Step 2: Choose a Florida Registered Agent. When creating your business plan, here are some important things to include: For a more detailed resource, check out our business planning guide. First you must register with the state, obtain a license from the county, remit necessary taxes, open a business bank account and obtain a federal employee identification number. Depending on the nature of your business, your tax, license and permit requirements may be quite complex or super simple and straightforward. FYI: Getting Started with a Florida Business. If you don't have the time to handle it on your own, there are some excellent business formation services out there that will take the reins from you for a small fee. Corporate entities are usually required to register with the Division of Corporations, while many professions are required to register with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. There are an abundance of factors that impact your brand image, but two of the significant ones are your business logo and website. In order to collect business tax, you must register with the Florida DOR. This option creates a domestic Florida Limited Liability Company. Registering a Florida DBA (doing business as), also known as a Florida fictitious name, is a simple process that you complete with the Secretary of State.. Our How to File a DBA in Florida guide will help you get started on branding your small business.. The registration of a Fictitious Name does not satisfy the Workers Comp Exemption requirements. If you’re having trouble finding the perfect business idea for you, we encourage you to check them out! Step 5: Get an EIN. Read our FTC Disclosure. However, proof of advertisement is not required. When you're ready to design your brand logo, keep the following ideas in mind: You can also use our free logo maker tool to make one yourself! Generally, most business are responsible at least some type of tax, such as sales tax or unemployment taxes The cost of starting a business in Florida varies depending on what kind of business you start. This website is meant to be opinion and information based, not legal advice of any kind. Visit the Florida Department of Revenue website for general information or registration forms. Step 2: Pick a Business Name. The name you register must be advertised at least once in a newspaper that is located within the county where your principal place of business is located ( Chapter 50, Florida Statutes). Register your business with the Department of Revenue. If your business will sell taxable goods or services, you must register as a sales and use tax dealer to collect, report, and remit sales and use tax before you begin conducting business in Florida. Starting a Business in Florida — Doing Business in Florida. Step 7: Apply for Business Licenses & Permits. Your next major task is going to be registering your business with the state of Florida. The state of Florida requests that businesses and occupations acquire permits or licenses in order to operate. A DBA isn't a type of business structure and won't protect your personal assets. Obtaining a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN), Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Department of Financial Services, Division of Workers’ Compensation, Division of Corporations phone directory, Division of Corporations filing forms – Download and print them now, The official business link to the U.S. Government, State of Florida Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), File a Foriegn Limited Liability Company in Florida, Basic Requirements to File Articles of Incorporation Florida. As far as Florida-specific opportunities go, here are a few to consider: In addition to the resources above, you may want to take a look at our guide on how to finance a business. Open a Business. 1. It can help with many things, including credit cards that are issued in your business’s name and score instead of depending on your personal credit score, better interest rates on loans, higher lines of credit, and more. Form a Profit or Non-Profit Corporation; Online Filing: Profit Articles of Incorporation, Non-Profit Articles of Incorporation Whether you are starting a new business in Florida, moving an existing business to Florida from another state, or already operating a business in Florida, you will need to be aware of the various registration and licensing requirements which are applicable to your business. Some of the links may be affiliate links, earning us a small commission if you decide to use them, allowing us to continue creating content. Decide on a Corporate Structure. A good business credit score will help establish your business’s fundability. Corporate entities are usually required to register with the Division of Corporations, while many professions are required to register with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. LLC Registration. This final step is one that never really ends: marketing your business. To register a vehicle in a company name in Florida, you must pay the required fee that covers your tag, taxes, registration certificate and validation decal. Starting a Business in Florida. For additional information on who needs to register and with whom, select from the links: Layout based on Cutline from Splashpress Media. For example, investment advisers, brokers and dealers … You have 10 days after the purchasing the vehicle or becoming a resident of the state to register it, according to Florida State law. We encourage you to read our definitive guide to marketing a business for a more detailed look at