Business licenses
 

I am wondering if Villagers who advertise in the Daily Sun for services like Handyman, Computer Service, House Cleaning, Home Repair, etc are required to obtain a county business license and are required to pay State Sales Tax?

So many of these people just want to be paid cash or a check payable to them -not a company. Is this legal?

If you like their services, don't stir the pot. Most barely make a living. At least they are working.

Are they even required any more.
From Sumter County web site.

Who do I call for a business license?
On January 9, 2007, The Board of County Commissioners passed Ordinance 2007-01 to repeal the Sumter County Occupational License Tax as set forth in Section 14-16 of the Sumter County Code providing an effective date of July 31, 2007.

Indy: what you say seems counterintuitive but in fact it is spot on Could not agree with more. these probably are start ups, etc and the market will decide.

The service I use for my lawn does monthly billing so it would appear that he does pay taxes. he has a viable business because he tends to business provides a quality product and is timely and trustworthy

All businesses should pay tax. It used to be a state law (until 2009) that every business got what was termed an "Occupational License" which was, in effect, their proof that they registered as a business and paid taxes. In 2009 the state abolished the state requirement and left it up to each county. Today, Lake County still uses that system and many business who say they are "licensed" will show you a Lake County Occupational License which means they paid their $30 to Lake. Marion and Sumter did away with the paper license part so businesses in those counties can't get an "occupational license" on paper. BTW, the Lake County 'occupational license' (looks like an old IBM card and is the same size) has nothing to do with the occupation the business is in and only pertains to their paying taxes to the county. Everything you names (lawn services, landscapers, house cleaners, maid services, etc.) are NOT licensed by the state. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) licenses the building trades (Electricians, Plumbers, Roofers, General Contractors, HVAC Repairs, etc.). Visit their web site to check on the license of any professional.

You don't pay sales tax on a "service" unless it is one of the following:
Nonresidential Cleaning Services
Commercial Pest Control Services
Commercial/Residential Burglary and Security Services
Detective Services

As for whether the person pays income taxes on money they earn, why don't you ask to see their tax return? Of course, you should be prepared to show them your own, as well.

This has worked for me for many, many years.
On household jobs/work I do seek out those who are licensed and insured.

Are Village residents even allowed to run a business from their home?

Technically, probably not but so long as clients don't come to your home, it is acceptable.

Licenses are not required for many businesses. If you are wondering if the business is registered with the state as a corporation, partnership, LLC, has filed a ficticious firm name, etc., you can look up the business at Incorporate or Form an LLC in Florida, File a Fictitious Name, File your Annual Report. This may help you feel more comfortable if you want to make sure the business is "viable". You can also ask to see evidence of worker's compensation insurance and liability insurance.