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About Us

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1. How many residents are within the City limits?

There are approximately 14,000 residents within the City of Palmetto.

2. When was the City incorporated?

1897

3. How many square miles are within the City limits?

Approximately 7 square miles

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Building

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1. When do you need a permit?

View Answer

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City Commission

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1. Can I speak at a City Commission meeting?

Yes. You may sign up to speak on any non-agenda item at the beginning of each Commission meeting. You may also speak on any item on the agenda as it is presented for discussion by the Commission. Public comment is limited to two minutes unless an extension is approved by Commission.

2. How are City Commission meetings conducted?

Meetings will be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Section 286.011, Florida Statutes, the Government in the Sunshine Act.

3. What is the Government in the Sunshine Act?

The Government in the Sunshine Act prohibits communication between Commissioners outside of a public meeting on any matter which shall be the subject of a commission action. The Act also requires public noticing of all meetings, open public attendance at meetings, and meeting locations where public access is reasonably available.

4. What are the qualifications for a commissioner's seat?

Ward Commissioners must be an elector and have been a legal resident of the ward from which they are elected for six consecutive months prior to the last day of qualifying for election. At large Commissioners must also be an elector and have been a legal resident of the city for six consecutive months prior to the last day of qualifying for election.

5. What is the definition of a legal resident?

A legal resident is defined as a person who has established a dwelling place in the City and has demonstrated the intent to make the City his/her permanent place of residence.

6. How do I contact my City Commissioner?

You may contact your Commissioner at:
City Commission
516 8th Ave. W.
P.O. Box 1209
Palmetto, FL 34220

Ph: (941) 723-4570
Fx: (941) 723-4576

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City Hall

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1. How do I make a public records request?

Public records request can be submitted to the City Clerk in a verbal or in written format.
Requested documents can be made available for your review. However, if you wish to receive copies of any of the documents, a fee of $0.15 (single-sided) or $0.20 (double-sided) will apply.

2. How long does it take to receive information related to a public records request?

It depends. Generally, most requests can be processed within 48 hours. However, more extensive requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and you will be notified as to the estimated time to process your request.

3. How do I request a copy of the agenda or minutes?

All agendas and minutes are posted on the website.

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Code Enforcement

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1. Why does my car have an abandoned property sticker on the windshield?

Florida statutes require all vehicles to be operative and display a current license plate.

2. Do I need a permit to hold a garage sale?

Yes a permit is required; garage sales are limited to no more than one sale at a residence every six months. Permits are available free of charge at Palmetto City Hall.

3. How are meetings conducted?

Meetings will be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Section 286.011, Florida Statutes, the Government in the Sunshine Act.

4. What is the Government in the Sunshine Act?

The Government in the Sunshine Act prohibits communication between board members outside of a public meeting on any matter which shall be the subject of a board action. The Act also requires public noticing of all meetings, open public attendance at meetings, and meeting locations where public access is reasonably available.

5. How do I volunteer to serve on the Code Enforcement Board?

Download and complete an Advisory Board Application and submit it, with a resume, to the office of the Mayor, Palmetto City Hall.

6. What is the term of an appointment?

A term is for three years.

7. What forms are members required to file?

Members of the Board are required to file with the Florida Commission on Ethics Form 1 - Statement of Financial Interests when appointed to the board, and Form 1F - Final Statement of Financial Interests upon resignation from the board.

8. What is the Form 1 - Statement of Financial Interests, and why does it have to be completed on an annual basis?

Florida Statutes require that elected officials, appointed officials, and appointed board members that have certain advisory or investment powers must file Form 1 - Statement of Financial Interests annually during the term of an appointment. Form 1F - Final Statement of Financial Interests is filed when leaving office or an appointed position.

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Engineering & Project Management

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1. How can I obtain the City's Utility Specifications?

Contact the Engineering Department at (941) 723-4580. CD will be provided at a cost of $25.

2. How can I obtain a copy of the city limits?

Contact the Engineering Department at (941) 723-4580. A $5 charge will be charged for a 24 x 36 plan.

3. Whom can I contact to report a street light out?

Contact Florida Power & Light Company

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Finance

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1. When are vendor checks disbursed?

