What's specific to Tampa

At a glance

Local details

Everything a city page adds on top of the state rules. Fields that weren't found in the source are marked so — confirm them with the city, never assume.

Permit required

Yes

Official name

Business Tax Receipt, City of Tampa Code Ch. 24, Art. V — classification (0289) 'Used goods or second hand dealer', or (0154) 'Jewelry store'

Who it applies to

Tampa's business regulation chapter (Ch. 6) has no secondhand-dealer division, so the city requirement is the business tax receipt under the classification that matches the business. A used-watch dealer generally falls under (0289)(j) general merchandise or (0154) jewelry store — both $115.76 — but the city assigns the classification.

Office

City of Tampa — business tax receipt; purchase reports go to the Tampa Police Department as the appropriate law enforcement official under state law

Reporting system

Tampa Police Department (as the appropriate law enforcement official under Fla. Stat. § 538.03(1)(b))

What must be reported

Tampa adds no reporting of its own. Under state law every purchase produces a transaction form at the time of the deal and a record delivered to the police chief within 24 hours, with the item's serial number and description, digital photographs, the seller's identification details and right thumbprint, and a signed statement of ownership.

Reporting cadence

Within 24 hours of acquiring the goods, under state law (§ 538.04).

Holding period

30 daysState law rather than a city ordinance: 30 calendar days for a precious metal, gemstone, or jewelry; 15 calendar days for other secondhand goods (§ 538.06), with jewelry defined as a personal ornament containing precious metals (§ 538.31(1)(b)). Tampa has not enacted a stricter local period.

Fingerprinting

YesThrough the state registration: a complete set of fingerprints certified by an authorized law enforcement officer, forwarded by the Department of Revenue to FDLE (§ 538.09).

Zoning / home office

Florida preempts most of this: under § 559.955 a local government may not license or regulate a qualifying home-based business differently from any other business, and such a business may operate in an area zoned for residential use, subject only to the applicable local business taxes. The qualifying criteria cover who works at the dwelling, parking, and keeping the property's appearance consistent with the surrounding residential area.

Fees

$115.76 — (0289)(j) used goods or second hand dealer, general merchandise; (0154) jewelry store is also $115.76. (0156) jewelry or watch repairs is $28.93 and (0204) pawnbroker is $434.10Renewal: Annual business tax receipt renewalSource reviewed: 2026-09-22 (City of Tampa Code Ch. 24, Art. V, current as displayed)