FAQs

Information about safety equipment requirements can be obtained on the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation’s website.

If the non-motor powered vessel is less than 16 feet in length, it is not required to be registered or titled. However, if the vessel is 16 feet or more in length, a title is required.

A certificate of title is the officially recognized proof of ownership. Ownership must be documented on a Florida Certificate of Title before a vessel may be registered in Florida *. Information identifying a specific vessel and the name of its owner is documented on the Certificate of Title.
*Federally documented vessels are excluded.

Florida recognizes valid registration certificates and numbers issued to visiting boaters for a period of 90 days. An owner who intends to use his vessel in Florida longer than 90 days must register it with a county Tax Collector. However, the out-of-state registration number may be retained if the owner plans to return to his home state within a reasonable period of time.

Present acceptable proof of ownership (Certificate of Title, Bill of Sale) to the Tax Collector’s office. The total cost of registration is determined by hull length of the vessel, use, whether a Certificate of Title must be created and other factors. For a vessel fee schedule, click here.

Out-of-state registration certificates and numbers for vessels owned by military personnel on active duty in Florida are valid in Florida until their expiration date. Then they must be registered and titled in Florida in order to be operated on state waters.

The purchaser of a vessel has 30 days in which to apply for registration and title. During this 30-day grace period, the owner is required to have aboard the vessel a bill of sale with proof of the date of purchase.

Yes. All vessels operated on Florida waters must have a registration officially assigned to it and be displayed on the vessel. The purchaser of a vessel has 30 days in which to apply for registration and title. During this 30-day grace period, the owner is required to have aboard the vessel a bill of sale with proof of the date of purchase. Florida recognizes valid registration certificates and numbers issued to visiting boaters for a period of 90 days. An owner who intends to use a vessel in Florida longer than 90 days, must register it. However, the out-of-state registration number may be retained if the owner plans to return to his home state within a reasonable period of time.

Our office now offers a convenient method to apply for a new business tax account or request changes to your account online using BTExpress.

Depending on the business type or category, the Tax Collector’s office is required to charge a Hazardous Waste fee for the Environmental Protection Commission. Florida administrative Code defines waste as hazardous if it exhibits one of the four characteristics: Ignitibility, Corrosivity, Reactivity, and Toxicity. Examples of hazardous waste materials include paint thinner, waste paint, waste ink, cleaning solvents, paint booth filters, dry cleaner filters, pesticides and waste anti-freeze. The goal of the Hazardous Waste Program is to protect the environment by assisting businesses with understanding and ensuring they are in compliance with hazardous waste regulations. The Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) oversees Hazardous Waste on a local level and determines which businesses are assessed with a hazardous waste fee. The fee is included on the Business Tax Receipt tax notice which is sent out annually by the Tax Collector’s office.

Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s office does not issue a business tax receipt with the description of Handyman. Florida State Law requires certain construction work to be performed only by a licensed contractor. If a handyman is not a licensed contractor, he/she may only do certain non-structural tasks. While most of the work performed in this category may require a state license, there are some tasks which do not necessitate a license such as: • Pressure Washing • Small Appliance Repair • Carpet Installation • Vinyl Flooring Installation.  For more details on the requirements for construction related work, please contact the Construction Industry Licensing Board

A duplicate tax receipt may be printed online at any time, click here to look up your account or contact our office. There is no charge for a current year duplicate business tax receipt.

Changes to your Business Tax Receipt can be requested using BTExpress, click here for more details.  

On the front of your notice, please indicate that your business has closed with the date the business closed and submit it to our office in the envelope provided or you may cancel your business tax account using BTExpress.

Yes. Some Business Tax Accounts can be paid online. Click here to look up your business tax account.

Hillsborough County is reciprocal with other counties throughout the state of Florida. This means that if one county does not require their businesses to obtain a business tax then Hillsborough County will not require that business to obtain a business tax.

Changes to your Business Tax Receipts can be requested using BTExpress, click here for more details.

Yes. If a business is located within one of the three municipalities found in Hillsborough County, then a Hillsborough County Business Tax receipt is required in addition to any business tax receipts required by those municipalities.

