How to start a business in Florida

Starting your own business can be a daunting task. Before you can begin stacking up any cash there are several different agencies you'll need to contact, several forms you must fill out, and there are some fees to be paid. This guide will help make sense of what is generally a very confusing process.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• About $200
• Patience

1. 
    

   Create a name for your business that will be easily remembered by potential customers. Advertising will be one of your first hurdles once your get your business set up. Having a name that is easy to remember will make it that much easier to attract new customers.

2. 
    

   Register the name of your start up business with the Florida Department of State. You can do this online by going to the link at the bottom of the page that says "Register Business Name". Make sure to print out a confirmation page once you complete the registration, as you'll need it for the next steps.

3. 
    

   Next, you need to decide if you will be needing an Employer Identification Number or "EIN". You can find this out by going to the link at the bottom of the page that says "Employer Identification Number". If you do need an EIN, applying for one is fast and easy. If you determine that you won't be needing an EIN, you can still apply for one now if you think you'll need one in the future.

4. 
    

   After you receive your EIN, you should use it to register your start up business with your county government and pay the county business tax (you can use your SSN if you didn't apply for an EIN). This usually takes place at the county tax collectors office, and depending on your business type can range from $20-$100. While registering with the county, you should inquire as to whether you also need to register with the City government. Unfortunately if you are operating within city limits and your city has a business tax, you may have to pay the city business tax as well ($20-$100).

5. 
    

   The final step to becoming a legitimate business in Florida is to determine whether or not you need to collect or report taxes. You can do this by going to the link at the bottom of the page that says "Florida Sales Tax Collection". If you are going to be collecting or reporting sales tax, you must register online with the department of revenue at the same website.

6. 
    

   Congratulations! You may now start doing business! I wish you luck in whatever business you start! Remember this is by no means a definitive guide, certain types of businesses require licensing and other steps. This guide is intended to steer you in the right direction, to make the process just a bit easier!

Tips & Warnings

• Once you register to collect sales tax you will be required to submit forms every quarter, even if you do no business! If you are late submitting these forms you can be fined! Thankfully, you can cancel your registration at any time.

Resources

• Register Business Name
• Employer Identification Number
• Florida Sales Tax Collection