Choose your business structure

The first decision is your legal structure. The most common options in Florida are:

Sole Proprietorship: Simplest structure. No formal registration required if you use your own name. You and the business are legally the same entity.

LLC (Limited Liability Company): Most popular for small businesses. Provides personal liability protection. You file Articles of Organization with Sunbiz.

Corporation (S Corp or C Corp): Best for businesses seeking investors or planning to go public. More paperwork and higher costs.

Choose and reserve your business name

Your business name must be distinguishable from other registered names in Florida. You can check name availability on the Sunbiz website before filing.

If you are forming an LLC or corporation, you can reserve a name for 120 days by filing a Name Reservation form with Sunbiz and paying a small fee.

For sole proprietorships using a fictitious name (doing business as / DBA), you register the name with the Florida Division of Corporations.

Register your business with the Florida Department of State

To register an LLC in Florida, you file Articles of Organization through Sunbiz.org. For corporations, you file Articles of Incorporation. Filing is done online and typically processed within a few business days.

The filing fee for an LLC is $100 (plus a $25 registration fee). Annual report fees are also required each year after formation.

You will need: your chosen business name, principal office address, registered agent information, and the names and addresses of members or officers.

Get your Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS

An EIN is a federal tax ID number used by the IRS to identify your business. You need an EIN if you plan to hire employees, operate as a partnership or corporation, or file certain tax returns.

Even sole proprietors without employees may want an EIN to avoid using their Social Security number on business documents. The IRS provides EINs free of charge.

You can apply online through the IRS website. The application is straightforward and your EIN is issued immediately upon approval.

Register for Florida state taxes and local accounts

Depending on your business type, you may need to register for Florida state taxes. The Florida Department of Revenue handles sales tax, corporate income tax, and reemployment (unemployment) tax.

If you sell tangible goods or certain services, you generally must collect and remit Florida sales tax. Register through the Florida Department of Revenue’s online system.

If you hire employees, you must register for reemployment tax and workers’ compensation insurance. Florida also requires new employers to report new hires within 20 days.

Obtain business licenses, permits, and insurance

Depending on your industry and location, you may need additional licenses and permits to operate legally in Florida. Requirements vary by county and city.

Common licenses include: occupational/business tax receipt (county or city level), professional licenses (for regulated professions like real estate, accounting, or healthcare), health department permits (for food businesses), and building permits.

Business insurance is also strongly recommended. General liability insurance protects against common claims. Professional liability insurance is required in certain fields. Workers’ compensation insurance is legally required if you have employees.