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Unlicensed businesses offered amnesty

For two months, Tarpon Springs officials will allow owners to apply for occupational licenses without penalty.

By NICOLE JOHNSON
Published September 24, 2005

TARPON SPRINGS - At any given moment there are dozens of businesses operating illegally in the city.

That's because they don't have an occupational license.

City officials say some business owners just aren't sure they need the licenses. Others are hindered because they suspect, correctly, that they are piling up fines for not having a license.

The city is hoping to eliminate the latter.

This week, city commissioners voted to allowed people without occupational licenses to obtain or renew a lapsed license without penalty.

"These people may be thinking, "I missed one year, and now if I go in I've got to pay two years' worth,"' said Jim Yacavone, an attorney for the city. "The thought is if you can waive the penalty that may bring people forward."

The amnesty period runs from Oct. 1 to Dec. 1. "There are people who may have set up businesses without them," said Juan Cruz, director of public services. "And rather than go and start finding people, we figured it would be good PR to offer a period of time for them to come in."

The amnesty period is especially focused on home-based businesses, Yacavone said, as well as those individuals who function as businesses, including manicurists, dentists, draftsmen and civil engineers.

There are businesses, such as general contractors, that are required only to have state licenses, Yacavone said. The amnesty period does not apply to state or county requirements.

"But I'd say 95 percent, if not more, need to have a license with their local entity," Yacavone said.

The application fee is $10 for all occupational licenses, according to city code, but the annual license fees depend on the type of business.

For example, an automobile dealer must pay $63.55 in license fees a year. An art gallery owner must pay $36.90 a year. A bed and breakfast must pay $51.25.

During the amnesty period,people can go to the city's building services department and submit an application and obtain a license without penalty for the past.

The business owner, or professional, must bring articles of incorporation for any corporation and any applicable state licenses.

Nicole Johnson can be reached at njohnson@sptimes.com or 727 445-4162.

Operating a business without an occupational license? Not sure if you need a license? Contact the Tarpon Springs building department at (727) 942-5617 or (727) 938-3711 or visit its office at City Hall, 324 E Pine St.

[Last modified September 24, 2005, 01:00:22]