How to get a business license in Florida
Starting a business in Florida is exciting, but identifying the business licenses you need can be complex. LegalZoom, rated as the preferred online method to find your required business licenses,* offers a customized report with direct access to license applications and ongoing licensing alerts and management. Just $99/year.†
Florida, known for its sunny climate and diverse economy, is a prime location to start a business. Whether you’re setting up a tech firm in Miami or a beachfront café in Clearwater, securing the right business licenses is crucial to help ensure your business starts off on the right foot.
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To legally run your business, you'll likely need a business license, a required document issued by federal, state, or local governments. These licenses and permits ensure you comply with necessary regulations and standards across various business activities. They help protect your business from legal penalties and potential closure. Plus, having the proper licenses reassures your customers that your business is compliant and trustworthy.
For example, if you want to operate your business from home, you may need a home occupation permit. A restaurant might need a health department permit in addition to an alcohol and food service license—and may even want a music license to host shows. If you open a shop, you may need a seller's permit and a sales tax license.
Do you need a business license in Florida?
Yes, you need a business license in Florida. On average, our business license customers require at least 4 licenses to operate legally. While the state doesn't require a general statewide business license, many specific industries do need state-level licenses, especially those that involve potential hazards or require extensive training. These include industries such as real estate, construction, and healthcare. The primary issuer of these licenses is the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
Additionally, you might need a Business Tax Receipt (BTR), often referred to as a local business tax receipt, which varies by county. This general business license is required for any new business providing merchandise or services to the public within your local jurisdiction. It serves as proof that you have registered your business and paid the necessary local business taxes. The BTR must be displayed at your place of business.
LegalZoom can help you navigate the complexities of business licensing in Florida. We’ll identify the specific business license needs based on your business type and activities, with ongoing alerts to help you remain compliant with local, state, and federal requirements. Our service saves you time and provides peace of mind, knowing you have the necessary licenses to operate legally. Plus, you can effortlessly manage your ongoing licensing needs directly from your account by uploading, viewing, and sharing all from one place.
In Florida, business licenses are managed by various state-level agencies, each overseeing different sectors. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) is responsible for licensing and regulating professions and businesses such as construction, real estate, and those involved in the sale of alcohol and tobacco.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) governs licenses related to agriculture, including farming, food production, and handling. Additionally, DACS oversees industries such as private security, private investigators, gambling, and the oil and gas sectors.
For healthcare-related businesses and professions, the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) is the primary regulatory body. It licenses and monitors various health practitioners, including athletic trainers, dieticians, massage therapists, and healthcare facilities.
Each of these departments plays a crucial role in ensuring that businesses in their respective fields meet the necessary regulatory standards to operate legally and safely in Florida. The DBPR agency alone is responsible for licensing and regulating more than 1.6 million businesses and professionals in the state. LegalZoom can help you navigate the complexities of Florida’s business licensing requirements, helping ensure your specific business meets all necessary regulations.
Types of business licenses
Local licenses
The most common local license is the business operating license, also known as the business tax receipt. This is typically required for all types of businesses and is issued by the city or county tax collectors for your business's operations.
Florida state licenses
At the state level, the most common license is the business tax application or seller’s permit. Any business selling or leasing tangible property—such as clothing, electronics, construction material, or food and beverage—requires one. Additionally, businesses involved in selling, manufacturing, importing, or distributing alcohol or tobacco will need the appropriate licenses from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
Federal licenses
Certain Florida businesses may require federal business licenses. Some businesses that may need licenses from federal agencies include:
• Agriculture
• Alcoholic sales, serving, distribution, or importing
• Aviation
• Firearms, ammunition, and explosives
• Fish and wildlife
• Commercial fisheries
• Maritime transportation
• Mining and drilling
• Nuclear energy
• Radio and television broadcasting
• Transportation
You can check with the U.S. Small Business Administration to see if your small business type is listed. LegalZoom can help you save time researching federal, state, and local-level requirements with a personalized report featuring all your required licenses.
How to get a business license in Florida in 5 steps
Establish your business
Begin by choosing a business name and deciding on your business structure, whether it’s an LLC, corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. You’ll need to register your business with the Florida Division of Corporations. If you are not registering an entity or you plan to use multiple business names, then you might need to register a fictitious name (also known as a DBA or “Doing Business As”). If you haven't formed your business entity yet, we can help you get started forming your business in just a few minutes.
Register your business with the Florida Division of Corporations
Submit your Articles of Incorporation (for corporations) or Articles of Organization (for LLCs) to the Florida Division of Corporations. LLCs should also establish an operating agreement to detail the company’s structure. Corporations will require bylaws, issuance of stocks, and regular meetings. Additionally, check with the County Tax Collector to see if you need a license, register your business with the Department of Revenue, and register with the IRS. Corporate entities or fictitious name registrants should also register with the Department of State.
Gather necessary documentation
Before applying for licenses, collect all required documentation. This includes:
• Social Security Number or Federal Employment Identification Number (EIN)
• A description of your business activities
• Your legal business name and any fictitious name (DBA)
• Your business start date
• Number of employees and expected annual sales
• Business address and contact information
• Each business owner’s contact information
• Your business sales tax number, if any
• Your industry code under the North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS)
• Evidence of required professional or commercial certifications for your occupation
Apply for local licenses
Apply for a business license or Business Tax Receipt (BTR) at the local level. A BTR is required for any new business providing merchandise or services to the public. This often involves extensive research across local city and county government agencies to find out about specific requirements. However, you don't need to navigate this process alone—LegalZoom can help you identify and apply for all necessary local licenses and permits, ensuring your business meets all local requirements.
Apply for state and federal licenses
Identify and apply for any state-level licenses required for your business, such as a seller’s permit or specific occupational licenses. If your business activities fall under federal regulations, apply for the appropriate federal licenses. This might include licenses for selling alcohol or operating in agriculture.
LegalZoom can help identify any other business license needs specific to your business type and activities, streamlining the entire process for you.
Display and compliance
Once you have obtained your business license, prominently display it at your own business address or location as required by law. Ensure that you comply with all local regulations and keep up with any operational requirements to maintain your license.
Renewal and updates
Most business licenses in Florida need to be renewed annually or every few years. Keep track of renewal dates to avoid lapses. Additionally, update your licenses if there are significant changes to your business, such as a new address, change in ownership, or expansion of services.
With LegalZoom’s business license service, you don’t need to worry about missing renewal dates. We send timely alerts for upcoming expirations and provide notifications for any changes to your report based on your jurisdiction. Our service ensures you stay compliant, saving you time and helping you avoid costly penalties. Manage all your licenses and permits from one convenient place with LegalZoom, keeping your business running smoothly and efficiently.
Getting a Florida business license—the easy way
Navigating the licensing landscape in Florida can be challenging, but LegalZoom makes it easier to get the information you need and manage your business licenses and permits. Here's how we can help:
Speed
Access all required applications directly through LegalZoom. We simplify the process, navigating over 75,000 jurisdictions for you, saving time and hassle, so you can focus on growing your business.
Stay compliant with ease through our proactive notifications and reminders. We keep you updated on changes and renewal deadlines, helping you maintain your Florida business licenses without stress.
Starting a business in Florida offers exciting opportunities, but understanding and meeting the licensing requirements is essential. Securing the necessary licenses lays a strong foundation for your business to succeed. Let LegalZoom guide you through the process, making it easy for you to focus on what matters most.
LegalZoom can help you navigate the process with ease. Get your personalized business license report today and focus on what you do best—running your business.
