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Development Services

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1. Where do I pay my water bill?

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2. How can I find the closest bus route/stop?

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3. Where can I view construction updates?

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Development Services - Business Tax

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1. What is a Business Tax Receipt?

The Business Tax receipt is for the purposes of the City of Hialeah granting you the privilege of engaging any business, profession, or occupation within the city limits. A business tax receipt is required, pursuant to local code and state laws, and as well to be able to operate a business from a commercial or residential location. Business Tax receipts are valid commencing October 1st through September 30th of each fiscal year. As a courtesy, reminders are mailed prior to expiration of your business tax.

2. Where can I find the laws that govern the City of Hialeah Business Tax Licenses?

Chapter 18 and Chapter 86 of the City of Hialeah Municode

3. Who needs a Business Tax Receipt?

All businesses prior to operating their business are required to obtain a Business Tax Receipt. No applications will be processed if mailed. All applications must be brought in to our office.

4. How can I obtain the required Business Tax Forms?

Forms can be obtained on the Forms and Instructions page or in our office.

5. If I have a home-based business, do I need to pay a Business Tax Receipt?

Yes, the city issues home-based business tax receipts; however, it is for limited business types. Please see the following:

• No more than one home office shall be permitted within a residence

• No customer or client visitation or business traffic to and from the residence is permitted, except for delivery of office supplies and repair or installation of office equipment.

• No signs or other forms of commercial advertisement outside the residence are permitted

• Real estate brokers may provide an interior sign on the entrance of the door of the home office as provided Fla. Admin. Code R.61J2-10.024 as amended from time to time

• The applicant must reside at the residence where they are applying from

• The home office packet must be completed, along with a notarized written statement specify all activities of the business and must be taken to the Zoning Department for approval.

6. Do I need a Business Tax Receipt for Street Vending?

Yes. It is unlawful to sell any fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ice cream on the street within the City of Hialeah limits until proper Business Tax has been issued.

7. Do I need to apply for a Miami Dade County Local Business Tax License “LBT”?

Yes, you should apply for the LBT after applying with the City of Hialeah.

8. How much does a Business Tax Receipt cost?

The Business Tax Receipt fee depends on the type of business that you will be applying for. For a fee schedule you may refer to our municode 86-43. However, please take into consideration that there will be additional fees for the reviews of other disciplines such as Zoning, Building, DERM, and Fire.

9. How can I pay the fees for my Business Tax Receipt?

There are two ways to pay for the business tax receipt. Please see below

Pay in person:

City of Hialeah, City Hall Cashier’s Office 501 Palm Avenue, 3^rd Floor Hialeah, FL 33010

Payment by mail

City of Business Tax Division P.O. Box 918661 Orlando, FL
32891-8661

10. If I change my business address or sell my business, what do I do?

In the event that any of the following occur:

• The name of the business changed
• The business address changed
• The business owner changed

If any changes occur you will be required to notify the city of the changes immediately. In addition, you will be required to complete a Business Tax Application and provide a notarized bill of sale or merger documents (if there is a change of ownership or if business merged) and it must be submitted to DERM with exception of change of address, in which it would require approval from both Planning and Zoning Division and DERM.

11. Is an Occupational License the same as a Business Tax Receipt?

Yes, On January 1, 2007, the legislature passed House Bill 1269. The name of the Act will be changed from the "Local Occupational License Tax Act" to the "Local Business Tax Act." The definition of "receipt" as it relates to the bill will be defined as the document that is issued by the local governing authority, which bears the words "Local Business Tax Receipt" and evidenced that the person in whose name the document is issued has complied with the provisions of the Local Business Tax Act. Persons who pay occupational business taxes will receive a receipt for payment rather than a "certificate."

12. Can I apply for my business tax receipt online?

No,
the only way to apply for the business tax receipt is by coming in person to
the Business Tax Division office.

13. What State agencies regulate my business?

When you start a business, there are federal and state rules and regulations that your company must abide by in order to legally operate, and you should know which ones those are for your business (ie., ACHA, Tobacco, DPBR).

14. How much time will it take for me to obtain my business tax license?

You should calculate 10 to 15 days from start to finish.

