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Permits and Licenses

Know Which Ones You Need

Launching a business typically involves paperwork. Unless you're a home-based sole proprietorship with no employees, you will probably need to obtain certificates, licenses and permits in order to legally operate. Here's an overview of what you might need.

Zoning Permit Required by most Florida counties and cities and must be obtained prior to receiving a business tax receipt. For addresses within city limits, contact the city zoning department; for addresses outside city limits, contact the county zoning department. Note: Some jurisdictions require permits from both city and county.

Business Tax Receipt (formerly Occupational License) Required by most Florida counties and cities. If you are located within your city limits, and the city and county issue separate business tax receipts, contact your municipal and county government offices to find out if you need just one or both.

State and Professional Business Licenses Close to 200 job categories/professions require a state license from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. In addition, more than 100 businesses require a license, permit or registration from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Costs vary depending on the profession; applicants must meet established criteria to be licensed. Health-related professions and businesses are licensed and regulated by the Florida Department of Health.

Beverage Licenses Businesses in Florida that sell alcoholic beverages must apply for a beverage license through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Fees are based on types of beverages sold or served. Retailers and wholesalers of beer, wine or liquor are subject to federal occupational tax and must register with and obtain a control number from the U.S. Department of Treasury.

Health Permits and Licenses Required for public lodging and public food service businesses and are available from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Licenses for retail food stores, food processing plants and food storage/distribution businesses may be obtained from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs.

Retail Establishment Licenses Required by the Florida Office of Financial Regulation for any business financing the sale of goods or services sold by installment contract or revolving charge account to a retail buyer. Also subject to licensing and regulation: collection agencies, consumer finance companies, mortgage brokers, securities dealers and investment advisors, and mortgage business schools.

Environmental Regulations Permits are required for any business that is an actual or potential polluting source; one-time construction permits and renewable operating permits are also required. Permitting is mandated for such activities as dredge and fill, storm water construction, water treatment, sewage treatment and drainage well construction. Apply through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Finding the Right Site

Location. Location. Location.

For businesses that depend heavily on customer traffic for success, choosing the right location may be more important than choosing a name. Aside from customer exposure, some factors to consider include:

Zoning Is the area zoned for your type of business?

Affordability Are rents in this location consistent with your budget?

Condition Is the site ready to be occupied or will renovations be needed?

Competition Are surrounding businesses complementary or competing?

Suppliers Can suppliers find you easily?

Potential Employees Does the area offer a labor pool you could draw from?

Safety What is the crime rate? Will your employees feel safe alone in the building?

Image Is the location consistent with the image you want to project?

Tags: Florida Small Business, Business Basics