How to Apply for a Business License in Florida

With its thriving business ecosystem and tax advantages, the State of Florida is a great place to start a new business. Before you open your doors, you must apply for all the necessary business licenses and permits to stay compliant. Let’s look at the licenses and permits new business owners in Florida need. 

Florida Business License: Key Takeaways

• A business license allows the government to regulate businesses and ensure they comply with necessary laws and safety standards. 

• Depending on the nature of your business, you may need a federal, state, or local license. 

• Even though there’s no state-wide business license requirement, most new companies in Florida need a business license or permit. 

What Is a Business License?

A business license is formal permission from a government authority to carry out certain business activities in a specific geographic location. It’s a way for the government to ensure businesses adhere to essential regulations and safety standards. In Florida, most small businesses will need some kind of business license. 

You may need a business license from the federal government, state government, or local authorities, such as your city or county. What licenses and permits your business needs depends on the nature of your activities. Some businesses need to hold multiple licenses. Remember that getting a state license doesn’t fulfill local or federal requirements and vice versa. 

It’s important to remember that registering a business structure, such as a limited liability company or getting a DBA (doing business as), is not the same as applying for a business license. First, register your business with the Florida Department of State. After incorporation, you must obtain licenses and permits to operate your new business. 

Get Your Florida Business License in 8 Steps

Many entrepreneurs don’t know where to start when applying for business licenses. Unfortunately, there’s no one place to check what licenses and permits your business needs. As a business owner, you must research your business’s federal, state, and local requirements. 

Step 1: Apply for Florida General Business Licenses

The State of Florida is business-friendly and does not require all businesses to get a general state license to operate. Instead, Florida law regulates specific industries and occupations and their safety standards. For example, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation issues alcoholic beverages and tobacco licenses. 

Your small business doesn’t need a general license to operate in Florida. However, you may still need to obtain a state-level permit, depending on the nature of your activities. You may also need a professional license if your occupation requires extensive training. Your local government, such as your county or city, may also require additional business licenses. 

Step 2: Apply for Federal Licenses for Florida Businesses

Federal agencies regulate specific business industries to ensure compliance with necessary regulations and safety standards. If your new business falls within one of these regulated industries, you need to get a federal business license. 

Business owners need to apply for a federal license if their business falls within one of the following categories:[1]

• Agriculture

• Alcoholic beverages

• Aviation

• Firearms, ammunition, and explosives

• Fish and wildlife

• Commercial fishing

• Maritime transportation

• Mining and drilling

• Nuclear energy

• Radio and television broadcasting

• Transportation and logistics

To apply for a federal license, contact the responsible government agency. For example, the Department of Agriculture regulates activities like importing and transporting animals, animal products, biologics, biotechnology, and plants across state lines. You can learn more about federal licensing requirements on the US Small Business Administration website. 

It’s important to note that getting a federal license doesn’t satisfy state and local requirements. Businesses in highly regulated industries, such as alcoholic beverages and tobacco, typically need several licenses at the federal, state, and local levels. 

Step 3: Search for Florida Permits and Licenses

Florida regulates various industries and occupations to ensure that businesses provide a high level of service and adhere to necessary safety regulations. Some of these industries include:[2]

• Alcoholic beverages

• Cosmetology

• Construction 

• Interior design

• Real estate

• Mold-related services

• Restaurants, take-outs, delivery, caterers, and mobile food vendors 

• Private investigation

This is not an exhaustive list. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS), and the Florida Department of Health (FODH) are the government agencies responsible for issuing state licenses and permits for regulated industries. 

Keep in mind that your local government may require you to obtain additional licenses. For example, your city or county may need to issue you an additional alcohol license. You may also need a building permit or a professional license. 

Step 4: Search for Local County or City Florida Business Licenses

Your local authorities, such as your county, city, or town, may require your business to hold additional licenses and permits. For example, you may need a business tax certificate, a professional license, a building permit, a sales tax permit, or a zoning permit, among others. Contact your local tax collector or city clerk for the most accurate information. 

For example, Miami requires all businesses within city limits to get a Certificate of Use (CU) and a Business Tax Receipt (BTR).[3] Suppose you want to sell alcohol between midnight and 2 AM in the Downtown Entertainment Area in Orlando. In that case, you need a special After-Midnight Alcohol Sales Permit.[4]

Step 5: Search for Florida Professional Licenses

Professions that require a high level of education or extensive training usually require an occupational license. For example, engineers, mental health professionals, plumbers, and real estate agents must get a professional license to sell services in Florida. 

Your profession may be regulated at both state and local levels. In this case, you must get both a state license and a local business license. 

Step 6: Apply for a Florida Home-Based Business License

You may need special home occupation licenses and permits if you run your small business from home. There’s no home-based business license requirement at the state level, but your county or city may require you to file additional paperwork. Contact your local government office to research the requirements your new business faces. 

Ultimately, whether you need a home-based business license in Florida depends on the kind of business you run and your business location. Certain companies, such as childcare facilities and family child learning centers, typically require extensive licensing. 

Step 7: Maintain Your Florida Business License

It’s essential to keep your business licenses up to date at the federal, state, and local levels. Generally speaking, business owners need to renew their licenses every year, but there are exemptions to this rule. Some permits may need to be renewed more frequently. Make sure to research what requirements apply to your business. 

Failing to keep your business licenses current can lead to severe consequences. We’re here to help you get all the licenses you need and maintain them in good standing so you can focus on growing your business in Florida. 

Apply for a Florida Business License Online

Getting the necessary business licenses and permits is essential to starting a new business. Your small business may need federal, state, or local licenses. As a business owner, you must research the requirements and file business license applications with the appropriate agencies. 

We’re here to help. Our team will do extensive research to determine what type of business licenses you need at each level and quickly file the proper paperwork so you can start operating in Florida in no time. Learn more here.  

FAQs

How do I get a business license in Florida?

Start with researching what licenses you need at the federal, state, and local levels. Your business will likely need to obtain multiple permits to stay in compliance. Contact your local tax office or city clerk for general information on what you can expect. 

Does Florida require a general business license?

There’s no general business license requirement in Florida. However, depending on your industry or profession, you may face other regulatory requirements. Your county or city may also require a general business license. 

Can you sell things in Florida without a license?

You need a seller’s permit (also known as a sales tax license) to sell things in Florida. You can visit the Florida Department of Revenue website for more information. 

Do I need a special license for an online business in Florida?

There’s no state-wide home occupation license in Florida. However, your city or county may require you to obtain a home-based business license or other permits, such as a zoning permit. Get in touch with your local government office for the most accurate information. 

Can I collect sales tax in Florida without a license?

You need a sales tax license to collect sales tax in Florida. You must register with the Florida Department of Revenue to get this license. 

How much does a Florida business license cost?

The costs vary depending on the business license you’re applying for. On average, you can expect to pay a fee of $50-100 for each license or permit. You may also have to pay renewal fees every year.  

What’s the penalty for not having a business license in Florida?

Conducting business in Florida without a license or a permit can have serious consequences. You may have to pay high fines or be forced to close down your business. To avoid costly mistakes, research the licensing requirements your business faces. 

Bibliography

1. US Small Business Administration. “Apply for licenses and permits.” Accessed October 20, 2023.

2. Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. “What Services Require a DBPR License?”  Accessed October 20, 2023. 

3. City of Miami. “Business Licensing.” Accessed October 20, 2023. 

4. City of Orlando. “Get a Permit for Your Business.” Accessed October 20, 2023.