Definitions.

When used in this chapter, the following terms and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except when the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

(1) “Business,” “profession,” and “occupation” do not include the customary religious, charitable, or educational activities of nonprofit religious, nonprofit charitable, and nonprofit educational institutions in this state, which institutions are more particularly defined and limited as follows:

(a) “Charitable institutions” means only nonprofit corporations operating physical facilities in this state at which are provided charitable services, a reasonable percentage of which are without cost to those unable to pay.

(b) “Educational institutions” means state tax-supported or parochial, church and nonprofit private schools, colleges, or universities conducting regular classes and courses of study required for accreditation by or membership in the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the Department of Education, or the Florida Council of Independent Schools. Nonprofit libraries, art galleries, and museums open to the public are defined as educational institutions and eligible for exemption.

(c) “Religious institutions” means churches and ecclesiastical or denominational organizations or established physical places for worship in this state at which nonprofit religious services and activities are regularly conducted and carried on, and also means church cemeteries.

(2) “Classification” means the method by which a business or group of businesses is identified by size or type, or both.

(3) “Enterprise zone” means an area designated as an enterprise zone pursuant to s. 290.0065. This subsection expires on the date specified in s. 290.016 for the expiration of the Florida Enterprise Zone Act.

(4) “Independent contractor” has the same meaning as provided in s. 440.02(18)(d)1.a. and b.

(5) “Local business tax” means the fees charged and the method by which a local governing authority grants the privilege of engaging in or managing any business, profession, or occupation within its jurisdiction. It does not mean any fees or licenses paid to any board, commission, or officer for permits, registration, examination, or inspection. Unless otherwise provided by law, these are deemed to be regulatory and in addition to, but not in lieu of, any local business tax imposed under the provisions of this chapter.

(6) “Local governing authority” means the governing body of any county or incorporated municipality of this state.

(7) “Person” means any individual, firm, partnership, joint adventure, syndicate, or other group or combination acting as a unit, association, corporation, estate, trust, business trust, trustee, executor, administrator, receiver, or other fiduciary, and includes the plural as well as the singular.

(8) “Receipt” means the document that is issued by the local governing authority which bears the words “Local Business Tax Receipt” and evidences that the person in whose name the document is issued has complied with the provisions of this chapter relating to the business tax.

(9) “Taxpayer” means any person liable for taxes imposed under the provisions of this chapter; any agent required to file and pay any taxes imposed hereunder; and the heirs, successors, assignees, and transferees of any such person or agent.