How to Start a Home-Based Business in Florida
A home-based business can be an efficient and productive enterprise. It can save you money that otherwise would be spent for leasing office space or for commuting and it gives you tax breaks for the part of your home that you designate for business use. In Florida there are many types of business that you can operate from your home. To establish your business and avoid some common pitfalls, you can follow these steps.
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Things You'll Need
- Business license
- Federal Tax ID number
- Business checking account
- Designated business area
Instructions
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In Florida you must register your business name and determine the legal structure of your business. You can choose to register as a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, S corporation, limited liability company (LLC), non-profit or a cooperative. You can visit your local courthouse or city hall to verify what licenses you need. Depending on the type of business you want to operate, you many need a special license. You can visit sunbiz.org for additional license requirements.
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Acquire a federal tax ID number by visiting the irs.gov website. You need this number for paying your taxes and for other purposes such as getting a business loan or commercial insurance or applying for a government contract.
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Visit your local bank or credit union and open a business account so that you can complete business financial transactions. A business account will help you keep your business and personal expenses separate and will add credibility to your company.
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Check with officials in the jurisdiction where you live to ensure that you can operate a home-based business. Check with your Home Owners Association, if applicable, about any restrictions on the type of business you can operate.
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Make sure that you have adequate equipment and supplies for your office, such as computers, printers, fax machine and perhaps a wireless network. Ensure that the area where you are working can be private and presentable to clients.
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References
- Photo Credit business woman image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
