2004-2005 Occupational License & Certificate of Use Renewal Time is here.
By Robert C. Solera, Assistant Administrator Code Enforcement and Licensing Department

Certificates of Use and Occupational Licenses are valid within a fiscal year, which runs from October 1 through September 30. Licenses for next fiscal year, 2004-2005, will be available for payment on August 1, 2004.

The Code Enforcement and Licensing Department is now mailing the renewal information to all existing businesses within the City.

The City of Sunny Isles Beach taxes businesses that operate within our City limits. The City collects these taxes from, and issues a Certificate of Use & an Occupational License to businesses successfully meeting requirements that are verified by City staff during an application process.

The application process verifies that owners have all the required documentation, certifications, and/or registrations to operate legally. This may include but not be limited to obtaining any Federal, State, County, and/or City permits, licensing, certifications, or registrations.

A Certificate of Use is required prior to obtaining an Occupational License. The Certificate of Use process verifies that the business use type is conducted in the proper zoning district, and that there is a current fire inspection and any required registrations from DERM (Department of Environmental Resource Management). The process also subjects all business owners to an annual inspection of their premises, including those that fall under the residential businesses.

Zoning districts ensure that there are no conflicting uses within a zone that would inhibit or negatively affect the economic development, aesthetic environment, health, safety or welfare of the property owners' and customers in that particular zone.

Section 205.053 of State statute 205 states:

" (1) All Licenses shall be sold by the appropriate tax collector beginning August 1 of each year, are due and payable on or before September 30 of each year, and expire on September 30 of the succeeding year.".

."Licenses that are not renewed when due are delinquent and subject to a delinquency penalty."

"(3) Any person who engages in any business, occupation, or profession covered by this chapter, who does not pay the required Occupational License tax within 150 days after the initial notice of tax due, and who does not obtain the required Occupational License tax is subject to civil actions and penalties, including, court costs, reasonable attorneys' fees, additional administrative costs incurred as a result of collection efforts, and a penalty of up to $250.00."

Besides statute 205 the City has adopted its own licensing ordinances, which among other things, specifically allows an application for License to be denied; and if violations occur at a business the City may revoke the Occupational License. Additionally, it has been deemed unlawful to open and/or operate any business within the City limits prior to obtaining the required Occupational License. Enforcement action may be pursued if there is prima fascia evidence that the business is in operation.

The Code Enforcement and Licensing Department seeks to enhance and develop businesses within our City limits in accordance with our laws and ordinances, as adopted. City staff appreciates the continuing interaction and cooperation exhibited by our City's business community, which is a testament to the quality of merchants and entrepreneurs the City is attracting.


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