How to Register a Sole Proprietorship in the State of Florida
Sole proprietorships are the most basic business entities and the easiest to set up. Proprietorships are not legal entities and not considered separate from their owners. Owners report all income and losses on their personal income tax and are personally responsible for all of their businesses' debts. Because of this, sole proprietorships need not be registered as corporations. Owners can operate their sole proprietorships under their own names or register a fictitious with the State of Florida.
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Instructions
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Search the Florida Department of State Division of Corporations' database to see if your fictitious name is already in use (see Resources).
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Advertise the proprietorship's name in a newspaper in the county where it will be primarily located. Chapter 50 of the Florida Statutes require that applicants certify that the fictitious name has been advertised although no proof is required.
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Submit the fictitious name registration form to the Florida Department of State Division of Corporations. The form can be submitted electronically (see Resources). Florida charges a modest application fee of $50 as of 2010.
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Obtain any necessary licenses or permits from the county government. Several forms of businesses including bar-tending, child care, real estate and landscaping require special licensing from local government. You can search the Florida Regulated Industry Guide to find out whether your business requires state licensing. Contact your city or county's permits and licenses office to determine if you need occupational licenses or other local permits.
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References
Resources
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