The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office does not have a formal application to obtain a business tax receipt. To obtain a business tax receipt you will need: name of business, including the fictitious name registration, if applicable, copy of state or local licensure, if applicable, the nature of the business being performed, mailing address, business location address and either your social security number or your federal employer identification number. Please note that because the amount of tax due varies depending upon the nature of the business being performed, other information may be necessary such as the number of employees, the number of seats, the number of facilities or the number of machines. You may apply for a Business Tax Account using BTExpress. Please note: not all types of businesses can be paid online.

Bring your required information* for renewal to your appointment; we will perform the notary service, take your picture and securely submit your renewal package to FDACS for final approval and issuance.

* Required Information for Renewals

1. Your Concealed Weapon License Number or Concealed Weapon License Renewal Notice
2. State issued Photo ID that includes full name and date of birth
3. Legal name change documentation if applicable (i.e. marriage certificate, court records, etc.)

Yes; you may renew up to 150 days prior to expiration and up to 180 days after expiration with a $15.00 late fee.  A concealed weapons license that has been expired more than 180 days cannot be renewed; an application for a new license must be made.

Yes; however, you must bring specific documentation to qualify for the reduced licensing fees. Click here to view First Time License fee schedule. Click here to view the License Renewal fee schedule.

Retired Florida Law Enforcement Required Documentation
If you are retired from a Florida law enforcement agency by which you were employed as a law enforcement officer, correctional officer, or correctional probation officer, you must bring a copy of an official document that shows the date of your retirement and the name of the public agency from which you retired. Simply having been formerly employed at one time as a law enforcement officer, correctional officer, or correctional probation officer is not sufficient. Note also that Florida law does not extend this fee exemption to federal law enforcement retirees or law enforcement retirees from other states.

Active Florida Law Enforcement Required Documentation
You must bring an official letter on agency letterhead stating that you are currently employed with that agency as a law enforcement officer, correctional officer, or correctional probation officer.  The letter must be signed by the agency head, the agency’s authorized representative, or the agency’s personnel officer.

No, Revised or duplicate licenses must be obtained through FDACS.

No; you will need to contact the FDACS directly to notify them of your change of address.Click here for more information.

Yes. All personal identifying information of applicants and licensees will continue to be confidential and exempt from disclosure as public records (Section 790.0601, Florida Statutes).

No; our office will simply accept application, take ID photo and fingerprint applicants.  The FDACS will continue to process all applications and make determinations regarding applicant’s eligibility for licensure.

By law, FDACS has 90 days from the date your application is submitted to process it (Section 790.06, Florida Statutes). However, licenses are generally received in a much shorter time. You may check on the status of your application by calling (850) 245-5691 and selecting option 1.

The entire process should be completed in an hour or less.

A representative will direct you to a computer station where you will complete an on-line application form. (Please note that you do not need to complete an application form in advance.) Your application will be reviewed for completeness and notarized. Then, we will take your photograph and electronically scan your fingerprints.

No, documents must be valid.

No, fingerprint cards may only be used when applying by mail.

No, passport photos may only be used when applying by mail.

You must provide an Application for Disabled Person Parking Permit completed by a licensed physician, physician assistant, advanced registered nurse practitioner, osteopath, podiatrist, chiropractor or optometrist dated within the last 12 months. Mail your completed application to:
Nancy C. Millan, Tax Collector
P.O. Box 30009
Tampa, FL 33630-3009
For more information, click here.

In order to replace a lost or stolen disabled parking permit you must provide a completed Application for Replacement Parking Permit and an Application for Disabled Person Parking Permit completed by a licensed physician, physician assistant, advanced registered nurse practitioner, osteopath, podiatrist, chiropractor or optometrist dated within the last 12 months.

A disabled parking permit may be issued to any individual with permanent or temporary mobility problems or who is certified as legally blind. An Application for Disabled Person Parking Permit must be completed and the disability must be certified by a licensed physician, physician assistant, advanced registered nurse practitioner, osteopath, podiatrist, chiropractor or optometrist dated within the last 12 months. Mail your completed application to:
Nancy C. Millan, Tax Collector
P.O. Box 30009
Tampa, FL 33630-3009
For more information, click here.

Florida Statute 320.0848 allows a temporary disabled parking permit be issued to any person who has a temporary mobility impairment not to exceed 6 months. One additional parking permit may be issued after the first 6 month permit expires. An Application for Disabled Person Parking Permit must be completed and the disability must be certified by a licensed physician, physician assistant, advanced registered nurse practitioner, osteopath, podiatrist, chiropractor or optometrist.

