What are the licensing requirements for a business in Florida?
Corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and general partnerships must register with the Florida Division of Corporations in order to operate in the state. Many professions must also obtain a license from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. In addition to state requirements, most city and county governments have their own licensing requirements for businesses that operate in their jurisdiction.
What are the local licensing requirements in Florida?
Whether your business needs a local business license and the requirements for those licenses depends on where you are applying. For example, Boca Raton requires that all businesses obtain a general local license, known in Florida as a business tax receipt, while Orlando issues its business tax receipts on an occupational basis and a single business may need to obtain several business tax receipts to operate within the city. Likewise, there is no general business tax receipt that is required in Miami, but certain types of businesses and occupations must have special permits that are issued by the county government, not the city. All businesses should check with their local city and county governments to find out the licensing requirements they need to meet. Generally, business tax receipts must be obtained before the business opens, otherwise you may be subject to penalties and fines.
How can I apply for a business license?
Registration with the Florida Division of Corporations and license applications with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation may be done online through those agency's websites. The application procedures for local business tax receipts depend on the city and/or county where your business is located. Some licenses must be applied for in person, however most places do allow you to mail or fax your completed application and fee if online services are not available.
CLICK THE LINK TO YOUR CITY BELOW TO APPLY FOR A BUSINESS LICENSE
What kind of information will I be asked to provide on my business application?
The information needed will vary depending on the license you are applying for. However, you usually must provide:
Name of business
Address and contact information of business
Type of business (corporation, partnership, LLC, etc.)
Nature and purpose of business
Federal employee identification number (EIN) or social security number
For business tax receipts you may be asked to provide
additional information such as the number of employees
your business has, the expected hours of operation,
and be asked to provide documentation that shows you
have registered your business with the state and have
met any additional requirements specific to your occupation.
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