Taxes/Utilities

TAXES

PROPERTY TAXES:

Commercial real estate taxes are assessed and collected by Indian River County. The major difference between residential and commercial real estate taxes is that no exemptions or deductions are allowed for commercial real estate. The tax rates are the same for both types of real estate. For further information concerning property values, sales and property tax information, click here for the Indian River County Tax Appraiser or click here for the Indian River County Tax Collector.

PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX

Tangible personal property taxes are ad valorem taxes based on the values of the following three categories:

Businesses: furnishings, fixtures, signs, supplies, equipment and other personal property that could be used in a business and is not otherwise exempt.
Mobile Home Attachments (when you do not own the land the mobile home is sitting on): all attachments and additions that did not come from the manufacture with the mobile home, such as a carport, utility shed, Florida room or screened porch.
Rental Furnishings: furnishings and appliances provided in the rental property.

With the exception of mobile home attachments, tangible personal property is normally assessed and taxed on the basis of information supplied on a tax return filled out by the owner of the property. This form is filed with the Property Appraiser between January 1st and April 1st of each year. Failure to file or late filing of a tax return is subject to penalties. If you have any questions regarding a tax return, contact the Property Appraiser at (772) 226-1556.

At the present time (Winter 2010) the total millage rate for all taxes in Sebastian, including Indian River County is 17.8850.

LOCAL BUSINESS TAX RECEIPT INFORMATION AND APPLICATION

The Local Business Tax Receipt is imposed for the privilege of doing business in the City of Sebastian. Anyone that engages in any type of business within the City limits is required to have a City of Sebastian Local Business Tax Receipt.

All receipts are sold or renewed by the City beginning July 1 of each year, are due and payable on or before September 30 of each year, and expire on September 30 of the succeeding year. Receipts not renewed by September 30 become delinquent and subject to a penalty of 10% for the month of October and an additional 5% for each month of delinquency thereafter. However, the total delinquency penalty may not exceed 25 percent of the tax for the delinquent establishment. The fee for new Local Business Tax Receipts issued from April 1, through September 30, shall be one-half the regular annual license tax.

The City of Sebastian has fixed Business Tax fees as established by the City Council. These fees are attached to a classification that would describe your business. Click for MUNICODE SECTION 30-51

Application packets for Local Business Tax Receipts For Commercial Locations can be obtained at Sebastian City Hall, 1225 Main Street, Building Department, Sebastian, Fl 32958

SALES TAX

The State of Florida has a uniform state sales tax of 6%. Each county has a local option sales tax. In Indian River County there is an added 1% sales tax making our total sales tax 7%.

Basic food and medicine items are not taxed.

STATE TAXES

Florida does not have an income or inheritance tax. However, you should click here to check Florida State government for complete information, especially on inheritance taxes.

UTILITIES

ELECTRIC AND WATER

Florida Power and Light (FPL) is the electric supplier in the Sebastian Region. Water and wastewater are provided by Indian River County Utility Department. Both utility provides provide competitive user fees.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Basic telephone service is provided by AT&T. Cable television and internet connections are provided by AT&T and Comcast. Comcast also offers telephone service. The local and county government television channels are provided by Comcast.

High speed internet service is available from both AT&T and Comcast. Comcast now has cable/internet service available on the East side of the Airport.

GAS

Natural gas is not available in the area. Many businesses have propane gas on site for emergency generators, cooking, heating and hot water.

TELEVISION:

Sebastian is located in the West Palm Beach television market (ADI or area of dominant influence).