Guide to Setting Up a Sole Proprietorship in Florida
A sole proprietorship has one owner and is the easiest type of business to operate in the state of Florida. The sole proprietor is not required to file any documents with the Florida department of state as a condition of forming and operating the business. A Florida sole proprietor assumes all risks for business losses and debts.
Other People Are Reading
-
Considerations
-
Confirm business name availability using the Florida department of state website. No two businesses in the state are allowed to have the same company name. Florida sole proprietorships automatically assume the owner's personal name. A Florida sole proprietor that does not wish to use his name for business can file a fictitious business name with the Florida department of state.
EIN
-
Obtain an employer identification number from the Internal Revenue Service. Florida sole proprietors who do not want to use their Social Security numbers for business purposes are required to get an EIN. Florida sole proprietors who have employees must get an EIN. Visit the IRS website to complete an online application or call 800-829-4933 to complete a telephone interview. Supply information regarding the nature of the Florida sole proprietor's business activities, the name and address of the business, and the number of employees. The proprietor will receive his EIN immediately following the online or telephone interview.
-
Name Filing
-
File a fictitious name registration form with the Florida department of state. Submit the fictitious name registration by mail, in person or online using the Florida department of state website. The mailing address for the Florida department of state is:
P.O. Box 6327
Tallahassee, FL 32314
The address to deliver the fictitious name registration in person is the:
Clifton Building
2661 Executive Center Circle
Tallahassee, FL 32301
Provide information such as the Social Security number of the Florida business owner or the Florida sole proprietorship's EIN. Include the owner's name and address as well as the proposed fictitious business name. As of 2010, Florida sole proprietors are required to pay $50 to register a fictitious business name with the Florida department of state.
Taxes
-
Log onto the Florida department of revenue website. Complete the new business registration form also known as Form DR-1. Provide information like the Florida sole proprietorship's EIN, as well as the owner's social security number, name and address. The tax licenses and permits a Florida sole proprietorship needs to operate will vary depending on the nature of the company's business activities. For example, Florida sole proprietors that sell prepaid phone cards must obtain a sales and use tax license from the Florida department of revenue.
Licenses and Permits
-
The licenses and permits a Florida sole proprietorship will need to acquire depends on the sole proprietor's business activities. Contact the city or county clerk's office where the Florida sole proprietorship operates to get a general business license. Florida sole proprietorships that operate in certain locations may be required to get a zoning permit from the city or county clerk's office where the Florida sole proprietorship is located. Obtain an occupational license from the Florida department of licensing and regulation, if the Florida sole proprietor provides professional services such as a real estate agent.
-
