One of the most common questions new business owners ask is, “What license do I need?” The honest answer is that Florida does not have one general business license that covers everyone. What you need depends on where you operate, what you do and how your business is set up. That can feel confusing at first, but it becomes manageable once you break it into layers.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Requirements can change, so always check with your city, county and any state licensing agency that applies to you.
Start with your business structure
Most license applications ask for your legal business name, entity type and tax identification number, so settle your structure first.
- LLC or corporation. In Florida, these are formed with the Division of Corporations through Sunbiz. Filing an LLC costs $125 in state fees ($100 for the Articles of Organization plus $25 for the registered agent designation). A for-profit corporation costs $70 ($35 for the Articles of Incorporation plus $35 for the registered agent designation).
- Sole proprietorship or general partnership. These do not require a state formation filing, but if you operate under any name other than your own legal name, you will need a fictitious name registration.
- Fictitious name (DBA). Registration costs $50 online and is valid for five years, expiring December 31 of the fifth year. Before you register, the name must be advertised at least once in a newspaper in the county where your principal place of business is located.
You will also want an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. EINs are free when you apply directly at IRS.gov. If a website asks you to pay for an EIN, you are paying a middleman for something the government gives away.
If you would rather have someone handle the filings, our business formation service sets up Florida LLCs and corporations for a $100 service fee plus the state fees.
Check your city and county
For many Florida businesses, the local level is where most of the licensing work happens. Many cities and counties require a local business tax receipt, sometimes still called an occupational license. Some businesses need one from the county and another from the city if they operate inside city limits.
When you contact your local offices, ask about:
- Whether you need a business tax receipt from the county, the city or both
- Zoning approval for your location, including a home office
- Any certificate of use or occupancy needed before you open a commercial space
- Signage permits if you plan to put up an exterior sign
- Fire inspection requirements for customer-facing locations
Running a business from home is common, but zoning and homeowners association rules can still limit customer visits, signage or parking, so ask before you start.
Find out if your profession is regulated by the state
Some occupations require a state license before you can legally offer the service. Many of these are handled by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, while others fall under different state agencies depending on the field. Contractors, real estate professionals, cosmetologists and many other trades and professions have their own licensing rules, exams or continuing education requirements.
A good rule: if your work involves public safety, health, construction, money or another person’s property, assume there may be a state license involved and check before you start taking clients. Operating without a required license can lead to fines and can make it harder to get licensed later.
Think about taxes and registrations
Depending on what you sell and whether you hire employees, you may also need to register with state tax authorities. Because tax rules are specific to your situation, ask a CPA which accounts you need and how often you will file. If you need help keeping the records that support those filings, our bookkeeping and payroll team can keep your books organized month to month.
Keep your business in good standing
Getting licensed is not a one-time event. Most licenses, permits and registrations have renewal dates, and missing them can cause penalties or interruptions.
- Annual reports. Florida LLCs and corporations file an annual report with the Division of Corporations between January 1 and May 1 each year. Filing after May 1 brings a $400 late fee.
- Registered agent. Every Florida LLC and corporation must keep a registered agent with a Florida street address who is available during business hours to accept legal papers.
- Local renewals. Business tax receipts are typically renewed on a regular cycle set by your city or county.
- Fictitious names. DBA renewals are accepted from July 1 through December 31 of the expiration year.
Put every renewal date on a shared calendar with reminders a month ahead. It is a small step that prevents a lot of avoidable late fees.
A simple checklist to get moving
- Choose your entity type and form it on Sunbiz if needed.
- Register a fictitious name if you will use a name other than your legal one.
- Get your free EIN from the IRS.
- Call your county and city about business tax receipts and zoning.
- Check whether your profession requires a state license.
- Talk to a CPA about tax registrations.
- Calendar every renewal date.
Get help sorting it out
If you are not sure where your business fits, we can help you map out the filings and registrations to look into. Book a free consultation or call us at (772) 356-3550, and we will help you build a clear plan for getting started the right way.
