Welcome to the City of Venice

We Are Excited To Get Your Business Started! 

**Before entering into any contractual obligations, speak with a Planner in the Planning and Zoning Department to ensure that the business is a permitted use at a location, even if a similar business previously occupied the location.

Check your Zoning District by searching the address in the Zoning Map and then check the zoning for allowable uses (Zoning Districts and Uses listed below)

Zoning Districts and Uses

OFFICE, PROFESSIONAL AND INSTITUTIONAL - OPI                  SOUTH TRAIL - ST

SEABOARD IMPROVEMENT - SBI                                                     LAUREL WEST - LW

PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT - PUD                                           LAUREL EAST - LE

PLANNED INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT - PID                               KNIGHTS TRAIL - KT

PLANNED COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT - PCD                           DOWNTOWN EDGE - DE

NORTH TRAIL GATEWAY - NTG                                                         COMMERCIAL - CM

INDUSTRIAL - IND                                                                               VENICE AVENUE - VA

SEABOARD IMPROVEMENT - SBI

Who Needs a Local Business Tax Receipt?

City code requires that anyone who engages in any business, occupation or profession, within the city limits, must obtain approval for a city business tax receipt and pay the appropriate fees before the commencement of any business. The business tax must be paid annually. (Local Business Tax Code Sec. 66-102)               Download Brochure

Application Process 

1. To confirm if a business is inside the City of Venice limits, receive a fee quote, or to apply for a Business Tax Receipt contact Ilona Krigsman at 941-882-7446 in the Planning and Zoning Department.  You can also visit the Sarasota County Property Appraiser and search the address of the location you are planning to open a business at to see if the location is within the city limits.
2. Complete the Business Tax Receipt Application for New Business, Change of Address or Ownership or Name Change.
3. Also complete a New Tenant Occupancy for the business location information 
4. Complete the Home Occupation Application for a home based business. If you do not own the residence, make sure to have written approval from the owner. If you live in a community with an Home Owners' Association, make sure a home based business is allowed. 
5. Business tax fees vary depending on the type of business, the number of employees, etc. Payment is made after the business tax receipt has been processed.
6. Register your business with the State of Florida. A business using any name other than the legal name of the owner must register a fictitious name, LLC, LLP, or a profit/non-profit corporation with the Florida Department of State Division of Corporations. There is a cost for registering the name with the state. To register online visit Sunbiz.org. For advice on how or what to file through the state, consult with an attorney or certified public accountant.  Please keep in mind, all signage, including temporary signs, require a permit.
7. If applicable, any specialty licenses issued by the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (i.e., restaurants, CPA's, Architects, massage therapist, hair/nail salons, and more). 
8. For the Venice Farmer's Market only, approval in writing from the Market Manager must be submitted. Visit the Venice Farmer's Market website for more information.
9. If applicable, the business EIN issued by the IRS.

Some businesses may need to register with the Florida Department of Revenue as well. For advice on how or what to file through the Florida Department of Revenue, consult with an attorney or certified public accountant.

Renewal: Your Business Tax Receipt expires every September 30th and you are responsible for renewal. To renew your Business Tax Receipt, you can make payment on the City of Venice Online Services page, mail a check or in person at City of Venice 401 W Venice Ave, Venice, FL 34285.

All necessary forms and applications can be obtained by contacting Ilona Krigsman at 941-882-7446 or via email ikrigsman@venicefl.gov

Other Related Links:

Fictitious Name Registration

Economic Development

Department of Business & Professional Regulation

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