Clearwater Pet Grooming License Requirements (2026)

📋 Your checklist

State

1. No Florida state trade license is required for this type of work. You still need the local receipts below.
2. Business name and entity filings (Sunbiz)
   LLCs and corporations file an annual report ($138.75 for an LLC). Using a name other than your legal name? Register it as a fictitious name.
   ⏰ Annual report: May 1 ($400 late fee). Fictitious name: renew every 5 years
   Source: Florida Division of Corporations: File Annual Report · Florida Statutes §865.09 (fictitious name registration)

Local (Clearwater / Pinellas County)

1. City of Clearwater Business Tax Receipt
   Required for all businesses located in city limits before opening; home-based businesses also file an affidavit. Contractors without a DBPR or Pinellas license must register with the Building Department before permits.
   ⏰ Tax year October 1 to September 30; renews yearly
   Source: City of Clearwater: Business Tax Receipts (BTR) · Florida Statutes §205.053 (business tax due dates and penalties)
2. Pinellas County
   Pinellas County itself does not issue a business tax receipt (repealed in 1995). Your city receipt is what you need locally.
   ⏰ None
   Source: Pinellas County: Occupational Licenses/Business Tax Receipts