BACKGROUND
The City of DeBary is strategically positioned in the suburbs of Orlando, Florida, within Volusia County, and is home to an approximate population of 22,000 residents. Nicknames, the "River City," DeBary boasts abundant park spaces and is renowned for its efficient Sun Rail transportation system. Situated on the eastern shore of the St. Johns River near Lake Monroe, the City offers a unique blend of natural beauty and modern amenities.
CHALLENGE
Florida State issued regulatory change requiring all local businesses to renew their licenses using a digital process. The DeBary Business Tax Receipt Team faced a highly time-sensitive task; transition their paper-based process renewal process online. The team needed an intuitive, digital business licensing system, a comprehensive renewal process, batch email notifications, data migration from their previous database, and the integration of a secure payment processor - and they had just 41 days to meet the statutory deadline.
SOLUTION
In collaboration with citizenserve, and their licensing and permitting software, a condensed timeline was created to digitize DeBary's Business Tax Receipt application process. This involved transferring data from their previous database into the newly developed application, configuring an efficient online payment processor, and promptly notifying existing active business owners of the process change. Business owners were also given instructions on how to access the system, renew their licenses, and make online payments through the City of DeBary's online portal. This streamlined approach ensured a swift and seamless transition to the digital platform, enhancing user experience and operational efficiency for license renewals.
OUTCOME
The initiative culminated in meeting the 41-day deadline, effectively fulfilling the statutory requirements. As a result, customers were promptly informed of their ability to renew their licenses online. This successful implementation of online business tax receipts, using citizenserve's integrated licensing and permitting software, underscores the City of DeBary's commitment to compliance and enhanced service delivery.
"Working with the River City, DeBary, was effortless - our online solution flowed as smoothly as a river current."