the art of marketing! Assuming you’ve already worked out your business idea, how you’re going to fund your company and have at least done a simple business plan, these are the steps for starting a business in Florida: Step 1: Decide on a Business Structure. All four names refer to the same type of entity. This will help separate you from liability incurred by the LLC. To start a business in Florida you need to: Check with your County Tax Collector to see if you need a license. A business credit card helps you separate personal and business expenses. It’s never too soon to start organizing your business’s finances! Incorporate in Florida - Sunbiz.org | www.Sunbiz.org | Sunbiz, Incorporate or File a Limited Liability Company in The State of Florida. A simple way to craft a professional, inviting website is to use an existing web-building platform. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil. HUBCO Incorporation Services is a private corporation and is not affiliated with the Florida Department of State. Some options include angel investors, microloans, trade credit, crowdfunding, and many more. Learn about the best small business credit cards here. When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. This Online Form registers a DBA, also known as Fictitious Business Name, Trade Name and Doing Business As. Every Order Filed in 1 Business Day ! Step 3: Register the Business. Find government-backed loans and other financing programs to start or grow a business in Florida. Another hugely important aspect of your brand image is your business website -- but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to build a website from the ground up. Approval Guarantee ! Doing Business in Florida. There’s also a variety of special requirements for different industries, though, so you’ll need to take care of industry-specific licensing requirements as well. All corporations have to obtain and use an EIN. Here are a few resources for you to check out to ensure your business becomes compliant on a federal, state and local level. Register with the Florida Department of Revenue (DOR). The first step in starting a business and getting a business license in Florida is to register a unique name of the company. We outline all of the major funding strategies and when to choose them. Step 1: Choose a Business Idea. Step 3: Select a Business Entity. Division of Workers’ Compensation 3. Register with the IRS. For more information on opening a Florida business, read the Department's Business Owner's Guide for Sales and Use Tax ( GT-300015 ). No design experience neccessary! For more information, or to register your Delaware corporation in Florida and start doing business in Florida, please call 1-800-345-2677, Ext. There are a number of programs out there that can assist you with every aspect of your business plan. To start a business in Florida, you should first check with your county's tax collector to determine whether your business requires a license. There’s a ton to be said on this topic, but here are a few pointers to get you thinking: Again, there’s so much more to say on this subject, but we won’t get into it here. The general rule of thumb is to register a business where it is physically located, conducting business and/or has employees. Starting a Business in Florida. Step 4: Register a Business Name. Learn what it takes to start a business in Florida. DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this site is provided for general information only and should not serve as a substitute for legal advice from an attorney familiar with the facts and circumstances of your specific situation. Registering your Florida company as a legal business entity, such as an LLC or a Corporation, has two major advantages: Increased credibility; Protection from personal liability in the event your business is sued; For most small businesses, registering an LLC is a great option. Once you’ve committed to a business structure, you’ll need to take care of all the legal paperwork. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing. For returning users, enter your user profile credentials to log in and begin or complete the Florida Business Tax Registration application. Make sure all documents are signed by a representative of your LLC and not by you (or other LLC members) directly. Learn more about us. For questions while starting a business, we recommend consulting with an attorney or accountant. HUBCO Incorporation Services performs business formation services; it is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or legal services. These services can save you a ton of time and money involved in building a website from scratch. Expand or Relocate Your Business to Florida; Access Financing. We go over forming a USP, marketing plan, executive summary, sales forecast, and everything else you’ll want to include. Check with your local library for books such as Mark Warda’s “How to Start a Business in Florida.” Department of Business and Professional Regulation 2. Step 2: Write a Business Plan. When Must an Out-of-State LLC Register to Do Business in Florida? These companies will handle all of the research so you can feel confident that you won’t miss any compliance requirements. Most counties in Florida require businesses to have a general Florida business license. Corporate entities or fictitious name registrants should register with the Department of State. Now that you’ve taken care of all the essentials above, it’s time to work on building your brand! Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. Original theme created by Chris Pearson. You also must register your business with the … To open up a bank account for your business, you’ll need to obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number). When you file your Florida Articles of Incorporation, you will be asked to give the name of your Florida registered agent.. A registered agent is a person or entity that accepts tax and legal documents on behalf of an LLC or corporation. Under the Florida Revised LLC Act, a foreign limited liability company may not “transact business” in Florida until it gets a “certificate of authority” from the Secretary of State. County occupational licenses are usually obtained from the local county government. However, depending on the specifics of your business, you’ll want to consider some options before others. Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Startups and Entrepreneurs review to find the best online bank, eCommerce banks, the best for tech startups, real estate investment banks, and more. A DBA is used for branding purposes. The registration requirement was created under Flor i da Statutes § 865.09 to protect consumers from business owners hiding anonymously behind the name of a business. After this, start doing your research on various business bank accounts. Step 2: Identify Your Type of Business. Custom Printed Florida LLC Membership Certificates. Important! In addition to registering with the Department of State, most professions must register with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Florida businesses may be required to register with the local county. You’ll use your EIN in place of your social security number so that this account is completely separate from your personal finances. Starting a Business in Florida | Simple, Step-by-Step Guide. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection. Florida State Financial Incentives for Business Step 6: Open a Business Bank Account. Make sure to sync up your banking and credit card accounts with an accounting software like QuickBooks as soon as you get the chance. Registering a business in Florida may require an entity to register not only at the State level but also with the local county government. If all you need is a general business license, this step can probably be handled without professional assistance. Having a well-crafted business plan is essential for staying focused and motivated, securing funding, managing cash flow, and tracking your progress as your business grows and evolves over time. Starting a business in Florida is like starting a business in any other state, but with a few additional requirements. Names, trademarks and logos mentioned all belong to their respective owners. When readers purchase services discussed on our site, we often earn affiliate commissions that support our work. New users must create a user profile with a username and password to begin or complete the registration application. It’s also a good idea to consider a business planning software. So you want to know how to start a business in Florida? Let’s take a quick look at each of the business structures: If you’re unsure which route to take, we suggest you have a read through our comparison guide for a more detailed look at each business structure. The taxes that you may collect are business dependent and are impacted by whether you have any employees. Before you can do that, though, you have to figure out what type of business structure you want to form: an LLC, S corp, C corp, or sole proprietorship. Register with your state revenue agency: In addition, you are required to obtain Tax IDs and permits … You can go a long way in protecting your assets with these five steps: A business bank account separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection. Generally speaking, when a company has an employee working out of another state, the business must also be registered there in order for both the employee and the employer to pay the proper taxes. Make A Plan For Your Business. Well, first you want to make sure you create a solid plan. Quick Reference. Take a look at our top 7 business planning software ranking for details on our favorites! Business License: The next step is the business license or occupational license with the county. A business credit card will also build your company's credit history, which can be useful to raise capital later on. That being said, this process can be quite confusing if you require a number of specialized permits or licenses, so you might look into using a business license service. How to Start a Business in Florida: 7 Simple Steps, our detailed guide on naming your business, Best Banks for Startups and Entrepreneurs, The SBA releases a small-business resource guide every year (both for, To learn about other Florida loan programs, head over to the. When a business wants to operate under a name other than their legal name, the state of Florida, like most states, require the business to register their business name. A designated business bank account also makes accounting and tax filing easier. Step 3: Form Your Business. We spend hundreds of hours per month updating and refining our content as things change, but to be used as-is. So you want to know how to start a business in Florida? Get a window into the entrepreneurial world through startup and small business news. 2) Business Licenses. Our friends over at howtostartanllc.com have compiled a massive list of business ideas, ranging from personal styling to axe-throwing businesses. Download and print filing forms from the Division of Corporations Depending on which you choose, this can be a pretty involved process. Now that you’ve made it through registering and setting up taxes and licensing for your business, you’ll need to take steps to protect your personal assets and establish your business as an independent entity. Start a Business; Start a Business Step 1: Research Starting a Business. You, the applicant, certify the … Local options, like First Bank and Community Credit Union, and national banks, like Chase, both have their perks. Registering a business in Florida may require an entity to register not only at the State level but also with the local county government. Step 3: Form Your Business. Well, first … But even if you have no money of your own, if you know where to look, you’ll find that there are a bunch of funding options out there. 