hillsborough County Vendor. Visit the » Procurement Services web site for more specific information and how to obtain a vendor application.

Hillsborough County Property Appraiser -601 E. Kennedy Blvd. 16^th Fl. - Tampa, Fl. 33602 - (813) 272-6100

Sales Tax- The discretionary surtax on sales in Hillsborough County is 1%. This is in addition to the 6% sales tax in Florida. For information about sales and use tax see Florida Department of Revenue.

Tangible Tax- A tax is levied on tangible(physical) business assets, such as equipment and furniture, (inventory, vehicles and real property are exempt). A new business must file a tangible personal property tax return with the tax assessor's office by April 1 of each year. Included in this return is a listing of all tangible property owned by the business as of Jan. 1. Visit the » Hillsborough County Property Appraiser web site for more information.

YOU ARE HERE: Small Business Information Center "Your First Stop"
7402 North 56th Street, Bldg. 400, Suite 425, Tampa, Florida - (813) 914-4028

Centrally located Information and Referral center for small, minority and women owned businesses as well as potential businesses.