Business Licenses

Important Information for Doing Business in the City of Pascagoula:

 

  1. No matter where you will locate your business within the city limits of Pascagoula, you need to check with the Code Enforcement Department. It is advisable that you do not rent or purchase your business property before calling them. It is possible that the type of business that you wish to start is not zoned for that area. Do not risk any deposits or make any commitments until you are positive that you will be able to place your business in that area. This is especially important if you plan to open a home-based business.Contact: City of Pascagoula Code Enforcement  Phone: (228)-938-6620They will determine the zoning requirements and set up times with the Fire Marshal to do the inspection. If your location is approved, they will issue a Certificate of Occupancy. If not, they will inform you of the necessary steps to conform to code.
  2. Certain types of businesses will require a health permit. These are: restaurants, bars, lounges, grocery stores, day care facilities, nursing homes, delicatessens, food vending companies, food catering companies, bottled water plants, bakeries and ice plants. Even if your business type is not listed here, it is best to check with the Health Department to see if you need a health permit.
    Contact: Jackson County Health Department Phone: (228)-875-1336
  3. Your next step is to contact the State Tax Commission. They issue State Sales Tax Permits and Beer Licenses.Contact: State Tax Commission  Phone: (228)-436-0554 (Biloxi)
  4. If your business will sell hard liquor or wine, you must contact the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division for a permit. They will also provide you with the necessary forms for Federal requirements concerning alcohol.Contact: Alcoholic Beverage Control   Phone: (601)-856-1320 (Jackson)
  5. Apply for your Privilege License. The law requires those persons desiring to do business in the state to obtain a privilege license from the county or city tax collector in which their place of business is located. The above steps must be completed before you can obtain a license. The annual fee is based on the amount of inventory for sale, if selling a product, or the number of full time employees if providing a service. Exceptions to this are: autos for hire, pawnbrokers, weapons dealers, travel agencies, vending machines, beer and transient vendors. The majority of small businesses pay between twenty and thirty dollars.Contact:  Code Enforcement Office   Phone: (228)-938-6620