How to Obtain a Business License in Florida
If you operate your business in a Florida city, you are required to apply for and obtain a business license. In Florida, this business license is also referred to as a business tax receipt license or formerly, an occupational license. Whether your business is home-based or commercial, you need this license to operate your business under both state and local law in Florida.
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Instructions
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Secure an Employer Identification Number, or EIN, for your business. This number is also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, and is used to identify a business entity. Visit the IRS website at IRS.gov and complete the online application, and you will receive your EIN immediately. Download, save, and print your EIN confirmation notice. You can also obtain an EIN immediately over the phone by calling the Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933. If you prefer to use fax, you can fax a completed Form SS-4 to your state fax number. If you provide a return fax, you should receive your EIN by fax within 4 business days. You can download the Form SS-4 and find the appropriate fax number by visiting the IRS website. Or, mail the completed SS-4 in and receive your EIN within 4 weeks.
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Register a fictitious business name, if you are using a name other than your own for the business, with the Florida Department of State. Filing is done through Tallahassee. The number to call is 850-488-9000. Contact the Business Tax Receipt Division of your local government to learn if the fictitious name applications are also made available in their offices. You must have this state registration in place a business license can be issued.
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Contact your local business tax receipts office or city clerk's office to learn the local procedure that must be followed in order to receive your local business license. Fill out the business tax receipts application completely. You will need your federal EIN and your fictitious name registration for the application. Pay the required filing fee. Visit stateofflorida.com and on the navigation bar, click on "Florida Business", and the subheading "Registration & Licensing" to find a listing of direct links to the various Florida city government websites. From these websites, you can download the application and learn the filing requirements and fees.
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Contact your county offices to learn the business licensing requirements of doing business in that county. You can also usually get this information from your local business tax receipt office when obtaining your business license. Visit stateofflorida.com to learn any state licensing requirements for your particular business.
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