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1. Who must license their business?

By law, all businesses are required to license with the local municipality in which they are doing business. General standards exist for licensure, but each city and county also have unique requirements and procedures. It is best to contact your city or county office to know the exact standards that are set for licensure.

2. Why are municipal business licenses required?

Local licensure ensures that businesses are safe to the public and given the protections under the law to which a licensed business is entitled. A business may be visited or inspected and required to fulfill local zoning, building and parking requirements before receiving a license. This ensures employee and public health, safety and welfare.

3. When should a business license with a county office?

Counties have jurisdiction over the unincorporated areas of the county. If your business is in an unincorporated are of the county, you should contact your county office.

Some counties require that all businesses that sell food, liquor and gas within county borders are required to receive a special permit or license from the county.