Getting a business licence in Florida involves working with the local government. Unlike some other states, Florida doesn't issue a general state business licence. Instead, you'll need a local business tax receipt (BTR) from the county and if applicable, the city, where your business will operate. You'll also need a state occupational licence if you're in a regulated field such as construction or real estate.

Below, we'll explain which licences apply in different business situations, how to get them, and renewal fees and deadlines.

Key takeaways

• Florida licenses businesses at the county and city levels rather than through a statewide system.

• Business tax receipts (BTRs) expire every 30 September, regardless of when you originally applied.

• Home-based businesses and short-term rentals both face special licensing rules.

How can you get a business licence in Florida?

Florida doesn't issue one statewide business licence. Cities and counties handle licensing in Florida by issuing their own BTRs.

What types of business licences and permits do you need in Florida?

Florida businesses typically need one or two local BTRs, a certificate for sales tax, and possibly a state occupational licence. Businesses in certain industries also need federal licensing.

Here are the licences and permits often required:

• Local BTR: You'll need to get a local BTR from your county tax collector. If you'll be operating inside municipal limits, you'll need a second one from your city. This requirement applies to nearly every business, including sole proprietors and home-based operations.

• State occupational licences: If you're a contractor, cosmetologist, real estate agent, healthcare provider, or working in another regulated field, you'll need state occupational licences. These are issued either through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) or relevant licensing board for your profession.

• Sales tax registration: If you plan to sell tangible goods, provide certain services, or rent out commercial property, you'll need a certificate of registration from the Florida Department of Revenue. This agency will also assign you a sales tax number.

• Federal licences: If your business is part of an industry regulated directly by the federal government, such as firearms, alcohol production, and broadcasting, you'll also need federal licences.

How do you get a business licence in Florida?

Getting a business licence in Florida involves a few important steps.

Choose and register your business structure

If you're planning to form a limited liability company (LLC) or corporation, you'll need to file with the Florida Division of Corporations through the Sunbiz portal. Sole proprietors who work under their own legal names can skip entity registration. However, if you plan to use a different business name, called a fictitious name in Florida, also known as a "doing business as" (DBA) name, you must register it through Sunbiz.

Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

You'll need an EIN to file taxes, hire employees, and open a business bank account, even if you're a single-member LLC.

Apply for a county BTR

You'll need to contact the tax collector's office in the county where you'll operate to apply for a county BTR. Your EIN, business address, and structure documentation are required for the application. Many counties process these applications online.

If you're in a city, apply for a city BTR

If your business will be located inside a city's limits, consider checking with that city's finance or licensing department about how to get a BTR. County and city BTRs require two distinct applications.

If you sell taxable goods or services, register for a certificate of registration

You can register for sales tax through the Department of Revenue's portal. It's usually quick and straightforward.

If required, apply for an occupational licence

Well before you open for business, check the DBPR's site or your field's licensing board to see if you need to apply for any relevant occupational licences. Operating without them can lead to penalties and shutdown, so it's important to acquire licences early.

How much does a business licence cost in Florida?

Business licences in Florida don't follow a statewide fee schedule. Instead, each county and city sets its own rates, while DBPR fees vary by profession.

Here are the potential fee ranges and renewal frequencies for different licences:

How do you renew your business licence in Florida?

Local BTRs in Florida expire every year on 30 September. They must be renewed by 1 October or the first working day after 30 September. Counties usually mail a renewal notice over the summer, but you'll want to track the deadline yourself. Many counties offer online renewal through the local tax collector's site.

If you miss the renewal deadline, counties typically impose an escalating penalty that starts from 5% – 10% in October and increases each additional month, up to 25%. Some counties further penalise delinquent accounts that prompt collection action, with penalty rates differing by county.

DBPR occupational licences must be renewed every one to two years, depending on the licence. Renewal dates for these licences run on different schedules set by each occupational board, so it's worth checking with yours for the specifics.

What are some Florida-specific considerations and common mistakes related to business licences?

A few nuances related to Florida business licences can surprise business owners, especially those in the following industries.

Home-based businesses

People often assume working from home means they're exempt from licensing requirements. But home-based businesses still need a local BTR in nearly every Florida county and city. Some cities also require a separate home occupation permit that confirms your business won't disrupt a residential zone.

Cottage food producers

Under Florida's Cottage Food Law, you can make and sell certain low-risk foods (e.g., jams, baked goods, candy) out of a home kitchen without a state food licence. This exemption holds as long as your gross sales stay under US$250,000 a year and you sell directly to Florida customers.

Short-term rentals

If you're going to rent a property for stays under 30 days more than three times a year, you'll need to get a special licence from the DBPR Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Counties such as Miami-Dade and Broward also mandate zoning registration for vacation rentals. This is a good example of how a licence that's simple in one county can involve extra steps in another.

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FAQs about getting a business licence in Florida