Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated: October 2026
These are the questions people ask us most about business licenses and fees in Miami, answered the short way first. This site is not a government agency; we estimate from published schedules and point you to the official office for the final word. For the calculator itself, start on the home page.
Do I need both a city and a county receipt?
Yes, if you are inside a municipality. Every business needs the Miami-Dade County Local Business Tax Receipt, and businesses inside city limits also need their city's receipt, for each place of business and each separate classification. In unincorporated county areas there is no city receipt; a county Certificate of Use applies instead.
How much is the county receipt?
For the most common categories, like retail, services, and offices, it is $45 a year inside a city ($75 in unincorporated areas) covering 1 to 10 employees, plus $4.50 per additional employee ($7.50 unincorporated). Flat-fee categories range from $60 to $1,750 depending on the business type and location.
Why isn't the City of Miami receipt in the total?
The city sets its Business Tax Receipt by occupation in Chapter 31 of the city code, but it does not publish a current fee schedule we can verify against, so we do not guess a number. You apply through MiamiBiz, which shows your actual city fee during the application.
What is the Certificate of Use?
It is the city's confirmation that your business type is allowed at your address, and it is required before you open. The application fee is $50, credited toward the total Certificate of Use charge if the application proceeds past initial screening. Fire and code inspections are invoiced separately.
When do the receipts renew, and what happens if I am late?
The tax year runs October 1 to September 30, bills are mailed in July, and payment is due by September 30. Late payment adds 10% in October plus 5% for each additional month, capped at 25% of the tax.
Is this an official government website?
No. This is an independent resource operated by Perfect Option MBC, LLC. We are not a government agency and we are not affiliated with any city or state. Every estimate points back to the official published schedule so you can confirm the number at the source.
Is the calculator free?
Yes. The calculator and this guide are free to use, with no account and no sign-up. The numbers you enter are calculated in your browser and are not stored or sent to us.
How current are the fees?
We work from the fee schedules and tax rules the city publishes, and we update our math when the schedules change. Fees do change, sometimes mid-year, so treat every result as a well-sourced estimate and confirm the final figure with the city before you budget around it.