How to get a business license in Florida

Florida does not issue a general statewide business license. Instead, most businesses need a local business tax receipt from the county or city where they operate and a state license if they’re in a regulated profession or industry. If they sell taxable goods or services or hire employees, they may also need to register with the Florida Department of Revenue.

What is a business license in Florida? 

A business license in Florida can fall into three main categories, including local business tax receipts, state-regulated industry licenses, and federal licenses. Your location and industry will determine the license you need.

Here’s a brief overview of each category: 

Local business tax receipts

Issued by your city or county tax collector, a local business tax receipt shows your business complies with local tax requirements. Some offices still refer to it as an occupational license.

Typically, a business tax receipt includes your business name, receipt or account number, business classification, and county. It must be renewed annually because it expires on September 30 of the following year.

State-regulated industry licenses

If your profession or industry is regulated by a Florida agency, you may need a state-regulated industry license. For example, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) provides licenses for contractors, home inspectors, cosmetologists, and geologists.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) also regulates licenses for certain businesses, such as agricultural dealers and some food establishments.

Federal licenses

If your business is involved in an activity that’s regulated by the federal government, such as alcohol, firearms, or agriculture, for example, you’ll likely need a federal license or permit as well. Your particular industry and business model will determine the exact requirements, which you can find on the issuing agency’s website. 

Do you need a business license in Florida? 

Yes, most businesses in Florida require a local business tax receipt, including home-based and one-person businesses. You may need additional state licenses and permits if you: 

• Have a physical business location: Depending on your city or county, you may have specific licensing, zoning, or permitting requirements.
• Sell taxable goods or services: The Florida Department of Revenue will likely require you to collect and remit sales tax. 
• Hire employees: If you have employees, you may need to register for Florida reemployment tax. 
• Work in a licensed profession: If you’re in a profession that requires a license, such as accounting or real estate, you may need a state license before you can legally operate. 
• Operate in a regulated industry: The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) or The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) may require a license if you’re in an industry such as alcohol, cosmetology, or agriculture. 
• Expand into a new county: If you decide to offer your goods or services in another county, you may need to obtain local business tax receipt and meet any other local requirements in the new county. 

Does an LLC need a business license in Florida?

Yes, even if you form an LLC through Sunbiz, you may still need a local business tax receipt as well as certain state or professional licenses required for your specific business activity. If your LLC sells taxable goods or services, you’ll also need to register with the Florida Department of Revenue to collect and remit sales tax. 

Do home-based and online businesses need a business license in Florida?

Yes, even if you operate from home or online, you may still need a business license in Florida. Depending on where your business is located, you’ll likely need to obtain a local business tax receipt and meet any other requirements set forth by your county or municipality.

The local business tax receipt

Issued by the appropriate local tax collector, a local business tax receipt is a tax imposed by a county or municipality that allows you to legally perform business there. Depending on where your business is located, you may need both a county and city business receipt. 

It’s your responsibility to obtain a business tax receipt before you even operate and fees will depend on where you’re located, the type of business you run, and how many people you employ. Osceola County, for example, currently charges a flat $30 annual fee.

In most cases, the tax receipt will expire on September 30 and must be renewed annually. If you don't renew it on time, Florida law imposes a 10% penalty for October, followed by an additional 5% for each subsequent month, up to a maximum penalty of 25% of the business tax. 

To find the right office for your local business tax receipt, start with your county tax collector's website and search for “Local Business Tax” or “Business Tax Receipt.” Fortunately, many large counties offer online applications or payments. For example, Miami-Dade provides online local business tax services, while Broward County allows businesses to apply for a new receipt online.

If your business is inside city limits, check the city's business tax office for a separate receipt and any local requirements.

State licenses for regulated professions and industries

In Florida, there are two agencies that handle state licenses for regulated professions and industries: The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).

The DBPR covers a variety of professions and businesses, such as accountants, contractors, cosmetologists, engineers, and real estate agents. The FDACS, on the other hand, oversees licensing for pest control companies, pawn shops, private investigators, and more.

If you need to verify a DBPR license, you can use the license lookup tool and search by name, license number, city or county, or license type. Keep in mind that Sunbiz is designed to help you register your Florida business, not obtain a license. Therefore, it does not replace any license you might need for your profession or industry. 

Additionally, there are other state agencies that handle certain regulated businesses or professions. For example, the Florida Department of Health licenses healthcare professionals, while childcare facilities are licensed through the Florida Department of Children and Families.

How to get a business license in Florida, step by step

If you need a Florida business license, follow these five steps.

1. Register your business with the state

Register your business with the Florida Department of State’s Division of Corporations through Sunbiz. You’ll need to choose a structure such as a corporation or limited liability company (LLC). Additionally, if you plan to operate under a name that’s different from your legal name or your business entity’s name, you may also need to register a fictitious name, known as a DBA. 

2. Get an EIN

Apply for an employer identification number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service. Be prepared to share your Social Security number or taxpayer number and business entity type. This will allow the IRS to identify your business for tax purposes. 

3. Register with the Florida Department of Revenue

If your business is required to collect and remit sales and use tax or is subject to Florida reemployment tax, you’ll need to register with the Florida Department of Revenue. The online registration system can help you determine which taxes apply to you.

4. Apply for a local business tax receipt

Request a local business tax receipt through the appropriate tax collector for the area where your business is located. If your business is inside a municipality, check with the city to determine whether you need a city business tax receipt as well. 

While application requirements vary, you may need to provide your business name, entity type, EIN, business address, business classification, number of employees, and applicable state license numbers.

5. Apply for any required state license

If your profession or industry is regulated by Florida, apply for the appropriate state license. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) oversee licensing for many professions and industries in the state. 

How much does a business license cost in Florida? 

Local business tax receipts in Florida can cost as little as $15 or as much as hundreds of dollars, depending on county, city, business type, and headcount. In Osceola county, for example, you’ll pay a flat annual fee of $30  for a local business tax receipt. Miami Dade-County, however, uses fee schedules based on business type and number of employees.

State professional and occupational licenses have separate application and renewal fees that vary by profession. These fees are set by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). 

It’s free to register online with the Florida Department of Revenue. While you will pay a Sunbiz filing fee, this is a business formation cost, not a business license fee. 

How long does it take?

As long as you apply online, local business tax receipts in Florida are usually issued within a few business days. Some cities may mail receipts within a week or so and Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) professional licenses typically take several weeks due to documentation and review requirements. 

Renewing a Florida business license

Local business tax receipts in Florida typically follow the October 1 to September 30 tax year. In most counties, the renewal window opens on July 1 and penalties for failing to review on time begin on October 1. 

State licenses have their own renewal schedule and some of them require continuing education. If your business is an LLC, corporation, or other entity, you’ll also need to file an annual report with Sunbiz to maintain your active status. Note that this annual report is different from any business license or local business tax receipt. 

If your business operates under a fictitious name, you’ll need to renew its registration every five years. 

Why licensing matters for financing and business credit

When you apply for financing, lenders may ask for proof that your business has the required licenses. By staying up-to-date on your business licenses and building your business credit, you can demonstrate that you’re operating legitimately and increase your chances for qualifying for business loans.

Nav is not a lender or a credit bureau. Credit information is provided by third-party sources.

The bottom line

While there is no general, statewide business license in Florida, you’ll likely need to get a local business tax receipt to operate legally. If you’re in a regulated profession or industry, a state license from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) or the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) may be required as well. 

Once you get your business up and running, Nav is here to help with any financing or credit needs.

Frequently asked questions