A replacement Social Security card may be applied for through the Social Security Administration by mail or at a local office. For information on how to apply for a Social Security card, visit the Social Security Administration’s website .

The most common reasons for not being eligible to renew your driver license online are: Your previous renewal was by phone, mail or internet OR You hold a commercial driver license OR You are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident OR Your driving privilege is suspended, revoked or canceled and you want an ID card. Therefore, you must appear in person at a Florida driver license or Tax Collector office to renew.

Enclose it with a letter to the Division of Motorist Services indicating you want to surrender your Florida driver license and include your current address. If you don’t have the license in your possession, the letter should include your driver license number or social security number, date of birth, full name and indicate you no longer have possession of the license, but want us to cancel it. Sign the letter and mail to:Motorist Services 2900 Apalachee Parkway MS 24 Tallahassee, Florida 32399

No. You can only hold one driver license or identification card. You will be required to surrender the current out-of-state license and/or identification card when you apply for the Florida issuance. We will only be able to issue you either a Florida driver license or identification card, but not both.

You can find out when the driver license or ID card is printed and mailed by viewing the State of Florida DL/ID Tracking System . Enter your driver license or identification card number to track your issuance. Please allow 7 to 10 days for delivery by the US Postal Service. If you have not received the card and it’s been at least 30 days since the license was printed, contact our customer service center. Our customer service representative can then e-mail the Division of Motorist Services and they will research to see if you are eligible for a no-fee replacement. In order for them to mail you a no-fee replacement, there can be no changes made to the card. The addresses must be the same as what you entered online. Only one no-fee replacement is authorized, therefore if you do not receive the replacement, you will be required to go in person to a State or Tax Collector office.

Florida law allows an additional $6.25 service charge that is retained by the county for driver license and identification card transactions processed at any Tax Collector office. You may avoid paying the $6.25 fee by going to a State office. For a full list of offices, click here.

A driver’s handbook and CDL handbook in English and Spanish can be obtained at our offices. However supplies are limited. They are also available online.

Every customer applying for a service that may result in a driver license or identification card issuance in an office must have their photograph taken. We do not have the option of using a previous picture.

No. The driver license expires at midnight on the expiration date, which for most of us is our birthday. If you drive with an expired license, you may be ticketed by law enforcement. If you renew your license after it’s expired, then you will be required to pay a late fee in addition to the renewal fee.

Your Florida driver license or ID card can be renewed 18 months prior to the expiration date. CDL hazardous material holders will only be allowed to renew up to 12 months in advance.

No, but to legally operate a 2 or 3-wheel motorcycle, scooter or moped more than 50 cc, the driver must have a motorcycle endorsement. For information and details visit the Florida Rider Training Program website .

You must complete the Basic Rider Course. For a full list of sponsors that offer courses and information about motorcycle endorsements, visit the Florida Rider Training Program website . Once you pass the course, you must return to our office to have the endorsement added to your driver license.

In Hillsborough County, road tests for a Class E driver license is offered at the Brandon office, East Tampa office, and the Plant City office to Hillsborough County residents only. Appointments are required. Click on the “make an appointment” button in the main menu to schedule.
For a list of other offices throughout Florida that offer road tests, click here.
For CDL skill testing sites offered by the State, click here.
For CDL skill testing sites offered by third party sites, click here.

Section 322.59(1), Florida Statutes, states that the Department shall not issue a commercial driver license to any person who is required by law to possess a medical examiner’s certificate, unless such person presents a valid certificate prior to licensure. This statutory requirement includes duplicates and replacements.

If you have already taken and passed the required exams, they will stay in our system. You will have to pay the fee to upgrade the license back to a CDL as well as any endorsements.

In addition to providing the required REAL ID documents, we will perform a check to ensure there are no outstanding suspensions. You must also pass a vision and hearing test. If you are getting a CDL license, you will need to provide your current DOT Medical Examination Card. You must also surrender your Out-of-State driver license. We recommend you make an appointment .

Learners License Requirements: To apply for a leaners license, you must be at least 15 years old.

Complete of a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education course

Parental Consent Form signed by a parent or guardian in the presence of a drive license examiner or notarized if the parent or guardian will not be present.

REAL ID documents to establish your identity, proof of legal presence, proof of social security number (if issued) and two proofs of residential address.

