Business licenses are issued by the Revenue Department of the City of Robertsdale based upon calendar year — January 1st through December 31st. All licenses expire December 31st of each year, regardless of the date purchased.
There are two approval processes for obtaining a business license, therefore, it is important to start the application and approval process as far in advance as possible.
One process for businesses who will maintain an office or physical presence within the city limits of the City of Robertsdale. Your application will be forwarded to various departments who will “sign off” on the form that you have met all city regulations regarding your business. If you plan to operate your business from your home inside the city limits of Robertsdale you will need approval from the ZBA to operate a home occupation.
The other process is for those who conduct business inside the city limits of the City of Robertsdale but who do not maintain an office or physical presence.
All license renewals become due annually on January 1st and become delinquent as follows:
Renewal notices will be mailed on or before December 31st each year via regular U.S. mail to the licensee’s last known address with the city. Licensees are required to furnish the city any address changes for their business prior to December 1st in order for them to receive their notice. Business license renewals must be delivered or postmarked by the postal service on or before the 31st of January. The date on the business’s postage meter is not acceptable.
PENALTIES AND INTEREST
All licenses not paid within THIRTY (30) days from the date they become due shall be increased by FIFTEEN (15) percent for the first THIRTY (30) days. The penalty will be increased to THIRTY (30) percent for a delinquency of SIXTY (60) days or more.
Persons who began business after the first day of the calendar year, the license for such “new business” shall be increased by FIFTEEN (15) percent for the first FIFTEEN (15) days they shall be delinquent and thirty (30) percent for a delinquency of FORTY-FIVE (45) days or more.
All delinquent accounts (both license taxes and penalties) shall also be charged simple interest at the rate of one (1) percent per month.
Applicants for certain types of licenses are required to show verification of current, valid licensure, permit or certification by a City, County or State Board regulating the business or industry before a business license can be issued or renewed. Examples of such businesses include, but are not limited to: Plumbers, Heating and Air Conditioning Contractors, Exterminators, Restaurants, Cosmetologists, and Therapeutic Massage Practitioners.
There may also be additional requirements for these and other types of businesses. For additional information about licensing requirements, applicants should contact the Revenue Department at (251) 947-8920.