15. Can I operate a business without a license?

No, everyone who operates a business in Hialeah must have a business tax license.

16. What happens if I lie on my application to obtain a business tax license?

The application becomes null & void.

17. How do I close my business tax licenses?

A letter on letterhead, signed by the owner and a copy of the owner’s driver’s license. You may mail it in or come in person.

18. When can I obtain water services for my business?

After you have received your business tax receipt in hand, you can apply for water connection.

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Engineering

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1. I have flooding in my swale area and driveway approach, can I pave the area?

No, the swale area is the first line of defense against flooding. Water is intended to be in this area and paving compounds the flooding condition.

2. Will the city trim the trees in my swale area?

The city only trims trees when they are creating an unsafe condition for the public or damaging underground utilities, in which case this must be documented by the utility. Routine maintenance trimming for appearance is the responsibility of the adjacent property owner.

3. Whose responsible to maintain driveway approaches between the street and private property?

Driveway approaches serve the private property owners, regardless of the property use. (i.e., residential, commercial, industrial, etc.) The individual owners are responsible to maintain these approaches.

4. Who is responsible to replace missing signs or install new ones?

Miami-Dade County is responsible for all traffic control devices. This includes stop signs, traffic lights, speed limit signs, no parking, school zone, etc.For more information please view Miami Dade Public Works or contact them by phone at 305-468-5900.

5. What is the Stormwater Utility?

The Stormwater Utility was established in accordance with Miami-Dade County Ordinance 91-66. That ordinance required all municipalities in the county to establish stormwater management programs of their own or to be included in the county's utility in response to Federal and State requirements. The Utility funds, designs and constructs, operates, and maintains all City-owned stormwater drainage facilities in the public right-of-way. For more information regarding the Stormwater Utility please visit the Streets & Stormwater page.

6. What is the Stormwater Utility Fee and why do I have to pay it?

The Stormwater Utility Fee pays the cost of operating, maintaining, and constructing stormwater infrastructure. Under City Ordinance, all developed properties within the City's municipal boundaries are required to pay this fee. No developed properties are exempted from it. For more information please view the City Ordinances.

7. What is the Stormwater Utility Fee based upon?

Residential properties pay the fee per dwelling unit per month. Nonresidential properties pay at a rate of $2.50 per 1664 square feet of impervious area per month. Impervious area is typically the building floor print on the ground and paved parking lot.

8. What happens if I refuse to pay the fee?

Since the Stormwater Fee is billed as part of the Water and Sewer bill, nonpayment of any portion of that bill can result in water service being disconnect from the property receiving the bill. This can be done in accordance with Florida Statutes.

9. How can I get the storm drain in my street cleaned?

To get the storm drain in your street cleaned call the Streets Department at 305-687-2611. The City has ongoing storm drain cleaning program to address both routine maintenance and emergency needs.

10. I want to reconstruct the sidewalk or approach in front of my house without changing any of the dimensions, do I need to obtain a permit?

Yes, all construction work needs to be reviewed and inspected to assure it complies with current construction standards. Call the Streets Department Engineering Division for information on how to obtain permits at 305-687-2611. 

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General

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1. Where can I view construction updates?

Please visit our Construction & Maintenance page for updates on current projects. 

2. How can I find the closest bus route/stop?

Visit our Transit page for information about local transportation. 

3. Where do I pay my water bill?

Water bills may be paid through this portal. 

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Human Resources

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1. How do I find out what career opportunities I can apply for at the City of Hialeah?

When positions are available, the City of Hialeah will advertise job opportunities online.

2. Do I need to be a citizen to work for the City of Hialeah?

Generally, with the exception of a police officer, which requires citizenship, one can either be a U.S. Citizen or legal resident alien. Firefighter applicants may be legal resident aliens.

3. Do I need to reside in the City of Hialeah to apply for a job?

No, you need not be a resident of the City of Hialeah to either apply or work for the city.

4. Can one application be used to apply for several positions?

No, each position requires that an application be filled out.

5. Within what time frame can one apply for a position?

Generally, when a position is announced there is a one month period from the posting date in which to apply. Announcements will indicate deadline dates.

6. What happens if I missed the closing date indicated in the announcement?

Applications are only accepted during the announcement period.

