Florida Business Licensing Requirements

Florida Business Licensing Requirements

Getting your Florida sales tax certificate is just one step. Depending on your business type and location, you may need additional licenses and registrations. Here is an overview of common Florida business requirements.

Sunbiz Registration (Florida Division of Corporations)

Most Florida businesses must register with the Florida Division of Corporations, known as Sunbiz. This includes:

• Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)
• Corporations (S-Corp, C-Corp)
• Limited Partnerships
• Fictitious Name Registrations (DBA)

Sole proprietors using their legal name do not need to register with Sunbiz, but those using a business name must file a fictitious name registration.

Register online at sunbiz.org.

Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)

If your business has employees, operates as a corporation or partnership, or files certain tax returns, you need an EIN from the IRS. This is also called a Federal Tax ID.

Apply free at irs.gov/ein. The process takes about 10 minutes online, and you receive your number immediately.

Local Business Tax Receipts

Many Florida cities and counties require a Local Business Tax Receipt (formerly called an occupational license). This is essentially a local operating permit.

Requirements vary by location. Check with:

• Your city clerk’s office
• Your county tax collector

Annual fees typically range from $25 to $400 depending on business type and jurisdiction.

Professional Licenses

Certain professions require state licensure through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR):

• Contractors (general, electrical, plumbing, HVAC)
• Real estate agents and brokers
• Cosmetologists and barbers
• Accountants (CPAs)
• Architects and engineers
• Healthcare professionals (through Department of Health)

Verify requirements at myfloridalicense.com.

Industry-Specific Licenses

Depending on what you sell or do, additional permits may be required:

• Food Service: Florida DBPR Division of Hotels and Restaurants license, plus local health department permits
• Alcohol Sales: Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco license (fees vary by license type)
• Tobacco Sales: Tobacco products permit from the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco
• Motor Vehicle Dealers: Florida DHSMV dealer license
• Childcare: Department of Children and Families license
• Agriculture: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services permits

Home-Based Businesses

Florida is relatively friendly to home-based businesses. However, you may still need:

• Local business tax receipt
• Home occupation permit (zoning compliance)
• Sales tax certificate (if selling taxable items)

Check your local zoning ordinances before operating from home.

Annual Report Requirements

Florida LLCs and corporations must file an Annual Report with Sunbiz each year. The deadline is May 1.

• Filing fee: $138.75 for LLCs, $150 for corporations
• Late fee: $400 additional if filed after May 1

Failure to file can result in administrative dissolution of your business entity.

Florida Business Setup Checklist

1. Register with Sunbiz (if forming LLC or corporation)
2. Get your EIN from the IRS
3. Register for Florida Sales Tax Certificate
4. Obtain local business tax receipt
5. Apply for any professional or industry licenses
6. Check zoning compliance for your location

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