Business Licenses

Getting your business license in the Town of Carefree is a straightforward and easy process. Through the Town’s online Permit & License Portal, you can apply for a license and pay all the required fees whether you are:

  • A brick-and-mortar business

  • A contractor conducting work in town

  • A Carefree Farmers Market vendor

All businesses must obtain a business license before operating within the Town of Carefree (Town Code, Chapter 8, Section 8-3-1).

Physical applications are no longer accepted.

Business licenses are valid July 1 through June 30 of the following year.

Renewal season begins May 16. Applications submitted before this date will receive a business license for the current fiscal year. Applications submitted after that date may not be processed until the next fiscal year, beginning July 1, to align with the upcoming fiscal cycle.

IMPORTANT: By creating an account and initiating a business license application, you agree to complete the application and submit all required documentation within 30 days. Applications that are not completed within this timeframe will expire.

If you are operating a storefront business or working as a contractor in Carefree WITHOUT an APPROVED business license you may have a code enforcement case opened against you which could result in a civil offense and/or fines (Town Code, Chapter 8, Section 8-3-5).

Please note that submission of an application does not constitute approval to conduct business.

Before You Apply...

Business License Process

Step 1: Submit Application

The first step in the process is to submit a Business License Application through the Permit & License Portal. The $50 business license fee may also be paid through the portal.

Brick-and-mortar businesses must complete all three steps, while contractors and Farmers Market vendors only need to complete Steps 1 and 3.

Applicants are responsible for submitting all required information and documentation.

If needed, refer to the step-by-step guide or instructional video for assistance with the online portal.

Step 2: Schedule Inspection

(Brick-and-Mortar Businesses Only)

A Certificate of Occupancy (COO) is required before opening a physical business location. This is a one-time requirement unless your business relocates to a different building within the Town, in which case a new COO must be obtained.

It is the business owner’s responsibility to maintain a copy of their Certificate of Occupancy (COO).

To receive a COO, applicants must request and pay for a Building Safety Inspection ($100) through the Permit & License Portal after submitting their application. Once the inspection is completed and the building is approved, the COO will be issued along with the business license.

Step 3: Receive & Post License

After all required approvals have been completed, your business license will be issued through the online portal. Once issued, the license must be prominently displayed at your place of business.

Contractors must keep their license readily accessible and available for inspection at any job site while work is being performed.

Failure to maintain or present a valid license as required may result in a code enforcement case opened against you which could result in a civil offense and/or fines (Town Code, Chapter 8, Section 8-3-5).

If you need help navigating the portal, please refer to the step-by-step guide or the instructional videos below.

IMPORTANT: Applicants are responsible for fully completing the application and submitting all required documentation. Town staff are unable to complete applications or guide applicants through the process. As the business owner, you are solely responsible for ensuring the application is accurate and all required materials are provided.

New Business Owner?

Explore our comprehensive collection of business resources, including links to local and regional organizations and helpful information on topics such as advertising, social media, and business development. This webpage is designed to support you at every stage of running and growing your business!