7. Can I submit proof of my requirements at a later time if I do not have documentation with me at the time I fill out my application?

All proof of requirements must be submitted at the time of application.

8. Do all positions applied for require an examination be taken?

An examination must be taken and passed for every position applied for, and is required to be placed on an Eligibility List.

9. What is an Eligibility List?

An Eligibility List is a list that consists of all those persons who have taken an examination and have passed and is arranged in the order of highest to lowest passing score for a specific position.

10. What is the process for hiring from an Eligibility List?

The City of Hialeah uses the rule of three, which is that the top three candidates on an Eligibility List must be considered for appointment to the position under consideration. 

Eligible candidates not selected from the top three shall be returned to the Eligibility List in accordance with their relative grades. Such eligible(s) shall be re-certified in groups of three eligible(s), and if not appointed, may be considered for a total of four times and then their names may be removed from the Eligibility List.

11. How long is an Eligibility List good for?

There is no specific time frame as long as there are names on the Eligibility List for consideration the list is active. 

Once all of the names on the Eligibility List have been considered for appointment and either have been appointed or removed, the list is considered exhausted.

12. What type of examinations does the City of Hialeah give?

The examinations given at the City of Hialeah could be written, oral, performance, typing or any combination thereof.

13. Are there study guides for every examination?

No, not every examination will have a study guide.

14. If the position requires more than one type of examination and I fail one of those portions, will I be able to retake the part that I failed?

No, all portions of an examination must be passed in order to be placed on an Eligibility List.

15. Can I reapply for the same position if I fail the examination?

Yes, provided that the position is re-announced.

16. What is a passing score on an examination?

A score of 70% or higher is required on all examinations to be considered as having passed.

17. When will I be notified of my test scores?

Notifications of test scores are generally given within a 2 to 4 week period via e-mail.

18. What is Civil Service Status?

Civil Service Status is considered as "permanent status" within the City of Hialeah after being regularly appointed from an Eligibility List after serving a probationary period to a position which normally involves year-round service.

19. Am I eligible to receive veteran’s preference?

Veteran's preference will be granted to Florida residents in accordance with Florida law to eligible veterans and spouses of veterans. 

Preference points will be awarded only if copies of supporting documentation (DD-214 and / or proof of receipt of disability benefits) is provided at time of application.

20. What happens if I am hired?

The City of Hialeah provides generous employment benefits to fit your needs. For benefit eligible employees, benefit eligibility begins 90 days following the date of employment.

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Intranet Test

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1. How do we create content on the Intranet?

Create pages and module categories and assign permissions only to the City Intranet group.

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Libraries

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1. How old must I be to obtain a library card?

You can obtain your library card at any time by visiting the library and speaking to a staff member. However, if you are under 16 years of age, you must apply with your parent or legal guardian, and they must have the required documents.

2. What happens if I lose my library card?

Please report a lost card to the Library’s Circulation Desk as soon as possible. You will need to present photo identification in order for a new card to be issued. Replacement cards are subject to a charge of $2

3. Why am I limited two materials of a specific subject or type?

The Hialeah Library Division serves a patron base of more than 82,319. Due to heavy demand for materials, patrons are limited to two books on the same subject, author, or two of the same type of materials. For example, you may take out only two videos at one time, or two books on fly fishing in Florida. 

For more information, check out our borrowing restrictions.

4. May I borrow books with my spouse’s or other family member’s library card?

Cards are issued to patrons on an individual basis, and use is limited to the cardholder. Parents are permitted to check out books on their child’s card, as they are responsible for materials borrowed.

5. Do you have the books on my child’s reading list?

Most often, the librarians first see school reading lists when children and their parents arrive at the Library to look for the books. To verify if the library has the titles on the list, please search the online catalog.

6. Is there a quiet place where I can study at the John F. Kennedy Library?

There are three study rooms on the first floor. The study rooms can be reserved for 1 hour or more depending on availability.  Please see reference staff to reserve these rooms.

The second floor offers study tables away from high use areas.

7. Is there a time limit for use of the computers?

Yes. Computer use is subject to availability and restrictions at library locations.

8. Do you have color printers?

Yes. Color Printing is available at all branch libraries for $0.50 per page.

