Fort Lauderdale business owners just got a fresh deadline to circle on the calendar, along with a small tax bump to budget for. The three-month window to renew Local Business Tax Receipts opens Wednesday and runs through September 30, and this cycle comes with a 5% adjustment to the Local Business Tax for the 2026–27 renewal period. Renewal notices will reflect the new rates, and businesses in classifications affected by the change are urged to review their notices carefully and call the Business Tax Office at 954‑828‑8000 with questions.
As the City of Fort Lauderdale highlighted on X, businesses can renew their Local Business Tax Receipt from July 1 through September 30, and the mailed renewal notices will show the updated rates. City of Fort Lauderdale
How to Renew and Pay
Renewals can be handled online through the city’s LauderBuild portal, by mail, or in person at the Business Tax Office. Accepted payment methods and related fees are laid out on the city’s site. According to the Local Business Tax information provided by the City of Fort Lauderdale, credit‑card payments carry a 2.75% service fee, while ACH/e‑check options may avoid that extra cost. The Business Tax program also offers an online appointment scheduler along with a customer‑service line to walk business owners through the process.
Why the Change and Who It Covers
The City Commission adopted an ordinance that restores 13 previously omitted business categories and sets up a biennial 5% adjustment as part of a multi‑year plan, according to city materials. Staff estimates the first year of the change will generate about $152,000 in additional FY2026 revenue and roughly $800,000 over a nine‑year phase‑in, with the average annual business tax increasing only modestly. Fort Lauderdale City Commission
Cost, Penalties and Legal Authority
Businesses that do not renew by September 30 are considered delinquent and can face penalties or other enforcement actions under the city’s business‑tax code. Local rules, including Fort Lauderdale Code §15‑27, outline how those penalties work, while state law gives municipalities room to move on rates. Florida Statutes §205.0535 allows cities to increase local business‑tax rates by up to 5% every other year. Fort Lauderdale Code and Florida Statutes
Next Steps for Business Owners
Once renewal notices arrive, business owners should review them closely, confirm that their business classification is correct and pay early to avoid service fees piling on top of the 5% adjustment or any late penalties after September 30. For full details on renewal steps, forms and scheduling, the city’s Business Tax portal and customer‑service line remain the go‑to resources. City of Fort Lauderdale
