How to Get A Business License in Florida

A general business license in Florida is crucial for any entrepreneur hoping to launch a new venture within the state. Whether starting a small local shop or expanding your operations, getting a general business license ensures you comply with state regulations.

But are there any other permits you must obtain to operate legally in the Sunshine State?

Find out below.

Does Florida Have a Statewide License Requirement?

Unlike other states, Florida does not have a statewide license requirement. However, most of its cities and counties have a general business license called a business tax receipt (BTR).

BTRs are typically issued by county tax collectors. However, if your business is located within a municipality, you may need to get both county and city tax receipts.

In addition to a general business license, Florida law also requires businesses to get additional permits and certifications for specific activities, such as:

Business Tax Application

If you plan to sell goods or services in Florida, you must obtain a Business Tax Application from the Florida Department of Revenue. This license is the equivalent of a seller’s permit or sales-and-use permit in other states.

Businesses that sell, rent, or lease commercial properties in the state must also have this license.

Industry Licenses

Florida law requires businesses that expose customers to potential dangers and service providers who require proper training. Three state agencies oversee these licenses:

• Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR): The DBPR issues and regulates the licensing of businesses in industries such as real estate, construction, athletics, alcohol, and tobacco. The department also licenses occupations like lawyers, accountants, building contractors, and engineers.
• Florida Department of Health (DOH): The DOH regulates the licensing of healthcare providers and professions, including occupational therapists, athletic trainers, optometrists, registered nurses, and pharmacists. It also issues permits to specific facilities, such as pain management clinics and tattoo establishments.
• Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS): The FDACS regulates agriculture, food handling, and production-related businesses. It is also in charge of licensing the private security and investigation and gambling industries.

You can visit their websites to get a detailed list of the professions and facilities they regulate.

Professional Licenses

Professional services like law and accounting require specialized licenses from state regulatory boards and the DBPR. This rule also applies to other professionals, such as:

• Insurance agents.
• Real estate brokers and salespersons.
• Cosmetologists and barbers.
• Contractors and other construction professionals.

You want to ensure that every professional in your business is licensed before starting operations.

Food & Beverage Licenses

The DACS and the DBPR oversee most of Florida’s food industry licensing and permitting requirements. The DACS is in charge of food safety and sanitation, while the DBPR is responsible for zoning permits and liquor licensing.

If you want to serve seafood and alcohol to your customers, you will have to work with both agencies to complete your licenses.

You can find a Food Page in the DACS Business Services section outlining the different food establishment inspection requirements you must fulfill. At the same time, you can visit the DBPR online services portal for a complete list of all the documents you must file for a zoning permit.

Federal Licenses & Permits

If your business deals in one of the areas listed below, it must have a federal license:

• Agriculture
• Alcoholic sales, serving, distribution, and importing.
• Aviation.
• Firearms, ammunition, and explosives.
• Fish and wildlife.
• Commercial fisheries.
• Maritime transportation.
• Mining and drilling.
• Nuclear energy.
• Radio and television broadcasting.
• Transportation.

How to Get A Business License in Florida

Now that you know the different types of licenses and permits required for businesses in Florida, let’s discuss how you can obtain them.

Form Your Business

If you haven’t already, now’s the right time to form your business. 

Florida’s formation process is relatively straightforward, but its requirements are different for each entity. For instance, if you want to form a limited liability company (LLC), you must submit Articles of Organization. But to establish a corporation, you must file Articles of Incorporation.

Both forms must be mailed to the Florida Division of Corporations or uploaded through the SunBiz business portal. 

You will also have to pay a filing fee for each document. The cost of these filing fees depends on the type of entity you’re forming and your method of filing.

Obtain Your Business Tax Receipt

Once you’ve successfully formed your business, you must obtain its business tax receipt from your county’s tax collector. Visit their website and gather all the necessary forms you must file.

Get Your Business Tax Application

Next, you must obtain a business tax application license from the Florida Department of Revenue. Download the application form from their website and submit it once completed.

It’s important to note that this specific Florida business license must be renewed annually. The good news is that the Department of Revenue will do it on your behalf. Once your certificate expires, they will automatically renew it and send it to you free of charge.

List All Your Other Licenses & Permits

To streamline the process, we recommend that you list all the other licenses you must apply for. You can check the OpenMyFloridaBusiness website for reference and determine if you need additional documents for these permits.

Obtain Your Federal Licenses

Lastly, you must apply for any federal licenses or permits applicable to your business.

How Much Does It Cost to Get A Business License in Florida?

The cost of Florida’s business tax receipts varies depending on your business’s locality, nature, and size. Some counties charge a one-time fee of $50 to $100, while others charge an annual fee of a similar amount.

Get Expert Help Obtaining a Florida Business License

Need help getting a business license in Florida? Inc. Authority is here to assist you!

Inc. Authority offers free LLC formation services to business owners nationwide. Our business formation experts will guide you through getting a Florida business license free of charge.

At Inc. Authority, we understand how expensive LLC formation can be. So, to help our clients, we have waived all our service fees and overhead charges. This way, they only have to worry about their state’s filing fees.

To learn more about our free LLC formation services, visit our website here.