Florida Business Licenses & Permits
Regulation of businesses is largely reserved for state governments in the United States, but states have very different regulatory policies and tax burdens regarding businesses. Some states, like California, have relatively high regulatory burdens, and other states, like Utah and Texas, do not require as much from businesses in terms of licensing, permitting and other regulations. All states, including Florida, do require some licensing (or certification) and permitting for businesses and/or practicing independent professionals like doctors, lawyers and plumbers.
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Types of Businesses Requiring State Licensing in Florida
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Florida requires some sort of licensing for almost all businesses except no-employee, unincorporated sole proprietorships, and those tend to be professional practices like electricians or lawyers that require a professional certification to practice. Florida, like most other states, has an independent state licensing board for each profession that determines the licensing requirements.
Professional Licenses or Certifications
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All doctors, lawyers, electrician, plumbers, accountants and many other categories of professionals providing services to the public must also be licensed in Florida. Other specialized categories of professionals including cosmetologists, beekeepers, bail bondsmen and body piercers also have to be licensed.
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Incorporated Businesses, Partnerships or Businesses with Employees
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Corporations, various of forms of partnerships and/or any business with employees require additional business and tax permits to operate in Florida. These additional permits include Florida business entity registration, registration with the Florida Department of Revenue, and if the business has employees to sign up with (and make contributions to) the state unemployment and workers' compensation insurance funds.
Tax Permits
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While businesses operating in all states must apply to the Internal Revenue Service to receive an employer identification number (EIN), Florida businesses must also register with both state and local tax authorities. Most businesses are required to file at least annually and pay taxes quarterly.
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