Vendor checks are typically disbursed on Friday afternoons after 3:00 pm. Contact Accounts Payable to determine the payment date for a specific invoice or to arrange pick-up.

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Fleet

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1. Who do I contact for more information?

Please call (941) 723-4580 ext. 104 or 105

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General Employees' Pension Plan Board

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1. What is the definition of fiduciary?

A fiduciary is a person responsible for the discharge of duties with respect to the Pension Plan, solely in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries for the exclusive purpose of providing benefits and defraying reasonable expenses of administering the Plan.

2. What is the Government in the Sunshine Act?

The Government in the Sunshine Act prohibits communication between Trustees outside of a public meeting on any matter which shall be the subject of a Board action. The Act also requires public noticing of all meetings, open public attendance at meetings and meeting locations where public access is reasonably available.

3. How do I volunteer to serve on the Board of Trustees?

Download and complete an Advisory Board Application and submit it, with a resume, to the office of the Mayor, Palmetto City Hall. Advisory Board Application

4. What is the term of an appointment?

A term is for three years, with reappointment for succeeding three-year terms.

5. What is the Form 1-Statement of Financial Interests, and why does it have to be completed on an annual basis?

Florida Statutes require that elected officials, appointed officials and appointed board members that have certain advisory or investment powers must file Form 1-Statement of Financial Interests annually during the term of an appointment. Form 1F-Final Statement of Financial Interests is filed when leaving office or an appointed position.

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Human Resources

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1. Do I need to fill out an application?

Yes, and you may attach a resume.

2. Which application should I complete?

General Employee Application, unless applying for a position at the Palmetto Police Department.

3. How do I submit my application?

All applications must be submitted to the Human Resource Department either in person at:
516 8th Ave. W.
Palmetto, FL

Or via mail at:
Human Resource Department
P.O. Box 1209
Palmetto Fl 34220-1209

Or email Sharon Jones, HR Director

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Local Business Tax Receipt

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1. What is the Local Business Tax?

Formerly known as “Occupational License”, the Local Business tax is a tax for the privilege of engaging in business within the jurisdiction of the local governing authority.

2. Who is required to pay the Local Business Tax?

As outlined in Article II, Section 19-26, of the City of Palmetto’s Code of Ordinances, a business tax is hereby levied on any person who maintains a permanent business location or branch office within the City for the privilege of engaging in or managing any business within the City.

3. How do I apply for the Local Business Tax?

Applications are available at City Hall, 516 8th Avenue West, Palmetto, or on the City’s website, www.palmettofl.org. All required documentation and fees are due when the application is submitted. More...

4. Am I exempt from paying the local business tax?

Certain types of businesses are exempt from paying the local business tax. These include farm, aqua cultural, grove, horticultural, floricultural, tropical piscicultural, tropical fish farm products, nonresident persons regulated by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, disabled persons, the aged, and widows with minor dependents, disabled veterans of any war or their un-remarried spouses, religious tenets, charitable organizations, occasional sales, fund raising, and mobile home setup operations. Please refer to Florida Statutes, Title XIV, Chapter 205 for a complete description of these exemptions. The website is www.leg.state.fl.us. More...

5. What is the Enterprise Zone and do I qualify for a discount?

You may qualify for a 50% discount on the local business tax annual fee if your business is located within the designated areas of the Enterprise Zone. The purpose of the Enterprise Zone is to rehabilitate, conserve or redevelop said areas of the City that exhibit extreme and unacceptable levels of poverty, unemployment, physical deterioration, and economic disinvestment. Please refer to the map included in this packet to see if you qualify for this exemption.

6. What type of Local Business Tax(es) am I required to pay?

Classifications are determined by the business being conducted. In some cases more than one tax will be required for a single location. Contact our Customer Service Department at 941-723-4570 to find out the classification of your business.

7. Does the Local Business Tax require renewal?

YES. Local Business Taxes are renewed annually based on a fiscal calendar beginning October 1st and ending on September 30th. Renewal notices are mailed to businesses beginning in July and renewal fees must be received no later than September 30th to avoid penalties.

8. I am starting a business on April 1st. Do I have to pay the full years tax?

Any business obtaining a new license from April 1st through September 30th shall only pay one half the full tax for the year. You will be required to renew by October 1st of that year paying the full annual amount every year after.