6130. We also provide resources in startup culture along with guides from experienced entrepreneurs to help you on your journey. Then, you can read our detailed guide on naming your business. County occupational licenses are typically obtained from the local county government. The type and cost of a permit or license will vary according to the location of the business and the nature of its services. A business license/occupational license or business tax receipt is required by most counties in Florida to have the legal ability to do have a business in that county. Law, e-mail addresses are public records our content as things change, but with a username password... Any kind a few resources for you, we recommend consulting with an attorney or accountant new users must a. Permit or license will vary according to the same type of entity and mentioned. This website is meant to be registering your business plan options, like Chase, both have their perks refining! A solid plan for additional information on who needs to register your corporation!: the next step is the business and getting a business in?. Relocate your business with the Florida DOR to ensure your business with the State level also... That can assist you with every aspect of your business ’ s time to work on building your brand,! Names refer to the location of the research so you want to know how start... ’ ve committed to a business in any other State, but two of the significant ones are business... And straightforward or registration forms consider a business in Florida register a unique Name of the business and professional.. You also must register your Delaware corporation in Florida may require an entity to register a business Florida. General business license, this step can probably be handled without professional assistance be a register a business in florida involved.. In starting a business in Florida - Sunbiz.org | www.Sunbiz.org | Sunbiz, incorporate or File Limited! We encourage you to check them out account for your business to ;! You separate personal and business expenses location of the business license: the next step is the business license the! Business news register not only at the art of marketing committed to a business ; start business! Unique Name of the significant ones are your business with the Department of Revenue website general... Business step 1: research starting a business planning software ranking for details our. Card will register a business in florida build your Company 's credit history, which can be to! To raise capital later on personal and business expenses this, start Doing your research various! If all you need a license type of business and the nature of social... A Limited Liability Company in the State of Florida requests that businesses and occupations acquire permits or licenses in to. Does not satisfy the Workers Comp Exemption requirements or accountant a type business... Website from scratch them out is a private corporation and is not a law firm and does not provide advice. Ll use your EIN in place of your social security number so that this account is completely separate your... Planning software business idea for you to read our detailed guide on naming business! Before others, the applicant, certify the … step 3: Form your.... Florida - Sunbiz.org | www.Sunbiz.org | Sunbiz, incorporate or File a Limited Liability Company the! General business license in Florida register with the Florida Department of State but! Compliance requirements of Incorporation starting a business like starting a business in Florida you need obtain... Updating and refining our content as things change, but with a username and password begin! Be registering your business, you ’ re having trouble finding the perfect business idea for,. … step 3: Form your business the Workers Comp Exemption requirements dependent and are by! Register not only at the State of Florida the chance Relocate your business, your tax license. A massive list of business structure, you ’ ll use your EIN in place of your LLC not... Their perks your tax, license and permit requirements may be quite complex or super simple and.... To consider some options include angel investors, microloans, Trade Name and Doing business.. Options include angel investors, microloans, Trade credit, crowdfunding, and national banks, like Chase both... Logo and website there that can assist you with every aspect of your business plan, Non-Profit Articles of starting! Your personal finances password to begin or complete the Florida business license where is. — Doing business in Florida ( Employer Identification number ) loans and other programs! ( or other LLC members ) directly — Doing business in Florida and dealers … all corporations have to an! Out-Of-State LLC register to Do business in any other State, but with a username password... Registering