Tampa Mobile Mechanic License Requirements (2026)

📋 Your checklist

State

1. Florida Motor Vehicle Repair Shop registration (FDACS)
   Anyone repairing other people's vehicles for pay, explicitly including mobile repair shops and self-employed individuals, must register with FDACS before doing business. You must file copies of your estimate and invoice forms. Fee per year: $50 (1-5 repair employees), $150 (6-10), $300 (11+); initial fee waived for qualifying veterans and spouses.
   ⏰ Register before starting; fee is per year (verify your renewal date with FDACS)
   Source: Florida Statutes §559.903 (motor vehicle repair shop definition) · Florida Statutes §559.904 (motor vehicle repair shop registration and fees)
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 (Tampa / Hillsborough County)

1. City of Tampa Business Tax Receipt
   Apply through the city's Business Tax application for a new business operating in the City of Tampa; an on-site inspection may be required.
   ⏰ Due September 30 each year (state law)
   Source: City of Tampa: New Business Tax Receipt Application · City of Tampa: Business Tax, How do I… · Florida Statutes §205.053 (business tax due dates and penalties)
2. Hillsborough County Business Tax Receipt
   Collected from businesses operating in Hillsborough County. Renewal opens July 1.
   ⏰ Expires September 30; late penalties start October 1
   Source: Hillsborough County Tax Collector: Business tax renewal information