9. When will I receive my Local Business Tax Receipt?

Once your application has been received, processing usually takes less than 10 business days. The business tax receipts are mailed directly to the business address or you can arrange to pick up the business tax receipt at City Hall.

10. I am selling my business/transferring ownership. Is my license transferable?

Yes. There is a form you and the new owners will need to complete in addition to a $5.00 transfer fee. You may obtain this form online at www.palmettofl.org or at City Hall located at 516 8th Avenue West. More...

11. I am moving my business to another location. Will I need a new local business tax receipt?

Yes. You will be required to fill out a new application, complete the transfer of location form, and have an inspection of the new site. There is a $40.00 fee for the inspection and a $5.00 fee for the transfer of the new business license tax. Forms are available online at www.palmettofl.org or at City Hall located at 516 8th Avenue West. More...

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Mayor

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1. How long is the Mayor’s Term?

Four Years

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Nuisance Abatement

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1. How are meetings conducted?

Meetings will be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Section 286.011, Florida Statutes, the Government in the Sunshine Act.

2. What is the Government in the Sunshine Act?

The Government in the Sunshine Act prohibits communication between board members outside of a public meeting on any matter which shall be the subject of a board action. The Act also requires public noticing of all meetings, open public attendance at meetings, and meeting locations where public access is reasonably available.

3. How do I volunteer to serve on the Nuisance Abatement Board?

Download and complete an Advisory Board Application and submit it, with a resume, to the office of the Mayor, Palmetto City Hall.

4. What is the term of an appointment?

A term is for three years.

5. What forms are members required to file?

Members of the Nuisance Abatement Board are required to file with the Florida Commission on Ethics Form 1 - Statement of Financial Interests when appointed to the board, and Form 1F - Final Statement of Financial Interests upon resignation from the board.

6. What is the Form 1 - Statement of Financial Interests, and why does it have to be completed on an annual basis?

Florida Statutes require that elected officials, appointed officials, and appointed board members that have certain advisory or investment powers must file Form 1 - Statement of Financial Interests annually during the term of an appointment. Form 1F - Final Statement of Financial Interests is filed when leaving office or an appointed position.

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Parks & Recreation

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1. How do I go about renting a park or City facility?

Contact the Parks Department (941) 723-4580.

2. Do I need a permit to remove a tree?

Yes, contact the Parks Department (941) 723-4580 (link to permit)

3. Do I need a special function permit for my event?

Yes, if your event is held on City property and will have more than 50 people in attendance. See permit application for more information.

4. How can I hang a banner for my upcoming event?

Complete the Banner Display Request Form and submit it to the Parks Department with your banner.

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Planning & Zoning

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1. How are meetings conducted?

Meetings will be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Section 286.011, Florida Statutes, the Government in the Sunshine Act.

2. What is the Government in the Sunshine Act?

The Government in the Sunshine Act prohibits communication between board members outside of a public meeting on any matter which shall be the subject of a board action. The Act also requires public noticing of all meetings, open public attendance at meetings, and meeting locations where public access is reasonably available.

3. How do I volunteer to serve on the P&Z Board?

Download and complete an Advisory Board Application and submit it, with a resume, to the office of the Mayor, Palmetto City Hall.

4. What is the term of an appointment?

A term is for three years. An alternate member’s appointment is for one year, with reappointment annually.

5. What can I do on my property?

This depends on the current zoning designation.

6. How does the development review process work?

There are several different types of development applications. The procedures vary depending on the application type. Each of these applications and descriptions of their applicability can be found in the Planning & Zoning Department.

7. How can I apply as a volunteer board member?

Applications considered by the P&Z Board are done so by public hearings.

8. What forms are members required to file?

Members of the Board are required to file with the Florida Commission on Ethics Form 1 - Statement of Financial Interests when appointed to the board, and Form 1F - Final Statement of Financial Interests upon resignation from the board.

9. What is the Form 1 - Statement of Financial Interests, and why does it have to be completed on an annual basis?

Florida Statutes require that elected officials, appointed officials, and appointed board members that have certain advisory or investment powers must file Form 1 - Statement of Financial Interests annually during the term of an appointment. Form 1F - Final Statement of Financial Interests is filed when leaving office or an appointed position.