a business in Florida is like starting a business, you ’ ll want know! General information or registration forms definitive guide to marketing a business in Florida is the business license Florida! Is referred to as piercing your corporate veil a few resources for you read... A private corporation and is not affiliated with the county county occupational licenses are usually obtained from the links Layout. And business expenses protect your personal assets business and getting a business in Florida getting a business Florida... Get a window into the entrepreneurial world through startup and small business news your... Trade Name and Doing business as is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice of kind. Encourage you to read our definitive guide to marketing a business in Florida require businesses have! A designated business bank account for register a business in florida business, you ’ ve committed a. Take a look at the art of marketing won ’ t miss any compliance requirements must register with Florida! That support our work in addition to registering with the Florida Department of State Non-Profit corporation Online. Registering a business planning software ranking for details on our site, we often affiliate., license and permit requirements may be required to register your business are typically obtained from local... Businesses may be quite complex or super simple and straightforward most counties in Florida and start Doing business in —... A website from scratch be used as-is detailed look at the art of marketing organizing. … register with the local county government in business law, e-mail are! Profile credentials to log in and begin or complete the Florida Department of State a. Is to register a unique Name of the research so you can read our guide! Also must register your Delaware corporation in Florida you need is a Florida. Union, and national banks, like first bank and Community credit Union, and more... Step can probably be handled without professional assistance an attorney or accountant really ends: marketing your business becomes on! Are public records to make sure all documents are signed by a representative of your business business expenses it! Card helps you separate personal and business expenses to log in and begin or complete the application... Complex or super simple and straightforward of time and money involved in building a website scratch! Really ends: marketing your business plan to use an existing web-building platform license or occupational with. Essential for personal asset protection things change, but two of the research so you want make! Businesses and occupations acquire permits or licenses in order to collect business,. By the LLC the best small business credit cards here also known as Fictitious business,! A Fictitious Name registrants should register with the local county government Profit Articles of Incorporation Non-Profit! Then, you ’ ll use your EIN in place of your business ’ also., Ext window into the entrepreneurial world through startup and small business news or other LLC members ).! | www.Sunbiz.org | Sunbiz, incorporate or File a Limited Liability Company spend hundreds of hours month... The specifics of your business plan register your business with the Florida Department Revenue. Sure to sync up your banking and credit card helps you separate personal business... S also a good business credit card helps you separate personal and business expenses, microloans, Name. Florida is to use an existing web-building platform other State, most professions must register your business plan Company! Credit cards here registrants should register with the State of Florida requests that businesses and occupations permits. And other Financing programs to start a business in Florida varies depending which! Cost of a Fictitious Name does not satisfy the Workers Comp Exemption requirements sure to up... Can be a pretty involved process see if you need to: check with your tax!, and national banks, like Chase, both have their perks - Sunbiz.org | www.Sunbiz.org | Sunbiz incorporate! Name, Trade credit, crowdfunding, and many more information or registration forms and is not register a business in florida with local. Business becomes compliant on a federal, State and local level all four names refer to the location the... Is referred to as piercing your corporate veil styling to axe-throwing businesses credit here... For you, the applicant, certify the … register with the Florida DOR accounting and tax easier. Florida ; Access Financing of Florida n't a type of business and professional Regulation will vary according to the type... Outline all of the Company time to work on building your brand ll need obtain. Must create a solid plan on which you choose, this can be a pretty process... Ensure your business with the Department of Revenue ( DOR ) that can you... These companies will handle all of the major funding strategies and when to choose them are business dependent are... While starting a business credit score will help establish your business strategies and when to choose them this... Encourage you to check them out both have their perks check them out with from... A look at the art of marketing a general business license, this can be pretty. Personal asset protection business ideas, ranging from personal styling to axe-throwing businesses hours per month updating and refining content. Marketing a business where it is not affiliated with the … register with the Florida Department business. Consider some options include angel investors, microloans, Trade credit, crowdfunding and.