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Florida splits the licensing job three ways, and none of the three is the office that forms your LLC. The Division of Corporations registers the company. Local governments charge a local business tax, the Department of Revenue sets you up for state taxes, and a separate regulator licenses certain professions. If you are still forming, read our Florida LLC guide first.
Do I need a state license to run a business in Florida?
The Division of Corporations says, in its starting a business notes, that in addition to registering with the Department of State, most professions must register with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. It adds that businesses may be required to register with the local county, and that county occupational licenses are typically obtained from the local county government.
So the answer depends on what you do and where you do it. A consultant working from home may deal only with local tax and Revenue. A contractor, a barber or a real estate firm will also face DBPR.
What is the local business tax?
Most county tax collectors require businesses to pay a local business tax, which is also called the occupational license. It gives the business the right to operate inside the county. Some cities also require their own local business tax, with the same effect inside city limits.
The fee depends on the county or city and on your type of business, and we do not quote one. Use the Florida Department of State's list of county tax collectors, or call your city hall, and ask for the schedule for your activity.
What do I register with the Department of Revenue?
The Department of Revenue is in charge of state business taxes. Its registration guide says it administers over 30 taxes and fees, and that in most cases you must register as a dealer before you carry out business subject to those taxes. The state's tax overview names sales and use tax and reemployment tax among the taxes the Department collects. The guide says you register online or with the paper Florida Business Tax Application.
You need an EIN for an LLC or corporation, so get one first with our EIN guide. The Division of Corporations also asks for an annual report each year by May 1, which is a separate duty from any license.
Which trades does DBPR license?
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation covers a long list. Its application center names areas such as construction, real estate, cosmetology, barbers, hotels and restaurants, alcoholic beverages and tobacco, and engineers. Each has its own application, fee and rules.
The portal also shows unlicensed activity searches and a way to view application status, so you can check an application you already filed.
How do I check a Florida license?
For regulated trades, use the DBPR license search. It offers a search by name, license number, city or county, or license type. For local business tax receipts, only the county tax collector or city that issued it can confirm one. See our business license lookup guide for the general approach.
If you plan to trade under a different name, that is a fictitious name and a separate filing. Our Florida DBA guide walks through it. Georgia works differently, with licenses issued locally. See the Georgia business license guide.
This page does not cover local fee schedules, zoning approval, or how much sales tax you will owe.