The City of Miramar Commission approved the elimination of a 20-year old code standard which mandated that businesses seeking a Business Occupational License undergo background checks to obtain a license in the City of Miramar.
A 1995 Commission ruling created an Equity Study to review, reclassify and revise the City's occupational license tax classifications in accordance with Chapter 205, Florida Statutes. This measure established the City’s Code provision.
In 2007, the Florida Legislature amended Chapter 205, Florida Statutes, changing the term "local occupational license tax" to "local business tax" to reflect the taxing nature of this business function. Thereafter, the City adopted Ordinance number 07-10 to change the City's Code to conform with State law. However, the application requirement for a criminal background check remained unchanged. Miramar City Attorney, Weiss, Serota et al agreed with the Miramar City Commisson on Chapter 205, Florida Statutes in its determination to eliminate background checks from the Business Tax Receipt ("BTR") application process, citing that it was not a requirement needed when qualifying applicants for this City appendage.
“The removal of this provision is consistent with the City’s desire to progress the City Code in a mannerism that invites the engagement of small and big business alike to the City of Miramar,” stated Natasha Hampton, Chief of Marketing & Public Relations.