9. Why can’t I eat or drink while I’m studying in the library?

The library tries to safeguard its holdings by limiting damage to its materials. While eating or drinking (even bottled water), accidents may occur to materials of our circulating and reference collections. Also, crumbs and sugars from drinks attract pest infestations, which cause irreparable damage to the collection.

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Milander Center

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1. What is included in my price package?

The Milander Center for Arts and Entertainment provides all room rentals with:

• Black ballroom chairs
• Black portable bars
• Ice
• Tables 
  • 72 inch round
  • 8 foot rectangular
  • 6 foot rectangular
  • cocktail style high-tops 

2. Can I use outside vendors for my events?

Yes! While we have in-house catering for your event, clients are more than welcome to use outside catering and other vendors for their events.  All of our room options include access to a full-service prepping area complete with warmers, coolers, and enough room to create all your edible masterpieces. 

Please note: all food must be prepared outside of the premises, as no cooking is permitted inside of our kitchen area.

3. Can I hang decorations from the ceiling?

View our entire facility guidelines (PDF), including any decoration limitations.

4. My event is on the Skyline Rooftop Terrace, what happens if it rains?

In the event of inclement weather, any event held in the Skyline Rooftop Terrace would be moved to any available space downstairs. Clients are responsible for any additional charges of the event halls used.

5. How can I cancel my event?

You may cancel your event at any time, however, to qualify for a full refund, all cancellation requests must be sent via email to the Milander Center 90 days prior to the event date.  

6. The art on the walls doesn’t match my event theme, can I take them down / move them?

No. Art cannot be taken down, moved, or changed in any way. 

Please note: The exhibits displayed change on a monthly basis; the artworks and theme that you see during your venue tour may not be the same as the day of your event.

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Police Department

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1. When should I call 911?

911 is for emergencies only; all other calls should be made to 305-687-2525. Emergencies include a life-threatening situation, if someone’s life is in danger, physical harm is imminent and if a crime is happening or about to happen.

2. Our bicycles were stolen, and we have been waiting a long time for the Police to respond. Why?

Hialeah Police take great pride in their efficient response for service and make every effort to dispatch an officer as soon as possible. Every call that comes in is prioritized, the first priority being an emergency situation (i.e. shooting, domestic dispute, lost child, a crime against a person, an incident involving injury or a crime in progress).

3. We are going on vacation. Who should be notified at the Hialeah Police Department?

Call our main line at 305-687-2525 and ask the complaint officer for a watch to be placed on your home or business. This information will be forwarded to the Sector Patrol Units who are assigned to that specific area. Similar requests may be made for a malfunctioning alarm, fumigation tenting, vacation or a specific problem in your neighborhood.

4. Where can I obtain a copy of a Police report such as an offense/incident report, accident report, etc.?

Copies of reports are available at our Records Division at:

5555 E 8th Avenue
1st Floor
Hialeah, FL 33013

For more information, visit the Records Unit page or call 305-687-2500.

5. Where can I have my fingerprints taken?

The Hialeah Police Department does not offer fingerprinting services at our location for private, commercial, business or immigration purposes.

For business or government purposes only (not immigration), fingerprinting is available at the main station at:

5555 E 8th Avenue
1st Floor
Hialeah, FL 33013

Fingerprinting is by appointment only. Call 305-687-2524 to schedule an appointment.

6. Can I report my stolen license plate on the phone?

Certain calls which are minor in nature can be handled over the phone. Examples of these include license plate or decal thefts, lost property, harassing phone calls and petit theft. The "Control Room Officer" can handle these type of incidents. Call the Police Department at 305-687-2525 and inform us of the nature of your request. The Officer handling the report will contact you via telephone on a priority basis.

7. Where can I pay for a traffic citation or parking ticket?

If you received a citation or ticket, you may pay the fee at any courthouse which is specified on the back side of the citation. If there is any doubt or question, call the phone number listed on the citation.

For further assistance, visit the Miami-Dade County Traffic Online System.

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Police Department Internal Affairs Unit

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1. Who does the Internal Affairs Unit report to?

The Internal Affairs Unit reports directly to the Chief of Police.

