How to Register a Small Business in Florida
Innovators and entrepreneurs looking to take more control of their work life should consider starting a small business in Florida. The Sunshine State offers a variety of resources for small businesses getting started, and because of its reputation as a tourist hot spot there are plenty of business opportunities for people who know how to look for them. For a small business to operate legally in Florida, it must be registered and have all necessary tax identification numbers.
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Instructions
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Register the name. If the business is operating under a fictitious name that is different from the owner's name, Florida requires the business to register the name. A fictitious business name can be registered online at the Florida State Department of State Division of Corporations at sunbiz.org.
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Determine the legal structure of the business. Small businesses that are non-profit, corporations, partnerships, or limited-liability corporations are required to register their legal structure with the state at sunbiz.org. Sole proprietorships, which are unincorporated businesses operated by one person, do not need to register.
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Obtain an employer identification number, or EIN. This number is required to identify a business for tax purposes and for hiring employees. An EIN can be obtained through the U.S Internal Revenue Service at irs.gov or by calling the IRS at 800-829-4933.
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Register for Florida tax identification numbers. Small businesses in Florida might be required to register for various taxes or fees, including sales tax, fuel taxes, and solid waste fees, depending on the type of business and the services or goods it provides.
To find out what kind of taxes a particular small business must pay to the state and to register for a tax identification number, visit the Florida Department of Revenue (see Resources section) online or call it at 800-352-3671.
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Obtain all required business licenses and permits. Depending on the type of small business you wish to register, different licenses and permits might be required for the business to operate legally. To find out which Florida licenses and permits the business requires and to register for them, visit MyFlorida.com.
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References
Resources
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