Starting a business by state
How to start a business in Florida
Florida has no state personal income tax and a simple online filing system, Sunbiz, run by the Division of Corporations. The two Florida steps people forget are the yearly annual report, which carries a big late fee, and the local business tax receipt from their city or county.
Fees and rules checked in October 2026. States change them, so confirm on the official site before you file.
1. Pick your business structure
Sole proprietor: nothing to file with the state to exist, but you are personally responsible for the business's debts.
LLC: file Articles of Organization with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz). The required fees are $100 to file plus $25 for the registered agent designation, $125 in all. A certified copy and a certificate of status are optional extras.
2. Check your name and register a fictitious name if needed
Search Sunbiz to make sure your name is free. If you'll do business under any name other than your own legal name or your LLC's exact name, Florida requires a fictitious name registration with the Division of Corporations. It costs $50 and must be renewed every five years.
3. Get your tax IDs
- EIN: free from the IRS.
- Sales tax: if you sell taxable goods or services, register with the Florida Department of Revenue before you start collecting.
4. Get your local business tax receipt
Most Florida cities and counties require a local business tax receipt (sometimes still called an occupational license) for businesses located there. Check with both your county tax collector and your city. Trades like contractors, cosmetologists and many others also need a state license from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
5. File your annual report every year
Every Florida LLC files an annual report on Sunbiz between January 1 and May 1, starting the year after it forms. It's $138.75 if you file on time. After May 1, it's $538.75: a $400 late fee. Put the date on your calendar now.
6. Open a business bank account
Keep business money separate. Bring your EIN and your filed Articles of Organization or fictitious name registration.
Make it look like a real business
The paperwork makes you legal. It doesn't bring customers. Once you're registered in Florida, people still need to find you and trust you: a name and logo they remember, a website, a business email and a Google Business Profile. Then a plan for your first customers.