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No Local Business Tax for a Veteran-Owned Business

Fla. Stat. 205.055 exempts an honorably discharged veteran from the local business tax and any fees imposed under chapter 205. For a business entity the qualifying person must hold a MAJORITY interest and the business must have fewer than 100 employees. It is claimed by a signed Request for Fee Exemption under penalty of perjury, with supporting documentation. Military spouses are covered by the same section.

Verified August 27, 2026

What this benefit is

Fla. Stat. 205.055 exempts an honorably discharged veteran from the local business tax and any fees imposed under chapter 205. For a business entity the qualifying person must hold a MAJORITY interest and the business must have fewer than 100 employees. It is claimed by a signed Request for Fee Exemption under penalty of perjury, with supporting documentation. Military spouses are covered by the same section.

What it's worth: The local business tax and chapter 205 fees, exempt

  • It exempts the local business tax AND any fees imposed under chapter 205 — not only the headline tax.
  • For a business ENTITY, the qualifying person must hold a MAJORITY interest. A minority stake does not carry it.
  • The business must have fewer than 100 employees.
  • It is claimed by a signed Request for Fee Exemption under penalty of perjury, with supporting documentation. That is a formal declaration, not a tick box.
  • Military spouses are covered by the same section.
  • It is a state mandate on counties and municipalities, so it applies wherever in Florida you trade.
  • Local business tax amounts are set locally and differ, so no figure is published.

Who is entitled to it

  • You are the veteran, or a military spouse.
  • You own a business.
  • You were discharged honorably.
  • You trade in Florida.

Not sure whether that describes you?

Answer a few questions about this benefit specifically — we only ask what this one actually depends on, and we stop as soon as we know.

How to claim it

  1. 1File the signed Request for Fee Exemption with your county or municipal local business tax authority, with supporting documentation.
  2. 2Read it before signing — it is made under penalty of perjury.
  3. 3If the business is an entity, check that the qualifying person holds a majority interest and that there are fewer than 100 employees. Both are conditions, not guidance.
  4. 4Claim it in every jurisdiction where you are taxed. The exemption is a state mandate, so each authority must honour it.
  5. 5Military spouses should claim in their own right under the same section.
Form
Request for Fee Exemption
File with
Your county or municipal local business tax authority
Documents you will need
dd214
Renew annually

Sources

This finder provides an informational match, not a government eligibility determination. The responsible agency decides your application.