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Police Department

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1. How do I obtain a copy of a police or traffic crash report?

You may request a copy by mail:
1115 10th St. W.
Palmetto, FL 34221

Enclose a check for $2 and a SASE, or in our lobby week days between 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

2. How can I reclaim lost or stolen property?

Contact the Palmetto Police Department Property Officer weekdays between 7:00 am – 5:00 pm and provide proof of ownership.

3. How can I become a Palmetto Police Officer?

You must be at least 19 years of age, have a High School diploma, be of good moral character, and have successfully completed a Law Enforcement Academy. You must pass a State examination as well as a polygraph and psychological exam. For additional information, contact the Palmetto Police Department at (941) 721–2000 ext. 113.

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Police Officers' Pension Plan Board of Trustees

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1. How are meetings conducted?

Meetings will be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Section 286.011, Florida Statutes, the Government in the Sunshine Act.

2. What is the Government in the Sunshine Act?

The Government in the Sunshine Act prohibits communication between Trustees outside of a public meeting on any matter which shall be the subject of a Board action. The Act also requires public noticing of all meetings, open public attendance at meetings, and meeting locations where public access is reasonably available.

3. What is the definition of fiduciary?

A fiduciary is a person responsible for the discharge of duties with respect to the Pension Plan solely in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries for the exclusive purpose of providing benefits and defraying reasonable expenses of administering the Plan.

4. How do I volunteer to serve on the Board of Trustees?

Download and complete an Advisory Board Application and submit it, with a resume, to the office of the Mayor, Palmetto City Hall.

5. What is the term of an appointment?

A term is for two years.

6. What forms are members required to file?

Members of the Police Officers’ Pension Plan Board of Trustees are required to file with the Florida Commission on Ethics Form 1 - Statement of Financial Interests when appointed to the board, and Form 1F - Final Statement of Financial Interests upon resignation from the board.

7. What is the Form 1 - Statement of Financial Interests, and why does it have to be completed on an annual basis?

Florida Statutes require that elected officials, appointed officials, and appointed board members that have certain advisory or investment powers must file Form 1 - Statement of Financial Interests annually during the term of an appointment. Form 1F - Final Statement of Financial Interests is filed when leaving office or an appointed position.

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Public Works

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1. What are the hours of operation?

The hours of operations for Parks, Water, Sewer, Water, Streets, Storm water, and Fleet are Monday - Friday 7:00 am to 3:30 pm. The hours of operation for the administration, engineering, planning, building permits are Monday - Friday 7:00 am to 4:00 pm.

2. How do I apply for a job?

Applications are available at the City Hall.

3. Where do I get my recycling bin?

Recycling bins can be requested by calling the Solid Waste Department at (941) 723-4580.

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Purchasing Department

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1. How does a vendor register to do business with the City?

Complete a Bid List Request / New Vendor Form

2. How does a vendor find out about current ITBs or RFPs?

Located on the Purchasing page under Bids and Proposals.

3. Where is the Purchasing Department located?

In City Hall at 516 8th Ave. W.

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Reclaimed Water

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1. What are the hours for Reclaimed Water?

7:00 am to 10:00 pm Monday, Wednesday and Saturday when available

2. Why don't I have reclaim?

It is not available in all areas.

3. When will I get reclaim?

Re-claim will be offered to more areas once the budget allows for more main lines to be installed.

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Solid Waste

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1. If one of my services gets missed whom should I contact?

Contact the Solid Waste Division at (941) 723-4580.

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Special Function

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1. When do I need a Special Function Permit?

A Special Function Permit is required for activities which take place on city property, city streets, public property and any buildings or facilities owned, leased or operated by the city. The only exception is when a city park is rented for an event and attendance is expected to be less than 50 people.

2. When do I need a Noise Exception Permit?

A Noise Exception Permit is necessary when an event will utilize any type of public address or sound systems. This permit is also necessary for construction projects that will begin before 7am Mon-Friday; 8am Saturday and 9 am Sunday, or after 10pm on any day.

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Stormwater

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1. When are ditches cleaned?

Ditch cleaning is done as needed by road gang.