The Complete Guide to Florida Business Licenses
"Do I need a business license in Florida?" is one of the most common questions new owners ask. The answer depends on where you operate and what you do, but almost every business needs some combination of local, tax and industry licenses before it opens. Getting them right protects you from fines and lets you open bank accounts, sign leases and work with suppliers.
Does Florida Require a State Business License?
No. Florida does not issue a general statewide business license. Filing your Articles of Organization with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz) creates your LLC, but it is not a license to operate. Florida licensing happens through local business tax receipts, state tax registration and professional licenses.
Florida Local Business Tax Receipt
Most Florida counties, and many cities, require a local business tax receipt (formerly called an occupational license) for businesses located or operating there. If your business is inside city limits, you usually need one from both the county and the city. Fees depend on the type of business. Home-based businesses generally need one as well, and must follow local zoning rules.
Florida Sales Tax Registration
If you sell or rent taxable goods or provide taxable services in Florida, you must register with the Florida Department of Revenue before you begin. Registration is done online and gives you a sales tax certificate of registration. Florida resellers use an Annual Resale Certificate (Form DR-13), issued each year, to buy inventory tax-free. Employers also register for reemployment tax with the same department.
Professional and Occupational Licenses
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) licenses many occupations, including contractors, cosmetologists and barbers, real estate professionals, and restaurants and lodging. Healthcare professions are licensed by the Florida Department of Health, and some activities, such as alcohol sales, need separate state licenses.
Business Licenses for Florida LLCs
An LLC still needs the same licenses as any other business. The usual order is: form your LLC, get your EIN, register for Florida taxes, then apply for local and industry licenses in the LLC's name. Forming the LLC first means every license is issued to your company, not to you personally. Read the Florida LLC guide for formation costs and steps.
How Incofile Helps
Incofile can form your Florida LLC, get your EIN and research every license and permit your business needs at the city, county, state and federal level. You receive a clear report with each license, the agency that issues it and how to apply, delivered to your 24/7 client portal. See our business license research service, or read do I need a business license for the basics. Selling products? Our guide to resale certificates explains how to buy inventory tax-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a business license in Florida?
Florida has no general statewide business license, but most businesses need a local business tax receipt from their county and city, a sales tax registration if they sell taxable goods, and any professional license their work requires.
What is a Florida business tax receipt?
It is the local license, formerly called an occupational license, that counties and cities issue to businesses operating in their area. Many businesses need one from both the county and the city.
How do I get a business license in Florida?
Form your entity on Sunbiz, apply for a local business tax receipt with your county and city, register with the Florida Department of Revenue if you sell taxable items, and apply for any DBPR or other state license you need.
Does a Florida LLC need a business license?
Yes. Forming an LLC on Sunbiz registers your company, but it is not a license to operate. Your LLC still needs the local, tax and industry licenses that apply to it.
Do I need a license for a home-based business in Florida?
Usually, yes. Most Florida counties and cities require a local business tax receipt for home-based businesses, and you must follow local zoning rules.
Is Florida sales tax registration free?
Registering online with the Florida Department of Revenue is free. Local business tax receipts and professional licenses have their own fees.