Going Out of Business Sales Permits Requirement
Any individual or business which operates or advertises a “fire sale” or “going out of business sale,” or any such liquidation sale, is required by the state to apply for and purchase a Going Out of Business Permit.
Included with the application will be a copy of the proposed advertising, the current county local business tax receipt, and a current inventory listing of the goods to be sold.
Prior to the permit being issued, all tangible personal property and real estate taxes must be paid. The permit is valid for 60 consecutive days and the fee is $50 (fifty-dollars).
To retrieve a Going Out of Business Application, click here.
Going Out of Business Permits are also available at the Tax Collector’s Service Centers.
Going Out of Business Fee Authority
Any individual or business which operates or advertises a “fire sale” or “going out of business sale,” or any such liquidation sale that has questions about the fee amount for the sale in question should direct their inquiries to their elected members of the Florida Legislature or the Governor. (RE: Chapter 559 of the Florida Statutes, Part III).
Going Out of Business Penalties
Any individual or business which operates or advertises a “fire sale” or “going out of business sale,” or any such liquidation sale, and which fails to apply for and purchase a Going Out Of Business Permit is subject to a criminal penalty of up to 60 days in jail, including a $500 fine. Moreover, there are also civil penalties that might be applied which include late fees, court costs, attorney’s fees, administrative costs, and an additional $250 penalty.
To report unlawful business activities by those who have failed to obtain a Going Out of Business Permit, click here.