What is a business?

The City of Florence Occupational License Ordinance states that individuals, partnerships, and corporations need a license to "do business" inside the city's limits.  This license is referred to as a Business License.  An annual fee is paid to the City of Florence for the license.

What is the City's definition of "doing business"?

It means calling, occupying, profession, or activity engaged in with the object of gain, benefit or advantage, either directly or indirectly.  One does not have to be located in the City of Florence to be doing business in the City.

When do I need to get my business license?

If you are operating any type of business inside the City of Florence or performing work or services inside the city limits, then a business license is required prior to operation. Penalties for operating without a license can accrue.

How do I apply for a business license?

There is an application form on the web site.  You may also receive an application form by mail, fax, or come by our office in room 602, City-County Complex, 180 N. Irby St., Florence, S.C.  Our telephone number is 843-665-3173.

How is the business license fee calculated?

License fees are based on gross receipts for the prior year.  For new businesses, fees are based on estimates of gross receipts for the first year or portion thereof.

Gross Receipts means the total revenue of a business, received or accrued, for those businesses located inside the city's limits.  Income generated from outside the city's limits on which a license tax is paid to some other municipality or county and fully reported to that city is not subject to a City of Florence business license.

Gross Receipts for a business located outside the city's limits means the total revenue generated from business done within Florence's city limits.

What other information might I need to complete the application process?

You need to make sure you have all of the proper State licenses (contractor, specialty license, retail license) prior to applying for a City of Florence Business License.  Of course, we can work with you in applying for these at the same time. If your business is located inside the City limits of Florence and you will be doing any form of construction, then your application must be approved fy the Florence County-Municipal Planning and Building Inspection Department located at 218 West Evans Street, Florence.

May I operate all of my businesses under one business?

As long as businesses are located at the same address, you may operate more than one business under one license.  Please keep in mind that if the business types are in different rate classes, then the higher rate will apply.  You would need to determine if it is to your advantage to keep the businesses separate or combined.  The Business License Department can help you with this determination.

I sometimes earn extra money by working after regular hours as a repairman.  Do I need a state license or a city business license?

Yes.  You need to register with the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation in Columbia as a Residential Specialty Contractor.  This licensing process is not difficult or expensive, and we will be glad to assist you with it.  You also need a City of Florence Business License.

If someone is trying to sell me a service or a product, may I call the Business License Department to determine if they have a license to operate in Florence?

Yes

This page provides only a representative sample of the questions we receive most.  There are potentially many more.  Please do not hesitate to contact the City of Florence Business License Office at 843-665-3173 if you have questions or concerns.