How to Start a Business in Florida: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Thinking about starting a business in the Sunshine State? Florida is a great place to launch your dream — with its booming economy, diverse population, and entrepreneur-friendly policies. Whether you're opening a café in Miami, launching a tech startup in Tampa, or starting an online store in Orlando, this guide will walk you through the key steps.

Decide on a Business Structure: Select the right legal structure for your business:

• Sole Proprietorship – Simple, but no liability protection 
• LLC (Limited Liability Company) – Popular choice for small businesses 
• Corporation – Good for companies seeking investors 
• Partnership – For two or more owners 

Each has pros and cons in terms of taxes, liability, and setup costs.

Register Your Business with the State: To legally operate in Florida, register your business with the Florida Division of Corporations:

1. Visit https://dos.myflorida.com/sunbiz/ 
2. File Articles of Organization (LLC) or Incorporation (Corp) 
3. Pay the applicable fees (usually $125–$150)
    

Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number):  n EIN is like a Social Security Number for your business — it’s free and required for:

• Opening a business bank account 
• Hiring employees 
• Filing business taxes 

          Apply for your EIN online at irs.gov

Apply for Business Licenses & Permits

Depending on your industry and location, you may need:

• A local business tax receipt 
• Health, zoning, or fire department permits 
• Industry-specific licenses (contractors, childcare, food service, etc.) 

Check with:

• Your county clerk's office 
• Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR)
   

Open a Business Bank Account

Keep personal and business finances separate. You’ll need:

• Your EIN 
• Articles of Incorporation/Organization 
• Photo ID
   

Understand Florida Tax Requirements

Depending on your business, you may need to register for:

• Sales Tax (file with the Florida Dept. of Revenue) 
• Reemployment Tax (if hiring employees) 
• Corporate Income Tax (for certain entity types)

Visit https://floridarevenue.com for more info.

Hire Employees (If Applicable)

When hiring in Florida:

• Report new hires to the state 
• Set up workers' compensation (required for most businesses) 
• Understand minimum wage laws and labor regulations 

Learn more at https://floridajobs.org

Promote Your Business

Once you’re legally set up, start spreading the word:

• Build a website and claim your Google Business Profile 
• Use social media to reach local customers 
• Attend local events or join a Florida Chamber of Commerce
   

Stay Compliant

Keep your business in good standing by:

• Filing your Annual Report with Sunbiz (due by May 1st) 
• Renewing necessary licenses and permits 
• Keeping accurate records and paying taxes on time
   

Ready to Start?

Florida’s business-friendly environment, combined with your vision and drive, can lead to something great. If you’re unsure where to begin, reach out to local resources like:

• Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) 
• SCORE Florida (Free business mentoring) 
• Your local Chamber of Commerce
   

Questions? Let us know — we’re here to help Florida businesses start strong and grow with confidence!