excessive license fees (FL)

[Miss Kitty]

Are there any laws protecting a business from being charged excessive license fees by a city commission? Checked Fl. State Constitution and Statutes and don't see where this is regulated. We;re talking $1,000 night for "tasteful" adult entertainment that totally adhered to city ordinance codes.

[This message has been edited by Miss Kitty (edited June 26, 2000).]

 

[Tracey]

You need to consult a FL civil rights attorney or the ACLU. The city is trying to get around the first amendment by pricing you out of the market.

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This is not legal advice and you are not my client. Double check everything with your own attorney and your state's laws.

 

[Miss Kitty]

Tracey, thanks for answering. This came about when we checked the city ordinances and hired a group of male dancers, gave them a copy of the ordinance and told them they had to comply exactly. Then, after we paid them & advertised, we were notified we had to have a $1,000 license for "topless dancers & strip shows". We argued the point that the ordinance said nothing about a license fee & we managed to get a one-time moratorium on the fee. But they were to hold another meeting (after our show) at which time they would tack the $1,000 license fee on to the city ordinance. That meeting is tomorrow & we will argue our first amendment rights & if all else fails, will try the ACLU. Everybody that came to our show really had a great time, it was in the spirit of good fun, no nudity, & we really feel our right to business is severely restricted by this. Will let you know if we get anywhere. Thanks for responding. Miss Kitty