New Legislation Would Deliver Relief to Over 30 Types of Small Businesses Burdened by Excessive County Licensing Costs

BELLMORE, NY (TIP): At a press conference held on May 22 at All American Cleaners, Nassau County Legislator Seth I. Koslow, joined by colleagues Delia DeRiggi-Whitton and Olena Nicks, unveiled legislation to permanently cut small business license fees across Nassau County — fees that currently run three to five times higher than in neighboring Suffolk County. “This isn’t about giving small businesses a handout. it’s about stopping a county government that keeps handing them the bill,” said Legislator Koslow. “Right now, we’re charging local entrepreneurs like they’re major corporations. These fees are outdated, unfair, and driving people out of Nassau.”

The proposed legislation targets more than 30 categories of business licenses, including dry cleaners, locksmiths, dog groomers, health clubs, home service providers, and more — slashing annual fees that currently reach up to $1,300 per business.

Mark, the owner of All American Dry Cleaners, pays $650 per year just for the license to operate, a figure nearly unheard of elsewhere.

“If you want to groom dogs, hang a sign, or fix locks in Nassau, you’re looking at hundreds of dollars in yearly fees. It reads less like a licensing schedule and more like a shakedown list,” Koslow added.

While these everyday business owners are struggling, the lawmakers criticized County Executive Bruce Blakeman for prioritizing “fireworks, photo ops, and political rallies” over real economic relief.

“Bruce Blakeman can find millions for celebrations,” Koslow said, “but nothing for the people who power our economy.”

Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton said the fee structure exposes the hypocrisy of an administration that claims to support small business while leaning on them to pad the budget:

“Whether you’re in Glen Cove or Bellmore, small businesses are getting squeezed. We’ve seen what this administration values: vanity projects. But ask a pet groomer or gym owner how that helps pay their $650 licensing fee. This bill is what real relief looks like.”

Legislator Olena Nicks emphasized the equity and economic justice at the heart of the proposal:

“Why should a young entrepreneur in Nassau pay triple what someone pays across the county line? That’s not competition, that’s punishment. These fees hit hardest for women, minority, and veteran-owned startups. This bill is how we level the playing field.”

Legislator Debra Mulé echoed the urgency of reform.

“Nassau’s economy runs on small business, and those businesses are being choked by outdated fees. Cutting them is not just good policy, it’s the right thing to do. This legislation puts working people and local entrepreneurs first.”

The proposal comes at a time when Nassau’s small businesses need help the most. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Nassau is home to over 200,000 small businesses. Small businesses make up over 99% of all businesses in the county and employ the majority of Nassau’s workforce.

Koslow will introduce the legislation at the next meeting of the Nassau County Legislature. The sponsors are urging bipartisan support to fast-track the measure before the summer session ends.

“At a time when families are feeling the squeeze, the least we can do is stop squeezing the businesses that keep our communities alive,” Koslow said. “If Bruce Blakeman won’t lead on that, we will.”