How to get a business license in Florida in 2025

Published Wednesday 4 June

Table of contents

• Do you need a business license in Florida?
• How to get licensed for business in Florida
• Renew your Florida business license on time
• FAQs about Florida business licenses
• Get your business set up right with Xero

Key Takeaways

• Most Florida businesses require a Local Business Tax Receipt.
• You'll register your business name and structure through Sunbiz.
• Regulated industries need permits from the DBPR.
• Licenses are typically renewed annually. Track your dates carefully.

Do you need a business license in Florida?

Businesses don’t need a general statewide license to do business in Florida. But you still need business permits in Florida depending on your business structure, location, industry, and business activities.

Here are the facts.

• You’ll probably need a license from the local county or city authorities to do business there. This license makes you eligible for the local tax collector to issue you a local business tax receipt (formerly known as an occupational license), which gives you permission to do business in the area.
• You may also need special licenses or permits through state agencies if you’re in a regulated profession like cosmetology, food service, medical service, or construction– check with the DBPR to see if your business needs a special license.

How to get licensed for business in Florida

Here are the basic steps to take for a complete Florida business registration.

1. Register your business name

First you need to choose a name. This will be the foundation of your brand, so choose a name that best reflects your business. Check if it’s available using Sunbiz – the Florida Division of Corporations' name search tool.

If you plan to use a name that’s different from your legal name or business's legal structure, you’ll need to file a Fictitious Name Registration (“doing business as”, or DBA) through Sunbiz.

Generally, you won’t need to register a business name if you’re starting an LLC or corporation, as it’s included as part of the formation process. However, if you operate under a different name than the one officially registered, you’ll need to register your DBA with Sunbiz.

Here’s more info on registering a business.

2. Choose a legal business structure and register it with Sunbiz

Start your business with the structure for your needs and goals. Your choice affects your taxes, financial liability, and the paperwork you’ll need to do.

• Sole proprietorship Setting up as a sole proprietor is easy and cheap, making it ideal for individual business owners. But you’re personally responsible for any business debts or financial liabilities, so be prepared for this.

• Partnership A partnership is great for two or more owners who want to share business profits and responsibilities. It’s easy to set up but partners, like sole proprietors, are typically personally liable for business obligations unless you form a limited partnership (LP) or limited liability partnership (LLP).

• Limited liability company (LLC) A popular option for Florida small business owners, Florida LLC registration gives you legal protection over your personal assets and flexibility in how you pay your business taxes.

Here’s more info from the IRS on business structures. Talk to a business attorney or tax advisor for advice on the structure that fits your long-term goals.

Once you’ve chosen the right structure for your business, register it with the Florida Department of State through its Division of Corporations' Sunbiz portal.

3. Register with the Florida Department of Revenue

Most businesses – even those based at home or that only provide services – must register with the Florida Department of Revenue (DOR) to collect and remit state taxes. Do this if your business does any of the following:

• Sells taxable goods or services
• Employs regular workers and pays re-employment tax
• Pays corporate income tax
• Collects and pays sales and use tax

The process is straightforward, though, and you can complete it online through the DOR’s e-Services Registration Portal.

You’ll need basic information about your business, including your federal employer identification number (EIN), type of business structure, and information regarding the type of taxes you expect to pay or collect.

Once you’re done the DOR issues you a certificate of registration and any necessary tax account numbers. Display your certificate if required.

4. Apply for business licenses for your location

Even though Florida doesn’t issue a statewide business license, most cities and counties require a local business tax receipt to operate legally.

Get your licenses before you start trading – many Florida counties require approval on your license before you can open your doors.

License requirements vary by region, so check with your city and county government offices. Also check the DBPR’s online tool to see if your industry needs extra permits and to file a Florida business license application.

Here’s what to do.

1. Check with your local tax collector’s office for the exact requirements for your business location.
2. Use the Florida DBPR online services page to check whether you’ll need any additional licenses or registration at the state level for your industry.
3. Get your business documents together, including your business name registration (DBA), proof of federal EIN (if applicable), and any necessary professional certifications, business permits, or zoning permits.
4. Budget for license and business registration fees. Plan ahead for initial and recurring fees so you avoid any surprises.

5. Get the extra activity permits and industry licenses your business needs

Regulated businesses like restaurants, salons, contractors, real estate, childcare providers, and healthcare providers must obtain special permits from state agencies like the DBPR.

If you want to open a hair salon in Miami, for instance, you’ll need a cosmetology salon license from the DBPR.

Use the Florida DBPR online services page tool to check whether you’ll need any additional licensing or registration at the state level for your industry.

Next, find out if you need any specific permits for your planned business activities, and apply for them. For example, If you plan to sell haircare products through your salon, you'll need a sales tax permit from the Florida Department of Revenue.

Renew your Florida business licenses on time

Most business licenses in Florida are renewed annually, including local business tax receipts and industry-specific licenses and permits. Keep track of due dates to avoid late fees or fines.

If you’re running an LLC (or a corporation), you also need to renew with Sunbiz to keep your business in good standing.

In general, you’ll have to:

• File annual reports with the Florida Division of Corporations All Florida businesses (including sole traders) must file an annual report to maintain their "active" status. This report confirms or updates your business information on file with the state and is mandatory, even if you don’t change or update anything.
• Renew your DBA (if applicable to your business) If your business operates under a trade name, you’ll need to renew this registration every 5 years. If the registration expires you'll need to file a new registration to reinstate your DBA .
• Renew your local business tax receipt You’ll have to renew these annually in most cases. If your business has city and county receipts, make sure you renew both.
• Renew industry-specific licenses If you're in a profession or industry that needs extra licenses, renew it on the DBPR website.

Organize and track your renewal dates. Keep a calendar or digital reminder to help your business stay ahead of deadlines.

FAQs about Florida business licenses

Here are some FAQs to learn more about how to get your business license in Florida.

How much does a Florida business license cost?

The cost of a business license in Florida differs based on the location and type of business you’re operating. Costs can vary widely across different cities, counties and municipalities. For example, a local business tax receipt in Osceola County costs $15 for a six-month receipt, $30 for a 12-month receipt, and $45 for an 18-month receipt. Industry-specific licenses may require additional application and renewal fees.

How long does it take to get a Florida business license?

It varies. Often, local business licenses can be issued within a few days. But state-regulated industry licenses and zoning permits in Florida (like those issued through the DBPR) have lengthy documentation and review processes that can last several weeks.

Can I run a home-based business in Florida?

Yes, you can! Depending on what you’re selling, you may need zoning permits or special approvals. And check your local zoning laws to make sure your business follows any restrictions on signage, noise, and customer traffic, too.

What happens if I operate without a business license in Florida?

It’s not a good idea – you could be fined, your business temporarily closed, or in some cases you could be sued or even face criminal charges. So make sure you have the right licenses.

Do I need a federal license to operate a business in Florida?

Not usually – most businesses don’t need any occupational licensing at the federal level. But you’ll need a federal license if you’re in a federally regulated industry like aviation, alcohol, firearms, healthcare, or agriculture. Check with Florida State Government to confirm.

Get your business set up right with Xero

You’re licensed. Great! Now get ahead by staying organized and financially prepared. Xero helps you manage bookkeeping, track expenses, send invoices, and connect your bank accounts – all in one place. Whether you need small business solutions or are planning to grow, Xero has the tools you need to run your business smoothly from the start.