One Stop Shop

CITY OF FLORENCE, ALABAMA
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

BUILDING DEPARTMENT

Building Permit Application (Legal Size)

A building permit is required to construct, enlarge, or alter a commercial building.  When constructing a new commercial building a minimum of two complete sets of drawings are required, along with two additional site plans including landscaping, plus an additional set of electrical drawings.

Submit to:

City of Florence Building Department
Municipal Building, Room 216
110 West College Street
Florence, Alabama 35630
Phone:  256 760-6325

Sign Permit Application (Legal Size)

A sign permit is required to erect, alter, or relocate a sign.  A drawing of proposed signage must be submitted showing the dimensions and location of the sign on the premises, and other pertinent information as the building official may require to ensure compliance with the City of Florence ordinances.  Cost of the permit is based on the sign and installation costs, combined.

Submit to:

City of Florence Building Department
Municipal Building, Room 216
110 West College Street
Florence, Alabama 35630
Phone:  256 760-6325

Home Occupation Permit Application (Apply at Building Department)

A home occupation permit is required for a home business.  If the business is being operated from a leased home, a letter from the landlord is required that gives permission for the home business.

Apply at:

City of Florence Building Department
Municipal Building, Room 216
110 West College Street
Florence, Alabama 35630
Phone:  256 760-6325

Demolition Permit Application (Legal Size)

A demolition permit is required to demolish a building. 

Submit to:

City of Florence Building Department
Municipal Building, Room 216
110 West College Street
Florence, Alabama 35630
Phone:  256 760-6325

Planning Department

Planning Commission Review Application

This application is needed to request a change in zoning classification.  Review procedure by the City of Florence Planning Commission shall be based upon submittal of a site development plan prepared by a registered engineer, architect, or surveyor.  Site plan requirements are outlined on #5 of the application, and no application will be considered unless all items have been completed in full. 

The Planning Commission meeting is held the fourth Tuesday of each month at 5:00 pm.  Deadline for submittal of request, along with all required information, will be 15 days prior to the meeting date by noon. 

Submit to:

City of Florence Planning Department
Municipal Building, Room 115
110 West College Street
Florence, AL  35630
Phone:  256-740-8807

City Clerk's Office

Business License

A business license must be received before a business begins operation.  In addition, a license is required if you are doing business in the City of Florence, but not located in the City of Florence.  Go to the City Clerk's office to complete a Business License application.

Submit to:

City of Florence City Clerk's Office
Municipal Building Room 116
110 West College Street
Florence, AL 35630
Phone: (256) 760-6679
Fax: (256) 760-6635

Application for Alcohol Beverage License (Legal Size)

This form must be completed in entirety and returned to the City Clerk's Office. Obtaining an alcoholic beverage license can take 3-4 weeks.  Procedures to acquire an alcoholic beverage license are listed below.

1.    Apply with ABC Office for State Alcoholic Beverage License

2.    Apply with the City of Florence for Alcohol Beverage License - $25.00 processing fee

3.    Application must be approved by City Council

4.    Resolution sent to ABC Board by City Clerk's Office

5.    Purchase ABC License after ABC Board Approval

6.    Purchase City of Florence Alcoholic Beverage License and provide a copy of ABC License

7.    5% liquor tax due each month to the City of Florence on liquor sales (beer and wine sales exempt)

Submit to:

City of Florence City Clerk'Office
Municipal Building, Room 116
110 West College Street
Florence, AL  35630
Phone:  256-760-6685
Fax: 256-760-6635

Florence Utilities

Florence Utilities Application - Commercial Only

This is an application for temporary and/or permanent utility service.  Florence Utilities application process includes electricity, gas, water/wastewater and/or garbage services.  A commercial utility deposit is required for all businesses.  When applying for utilities the following information must be provided. 

• Two forms of credible identification:  valid driver's license, social security card, or other reliable proof of identification
   

• Copy of lease or rent receipt, if property is not owned
   

• A notarized application is required if it is not signed in person at Florence Utilities
   

• Authorization is required if an officer of the company does not make application for utility service

Submit to:

City of Florence Utilities
Municipal Building, Room 106
110 West College Street
Florence, AL  35630
Phone:  256-760-6512
Fax: 256-760-6322

Surety Bond Form (Legal Size)

This form must be utilized when securing a commercial utility deposit of $1,000 or more with a surety bond. 

Submit to:

City of Florence Utilities
Municipal Building, Room 106
110 West College Street
Florence, AL  35630
Phone:  256-760-6512
Fax: 256-760-6322

Certificate of Deposit or Time Deposit Receipt Requirements

This form must be followed when a bank issues a Certificate of Deposit or a Time Deposit Receipt to secure a commercial utility deposit of $500 or more.  Also, the bank must issue a letter to Florence Utilities stating that a utility hold is being placed on the certificate.  See attached Sample Bank Letter.

Submit to:

City of Florence Utilities
Municipal Building, Room 106
110 West College Street
Florence, AL  35630
Phone:  256-760-6512
Fax: 256-760-6322