Florida is an economic powerhouse that provides business opportunities in a variety of different sectors, like tourism, agriculture, and technology. The Sunshine State is also considered a good place for business because certain economic policies offer several advantages to business owners and their companies.

To open a business in Florida, entrepreneurs must be compliant with all state and federal regulations. 

Therefore, keep reading to find out how to get a license for your business in Florida. 

Develop a Business Plan

First and foremost, you need to organize, structure, and develop a detailed business plan. We recommend that you seek guidance from a business attorney throughout this process.

Additionally, an attorney can assist in acquiring the necessary information regarding the state, county, and municipal regulations on obtaining a business license. 

The state licensing obligations can be affected by various factors, including:

• The type of business. 
• The business structure (LLC, sole proprietorship, partnership, etc.).
• The business location.

All in all, a reliable business attorney can guide you through this process and relieve most of the pressure, allowing you to focus on other areas in your company. 

Obtain a General Business License

If you provide goods or services to the general public, a general business license, also known as a business tax receipt, is required to start business operations in Florida. You can obtain a general business license whether you operate in a commercial space or at home.

Although this process is not complex, you must consider certain factors. Because property tax is administered locally, a general business license is obtained by registering with the proper tax collector’s office. In Florida, county tax collectors often provide business tax receipts. If your company is located within a municipality, however, you may need a city business tax receipt also. 

Find the Proper Tax Collector

If you visit the webpage for the Florida Department of Revenue, you can contact your county tax collector. Once you enter the homepage, you should select the option titled “Find a County Official,” select the county, and find the corresponding tax collector. 

Revise the Required Information

The necessary information for obtaining a business tax receipt in Florida differs between counties and municipalities. 

However, most business owners will need to provide the following:

• Their full name.
• A copy of their Social Security card. 
• The company’s fictitious name. 
• The federal tax ID number. 
• Any corporate documents. 
• Evidence of professional or commercial licenses or certifications required in the company’s industry (e.g., liquor license).
• The industry code under the North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS). 
• Standard utilized by the U.S. government to systematically categorize economic activity into twenty distinct industry sectors. 

Based on the location of the business, the business owner may be required to do the process in person or may be able to submit the registration application either online or via postal mail.  

The cost of the business tax receipt also varies due to several factors, including: 

• The type of business. 
• The county. 
• The company’s regulatory, environmental, and zoning effect on the county.

Because some businesses and professions are also required to be licensed through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, we recommend that you hire an expert business attorney to properly address the situation. 

File a Fictitious Name Registration

A company may operate under a fictitious name, also known as DBA (doing business as), assumed name, or trade name. Suppose a vitamin company called “Superb Supplements,” for example, wants to operate its business activities in Florida as “Sun 4 You.” In this situation, the business owner must apply for and renew its fictitious name by contacting the Florida Department of State. 

Fortunately, a fictitious name can be registered online. If you visit the website for the Florida Department of State, you can download the form, file it, and mail it to the required address. 

Do You Need a Business License in Florida? We Can Help You

If you are interested in obtaining a business license in Florida, you need the guidance and assistance of qualified and experienced business attorneys. 

At Jurado & Associates, P.A., we have the knowledge and expertise to help you make the best decisions for your business.

Contact us today by phone at (305) 921-0976, by email at [email protected], or by WhatsApp at +1 (305) 921-0976.