Class E Knowledge exam consisting of 50 questions on traffic laws and signs.  You must have 40 correct answers to pass (80%)

Vision test using an eye machine.  You must have 20/40 or better in each and both eyes, with or without corrective lenses,  to pass.

Hearing test

Note: If 18 years of age or older, you have the option of completing the Learner License requirements and upgrading it to a Class E License without first being issued a Learner License. If you opt to do so, it must be completed in two steps. You would first be required to pass all written exams, then schedule an appointment to take the Driving Skills Road Test. More information can be found here

Please contact our office at (813) 635-5200 for further details regarding this matter.

Military ID cards are not on the list of acceptable documents approved by the Department of Homeland Security under the Federal Real ID Act.

You can have the person you live with complete the Certification of Address form and that person would provide the two proofs of address.

For a complete list of acceptable proof of residential address documents go to Gather Go Get.

If marriage is the reason for a name change, all marriage certificates must be provided in order to link the name shown on the primary identification presented (US Birth Certificate, US Passport, etc.) to the name the customer would like to place on their driver license or identification card. If the name shown on the primary document presented reflects the name you wish to place on your driver license or ID card, then a marriage certificate would not be required.

You may obtain a temporary license which will allow you to continue driving until you are able to obtain your documents, provided the license has not been expired for more than 60 days. The fee for a temporary permit is $6.25. Temporary permits are not identification however and cannot be issued to customers holding ID cards.

After U.S. Citizens and Immigrants have been issued a REAL ID compliant card, they will not be required to present primary identification for subsequent transactions unless their name or residential address changes. Non-Immigrants, however, are required to present all documents to prove legal presence for every driver license or identification card issuance transaction.

The Federal REAL ID Act of 2005 sets new standards for the issuance of driver licenses and identification cards. REAL ID is a nationwide effort to improve the integrity and security of State issued driver licenses and identification cards, which in turn will help fight terrorism and reduce fraud.

You will need to bring a primary document to establish your identity, legal presence and date of birth. Primary documents include, but are not limited to:

• Original or certified copy US Birth Certificate or Valid US Passport. Note: If the name listed on the primary document presented differs from the name you wish to place on your driver license or ID card, due to marriage or legal name change, you will also need to bring the original or certified copy of all marriage certificates or court ordered name change in order to link the names.
• Proof of your social security number
• Two proofs of residential address.

Check Gather Go Get for more information.

Yes, the only people eligible for these licenses are Florida Residents. This license can be purchased at the Tax Collector’s office or online at www.myfwc.com .

At any of the Tax Collector’s offices or online. Some licenses may be purchased from Walmart, K-Mart, various sporting goods outlets, or bait and tackle shops.

The last Wednesday and Thursday in July each year.

Eleven or more customers – $801.50
Five to ten customers – $401.50
Four or fewer customers – $201.50
** These licenses can only be obtained at Tax Collector offices

A county business tax receipt, Captain license from the Coast Guard, vessel registered as Commercial and a driver license.

No, you are only required to carry your Florida driver license.

Only if you give up your out-of-state driver license and purchase a valid Florida driver license and register to vote or show you have homestead exemption on your property.

To renew your license, you can renew online, go to a Tax Collector’s office. Some licenses may also be renewed at Wal-Mart, K-Mart, various sporting goods outlets, or bait and tackle shops.

Any Non-Resident or Florida Resident fishing from a boat and the shoreline. However, there are some exemptions.

Florida residents and visitors need a Florida freshwater fishing or saltwater fishing license unless they are a member of one of the groups which is exempt. A fishing license is required to attempt to take fish. If you cast your line, catch nothing, catch and release, or catch and keep and you are not a member of one the exempted groups, you need a license. A saltwater fishing license is also required to attempt to take any native or nonnative marine organisms, such as crabs, lobsters, and marine plants. Licenses and permits are required to help or assist in the take. Someone who is passively participating (baiting hooks), whether actively fishing or not, must have a license. For a license checklist, you can visit the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission’s website.

Any person born on or after June 1, 1975 must have passed an approved hunter education course before he or she can purchase a hunting license. Call the Everglades Region Office at (561)625-5122 for the next classes.

Maps can be found online at myfwc.com/hunting/wma-brochures

Yes, the only people eligible for these licenses are Florida residents. This license can be purchased at our office or online at www.myfwc.com .

No, you are only required to carry your Florida driver license.

