March 28, 2024

Start-Up Guide

Forms, Permits & Licenses

Federal, state and local governments each require separate business documents. Here's an easy guide

Barbara Miracle | 6/1/2006

? State

  • Check Florida's official website, MyFlorida.com, for links to all types of state information for new and existing businesses.
  • File a "Fictitious Name" registration with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations. Owners conducting business under a name other than their own must file, even if the name seems very similar. Thomas Graphics, for example, is owned by Christopher Thomas. Although his last name is part of the business name, he still must file. For filing fees and to register a name online, check the Division of Corporation's Sunbiz website.
  • Obtain a state business or professional license, if necessary. Business owners can use the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation's website to apply for and maintain their licenses, search license records and find exam information.
  • Collect sales tax, both state and in some cases county, for many products and services and have a Sales Tax Certificate. The Florida Department of Revenue (DOR) issues certificates and monthly payment booklets. Owners can register online for free or file Form DR-1 ($5 one-time charge). If the DOR tells you your business isn't taxable, get it in writing.
  • File a "New Hire Reporting Form" for every new employee, full-time or part-time.
  • If you have employees (apart from yourself), file quarterly unemployment tax reports and make payments to the DOR.

? Local

  • Call city and county government offices to see if they require an occupational license and/or zoning permit. For occupational licenses, check with the city clerk or county tax collector. Fees vary by type of business and location. Many municipalities now make the forms available online.
  • County planning departments or city building inspection divisions can provide information on who needs zoning permits. Much of this information is available on city and county websites.
  • Small Business Development Centers often have detailed information on licensing and permitting in cities, counties and other entities in their area. Find an SBDC near you by checking www.florida-sbdc.com or click here for a complete listing.

? Federal

  • File form SS-4 with the Internal Revenue Service and receive a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN). (Some sole proprietorships do not need an EIN.) To apply for an EIN, call the IRS at (800) 829-4933 or download an SS-4 at www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fss4.pdf.

    Mail the form to:
    IRS Service Center, EIN
    Operation, Holtsville, NY 11742.
  • File quarterly federal tax returns and an annual unemployment tax return. This step is required for most businesses with employees. (See The IRS, Florida Department of Revenue and You)

Resources

Florida Division of Corporations, Sunbiz
sunbiz.org
(850) 488-9000

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Licensing
myfloridalicense.com
(850) 487-1395

MyFlorida.com
myflorida.com

Florida New Hire Reporting Center
fl-newhire.com
(888) 854-4791

Florida Department of Revenue
myflorida.com/dor
(800) 352-3671

Internal Revenue Service
irs.gov
(800) 829-4933

Tags: Florida Small Business, Politics & Law, Around Florida, Business Services, Government/Politics & Law

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