How to Open a Small Business in Florida
For individuals interested in opening a small business in Florida, there are a number of requirements for getting the process started. The legal requirements are fairly simple and can be completed within a couple of days, leaving you with ample time to utilize the resources and networks available for small business owners in Florida.
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Instructions
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Register your Florida business with the Florida Department of State. According to Business.gov, all small business owners must register their business with the State Department to make it a legal operating business. Contact your local state's office and provide them with information regarding your Florida business name, the address and contact information.
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Pay the registration fee. According to Florida Incorporated Service, the price of registration depends on the type of business you are operating. For example, registering a corporation is more expensive than a fictitious name business. As of November 2010, prices are primarily between $59.00 and $75.00, depending on the business structure.
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Obtain the necessary business forms from the Florida Department of State; specific forms must be filed with your small business. Corporations must complete the Florida Corporation form, which applies to both profit and non-profit businesses. Partnerships must complete a General Partnership form, the Limited Partnership form for Florida and the Foreign LP form.
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Complete forms to protect your business name, such as the trademark form. According to the Florida Department of State, this form is not required, but suggested if you want to protect your business name. This form can be completed while registering your business with the Florida Department of State.
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Obtain your employer identification number (EIN) from the IRS, so you can pay your business taxes. An EIN is required for all Florida businesses. There are IRS offices in Daytona Beach, Fort Meyer, Gainesville, Jacksonville, Lakeland, Orlando, Melbourne, Miami, Ocala, Panama City, Pensacola, Fort Lauderdale, Port St. Lucie, Sarasota, Saint Petersburg, Tampa, Tallahassee and West Palm Beach.
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Find the licenses and permits required to operate your small business in Florida. Business.gov has an online tool that allows you to find permits and licenses required for your particular business type. Examples include getting a permit to produce products in your home and a license to import materials from other countries. Since permits and licenses will vary from state to state, use the Business.gov tool to find permits and licenses pertaining to your type of business.
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Tips & Warnings
Use the Florida business resources and networks to speak with other small business owners. Find the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) on the E-Florida website to access free business resources.
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Resources
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