Florida residents and visitors need a Florida hunting license unless they are a member of one of the groups which is exempt. A hunting license is required to attempt to take wildlife. Licenses and permits are required to help or assist in the take. Someone who is passively participating (ie. setting decoys or calling birds), whether actively hunting or not, must have a license. For a license checklist, you can visit the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission’s website.

No. If the mobile home has been abandoned, only the park can apply for the title. There are only limited circumstances that would allow an individual to take title to the mobile home.

Yes. Decals are not transferable from owner to owner. Each new owner must purchase their own decal(s).

No. Mobile/manufactured homes located on your property may qualify to be taxed as real property. Contact the Property Appraiser’s office at (813) 272-6100 for an application for a real property decal. Submit the completed application and mobile home title or registration to the Tax Collector’s office for the issuance of a real property decal. Real property decals do not have to be renewed annually as the mobile home & property will be assessed on your annual property tax notice.

Florida Statute 320 requires a current registration and decal for each half of a double-wide mobile home. Registrations and decals are renewed each December. Mobile home fees are imposed by length and change every 5 feet. Florida Statutes further state it is the responsibility of the owner to know when taxes are due and what’s owed.

Florida is a titling state; therefore, all mobile homes have a title. There will be a title for each half of a double-wide mobile home.

More detailed information regarding Tangible Personal Property Taxes can be obtained via the Florida Department of Revenue’s website and the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser’s office website.

Tangible assessments are as of January 1 of the current calendar year and are due November 1 or as soon as the Property Appraiser certifies the tax roll to the Tax Collector. According to Florida Statute 197.122, all property owners have the responsibility to know the amount of tax due and to pay the taxes before April 1 of the following year.

The deadline for filing the Tangible Return with the Property Appraiser’s office is April 1. After April 1, Florida Statutes provide that late penalties be applied at 5% per month, but not to exceed 25%. A 15% penalty is required for unreported property and a 25% penalty is required if no return is filed. Please contact the Property Appraiser’s office for questions about the filing penalty at 813-272-6100 or visit their website at hcpafl.org.

Tangible Personal Property Tax is an ad valorem assessment against the furniture, fixtures, and equipment located in businesses. It also applies to structural additions to mobile homes not taxed as real property. The Tax Collector is responsible for collecting tangible personal property tax. Changes (e.g., name, address, location, and assessed value) to the tax roll are processed through the Property Appraiser’s office.

Yes. The Tourist Development Tax is a 6% tax on the total rental amount collected from any person or other party who rents, leases, or lets for consideration living quarters or accommodation in hotels, apartment hotels, motels, resort motels, apartments, apartment motels, rooming houses, tourist or trailer camps, vessels or condominiums for a period of 6 months or less. According to Florida Law (F.S. 125.0104), the renting of such property is a privilege, which is subject to taxation, and the requirements and conditions of that taxation are set forth by the State of Florida, as well as various County Governments within the State.

All owners and operators of living quarters and accommodations in a hotel, apartment-hotel, motel, resort motel, apartment-motel, rooming house, tourist or travel camp, condominium, cooperatively-owned apartment, mobile home, trailer, single or multiple-unit dwelling, beach house, cottage or any other sleeping accommodation that is rented for six months or less are subject to the tax on transient rentals which must be collected from tenants or guests and remitted to the Hillsborough County Tax Collector.

All Tourist Development Tax records must be retained for three years and made available for audit at the place of business. Any business dealing in guest/tenant/transient accommodations is responsible for collecting and remitting this tax and for maintaining records such as guest checks, general ledgers, sales tax payments, Federal income tax returns, etc. Any records located outside the county must be returned to the audit site prior to the audit. For questions regarding audits and retention period of Tourist Development tax documents, please contact our office at (813) 635-5235.

Checks should be made payable to: Nancy C. Millan, Tax Collector Mailing Address: Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office Attn: Tourist Development Dept. PO Box 21608, Tampa, Florida 33622-1608

The Tourist Development tax is due to the Tax Collector’s office by the 20th day of the month following collection. Any payments remitted after the due date are considered delinquent and are subject to interest and penalties. If the 20th falls on a Saturday, Sunday or federal or state legal holiday, the returns are timely if postmarked on the next succeeding workday.

To compensate owners and operators for the collection of taxes from their guests and tenants, owners and operators are entitled to an allowance of 2.5% of the first $1,200 of tax collected ($30.00 maximum), provided the tax is remitted on time.