Business License Frequently Asked Questions
Florence Business License Program - Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs a business license?
A City business license is required prior to opening a business within the City limits, or before doing business within the City. Here are some checkpoints to see if your business would require a City of Florence Business license.
- Is your business's physical address located within Florence City Limits (i. e. is your office located in Florence)
- Does your business come into Florence City limits to do work. (examples include contractors, traveling salesman, and consultants)
- Do you advertise your business within the Florence City limits, with the intent to sell your products or services to Florence City residents
If you said yes to any of the above, then your business is likely required to obtain a Florence business license. The City of Florence regulates all kinds of businesses from bakeries, contractors, specialized consultants, retail establishments, and everything in between. More information on the business license requirements can be found in Florence City Code Title 3 Chapter 1 located on the City of Florence website or by contacting the City Recorder’s office.
How long does a business license last?
There are four types of business licenses for the City; Temporary; Permanent; Home Occupation; and Master Vendor/Vendors. A temporary business license lasts for six months from the date of approval. Permanent business licenses & Home Occupations are good until the end of the calendar year (December 31st) of the year you apply, and are renewable annually after that. Master Vendor/Vendor licenses last for as long as the special event / season applied for (usually one weekend).
What are the business license fees?
The amount of fees that you pay depends on the type of business license that you need, depending on the work you will be doing and how long you plan to work in the City.
- Permanent Business License fees are $80 per year, which is prorated for the second half of the year at $40. The fee is waived for non-profits with a valid 501(c)3. This means that if you apply from January 1st through June 30th your business license fee will be $80 for that calendar year. If you apply from July 1st through December 31st your business license fee will be $40 for that calendar year.
- Temporary Business License fees are $45 for a one time job, or for six months. Food vendors, contractors, or any business that does not plan to operate for more than six months would qualify.
- Home Occupation fees are $45 per year, which is prorated for the second half of the year at $22.50 (see Permanent Business Licenses). To qualify for a home occupation license you must operate your business from within your permanent residence, and fill out an additional “Home Occupation Form”.
- Master Vendor/Vendors fees are $20 per vendor, with one person/organization applying for a master vendor’s license. These license types are specific to special and seasonal events such as the Rhododendron Festival.
What does the business license fee pay for?
The City of Florence strives to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of citizens of Florence through regulation of businesses. The business license fees help pay for City review of the new and renewing businesses to verify that applicants comply with City, State, and Federal regulations and that they will not endanger property or public health/safety.
How do I apply for a business license?
You may apply for a city business license at Florence City Hall, 250 Hwy 101 during regular business hours (Monday – Friday 8-12 & 1-5). You may also obtain a business license application on the City of Florence website and mail or fax your completed form and licensing fee information.
How long does it take to get a business license?
The application process can take up to 30 days from the date you apply, but will often be completed in 1-2 weeks. If the application indicates any problem areas, the city department concerned will contact the business owner/applicant for more information.
How do I renew my business license?
All permanent business licensees are valid through the end of the calendar year from the application date. In November of every year the City Recorder’s office will issue business license renewals for each permanent business within the City of Florence. These business license renewals are due by January 1st of each year in order to maintain your legal business status and not incur any penalty fees. These renewals will be issued via the mailing address on file with the City Recorder’s office so please be sure to keep the City updated on any changes to your mailing address.
How do I make any changes to my Business Name/Location/Owner/Manager?
All active business licenses are required to notify the City of any changes to their business name, practices, manager, owner, or location. To do so, please complete a new business license application and check the “Transfer of Ownership/Name-Location Change” at the top of the form. Application forms can be found on the City of Florence website. The charge for processing changes is $25.
What if I have other questions?
If you have any questions or need more information about the business license program please contact Florence City Recorder Kelli Weese at (541) 997-3437, or via email at kelli [dot] weese [at] ci [dot] florence [dot] or [dot] us.
