How to Start a Business in Florida

From licenses and permits to taxes and insurance, learn what you need to do to start a business in Florida.

By , Attorney
Updated By Christine Mathias, Attorney · Penn State Dickinson School of Law

Here's an overview of the key steps you'll need to take to start your own business in Florida.

1. Choose a Business Idea

Take some time to explore and research ideas for your business. At this stage, take into consideration your own interests, skills, resources, availability, and the reasons why you want to form a business. You should also consider the likelihood of success based on the interests and needs of your community. Read our article for more tips on how to evaluate business ideas.

After you select an idea, consider drafting a business plan to evaluate your chances of making a profit. When you create a plan, you will have a better idea of the startup costs, your competition, and strategies for making money. Typically, investors and lenders will ask to review your business plan before providing financial assistance. To learn more about the benefits of business plans and how to create one for your enterprise see Why You Need to Write a Business Plan.

2. Decide on a Legal Structure

The most common legal structures for a small business are:

  • sole proprietorship
  • partnership
  • limited liability company (LLC), and
  • corporation.

There also are special versions of some of these structures, such as limited partnerships and S corporations. You'll want to consider which business entity structure offers the type of liability protection you want and the best tax, financing, and financial benefits for you and your business. Read our article for information on how to choose the best ownership structure for your business.

3. Choose a Name

For LLCs and corporations, you will need to check that your name is distinguishable from the names of other business entities already on file with the Florida Department of State (DOS). You can check for available names by doing a business entity search on the DOS website. You cannot reserve a name before formally creating your business with the state. See How to Form an LLC in Florida and How to Form a Corporation in Florida for more information.

Is your business a sole proprietorship or partnership that uses a business name that is different from the legal name of the business owner (for a sole proprietorship) or surnames of the individual partners (for a partnership)? If so, you must register a fictitious name with the DOS. You can register online or on paper.

If you plan on doing business online, you may want to register your business name as a domain name. See Choose and Register a Domain Name for more information. In addition, to avoid trademark infringement issues, you should do a federal and state trademark check to make sure the name you want to use is not the same as or too similar to a name already in use. See How to Do a Trademark Search for more information.

4. Create Your Business Entity in Florida

5. Apply for Licenses and Permits

Tax Registration. If you will be selling goods in Florida, you must register with the Department of Revenue (DOR) to collect sales tax. You can register online on the DOR website or on paper using Form DR-1, Florida Business Tax Application.

EIN. If your business has employees or is taxed separately from you, you must obtain a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. Even if you are not required to obtain an EIN, there are often business reasons for doing so. Banks often require an EIN to open an account in the business's name and other companies you do business with may require an EIN to process payments. You can get an EIN by completing an online application. There is no filing fee.

General business licenses. Most Florida businesses are required to obtain a general business license, otherwise known as a business tax receipt, which is associated with a local business tax. You apply for and renew a business tax receipt through the county or, in some cases, the city where your business is located. Check the website for your county and city for more details on how to file.

Professional and occupational licenses. These cover people who work in various fields as well as certain types of businesses. Check the Get a Business License section of the state's website for more detailed information.

6. Pick a Business Location and Check Zoning

You'll need to pick a location for your business and check local zoning regulations. Before you commit to a location, take time to calculate the costs of running your business in the desired spot, including rent and utilities. You can refer back to your business plan to evaluate whether you can afford your desired location during your company's early months.

It is important to verify that the spot is zoned for your type of business. You might find zoning regulations for your town or city by reviewing your local ordinances and contacting your town's zoning or planning department. Read our article for more tips on picking a location.

One alternative to opening your business at a new location is running your company out of your home. If you decide to run a home-based business, again check your local zoning laws. In addition, review your lease (if you rent your home) and homeowners association rules (if applicable), either of which might ban some or all home businesses.

7. File and Report Taxes

Because Florida does not have a personal income tax, owners of some forms of business will not owe state tax on their business income. See Florida State Business Income Tax for more information on state business taxes in Florida.

Sole proprietorships. Pay federal taxes on business income as part of their personal federal income tax returns.

Partnerships. Partners pay federal taxes on partnership income.

LLCs. Members pay federal taxes on their share of LLC income. In addition, if an LLC is classified as a corporation for federal tax purposes, the LLC itself also must file a state corporation tax return. Florida LLCs also are required to file an annual report with the Florida DOS. See Florida LLC Annual Filing Requirements for more information.

Corporations. Shareholders must pay federal taxes on their dividends from the corporation. A shareholder-employee with a salary also must pay federal income tax on his or her personal state tax return. Moreover, the corporation itself is subject to Florida corporation taxes. And, finally, corporations must file an annual report with the Florida DOS.

Apart from Florida taxes, there are always federal income and employer taxes. Check IRS Publications 334, Tax Guide for Small Business, and 583, Taxpayers Starting a Business.

8. Obtain Insurance

Business insurance can protect your company and your personal assets from the fallout of unexpected disasters, such as personal injury lawsuits or natural catastrophes. An insurance agent can help you explore the different coverage options, such as general liability insurance to protect your business against claims relating to bodily injury or property damage. To learn more, see Nolo's article, What Types of Insurances Does Your Small Business Need?

9. Open a Business Bank Account

No matter the type of business you form, you should consider opening a separate business account to make it easier to track your income and expenses. For some business types, like LLCs and corporations, a separate bank account is necessary to maintain your liability protection. To learn more, see Opening a Business Bank Account.

Find the business structure that fits your business. Take our business formation quiz for help deciding the best structure for your business.

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