2. Is there any risk in making a complaint against a Police employee?

No. Unless you deliberately make a false complaint against any employee, then you may be prosecuted criminally and/or held civilly liable.

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Reopening Phase 1

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1. What if I'm in retail?

• Space customer queues for fitting rooms and at cashiers with floor markers to enforce minimum 6-foot distance between persons.
• Limit number of staff and customers to a maximum of 50% of mall/store capacity.
• Merchandise, particularly clothing, must not be handled or tried on by customers and returned to shelves before being properly cleaned.
• Cart and baskets must be sanitized between uses.
• Eliminate car-valet services.
• Post contact information for inquiries from customers.

2. What if I'm in personal grooming?

• You can only operate by appointments only. All appointments must be recorded.
• Allow no more than 10 individuals at a time (employees and customer) in your premises or 25% of building capacity whichever is smaller.
• Only customer with appointment can enter (or with minor if parent/ guardian); all others wait in car.
• Employees cannot share tools; stylist to wear single use aprons and use face shields when interacting with client.
• Employees must wear masks and gloves at all times.
• Stylist must wash hair before cutting.
• Wash hands before and after service.
• Disinfect all work stations, tools, equipment.
• Wash towels used by customers with hot water.
• Throw out old magazines and non-essential items in waiting area that cannot be disinfected.
• Clean and disinfect all hard, non-porous areas, shelving, display cases.
• Post signs notifying customers of diligence in practicing infection control.

After Each Service: 

• Clean and disinfect non-porous tools or implements used and store disinfected tools in closed containers.
• Clean and disinfect all electrical implements, chairs, headrests, workstations, rolling carts, drawers.
• Make sure all single use porous items are new.
• All items on nail station must be new, never used, cleaned and disinfected and stored in closed container until ready to use.
• Clean and disinfect any appliances used, treatment tables, shampoo bowls, pedicure bowls, capes, handles, hoses, sprays, nozzles, and chairs after each use.
• Empty wax pots and refill after completely cleaning and disinfecting pot.
• All used linens and porous capes must be washed and dried using the hottest setting and clean linens stored in covered cabinets.

3. What if I'm in manufacturing?

• Signage in elevators to limit capacity to one at a time or at 50% capacity.
• Post promotional signage about hand washing and hygienic practices.
• There are almost no additional mandatory industry specific requirements other than the general requirements.
• Remember, each list of industry specific requirements also contains recommendations which, although not mandatory, are strongly encouraged.
• Check out the comprehensive list of industry specific requirements for your industry.

You can always enforce more or more stringent requirements.

4. What if I operate an office or a shopping center?

• All visitors and tenants must sanitize hands at time of building entry.
• Install plexiglass partitions; all offices with cubicles or open space must follow social distancing.
• Call centers with employees who use same consoles must establish alpha/bravo shifts and clean and sanitize equipment between shifts.
• Place signs outside and inside elevators summarizing all applicable social distancing guidelines in effect.
• Medical offices must create separate entrance for patients with medical issues.
• Play areas and gyms must be closed until further order.
• Limit use of common conference rooms or areas or manage use to ensure no large gatherings of tenants or visitors.

5. What if I'm in logistics or warehouse?

• Perform deep disinfection of stored goods between shifts.
• Supply employees with uniforms in sufficient quantities to allow employees to have a clean uniform each shift.
• Install barriers between all workstations.
• Post signs notifying all of applicable social distancing guidelines in force.
• Require employees to wash hands or use sanitizer between deliveries.

6. What if I'm in food service?

The mandatory restaurant-specific guidelines are extensive. They’re set out in detail in pages 42-52 of the handbook. Like all other industry-specific guidelines, they mandate changes in operations, food preparation protocols, employee relations and customer experience.

We’re working on a simplified explanation to help you adjust your business operations to the new normal and comply.

Check back with us on Tuesday, May 19, 2020.

7. What about our city parks?

PARKS IN THE CITY OF HIALEAH REMAIN CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER ORDER. 

Once a decision is reached to open parks, please know that it is likely that:

• Playgrounds and tot lots remain closed.
• Only passive use of parks or individual sports will be allowed.
• No team sports or leagues and probably no summer programming will be provided.
• Social distancing guidelines will need to be followed and masks required to be worn at all times.