Florida business license: Requirements, costs, and steps

Published Friday 9 January 2026

Table of contents

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

Key takeaways

• Apply for a local business tax receipt from your city or county tax collector, as this is required for most Florida businesses regardless of industry or size.
• Register your business structure and name through the Florida Division of Corporations Sunbiz portal before applying for any licenses or permits.
• Identify industry-specific licensing requirements using the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) online tool if your business operates in a regulated profession like cosmetology, construction, or food service.
• Track renewal dates carefully since most Florida business licenses require annual renewal, and operating with expired licenses can result in fines or business closure.

Do you need a business license in Florida?

Florida business licenses are permits required by local and state authorities to legally operate your business. Most businesses don't need a statewide license, but you'll need specific permits based on your location, industry, and activities.

Local business licenses: Most businesses need a license from county or city authorities to operate legally in their area.

State industry permits: Regulated professions like cosmetology, food service, healthcare, and construction require additional permits from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

Types of business licenses in Florida

Florida doesn't have a single, statewide business license. Instead, the licenses you need will depend on your industry and where you operate. Think of it as a mix-and-match based on your specific business activities. Most businesses will need one or more of the following.

Local business tax receipts

This is the most common requirement for businesses in Florida. Previously known as an occupational license, a business tax receipt is issued by your city or county tax collector. It gives you the legal authority to operate in that specific location. If your business is in an unincorporated area, you'll likely only need a county receipt, but if you're within city limits, you may need both.

State-regulated industry licenses

If your profession is regulated by the state, you'll need a specific license from a government agency. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) oversees many of these, including licenses for cosmetologists, contractors, and restaurant owners. Other agencies regulate professions like healthcare and childcare. These licenses ensure you meet state standards for safety and quality.

Other state permits

Beyond professional licenses, you might need other permits from state agencies. For example, if you sell products or certain services, you must register with the Florida Department of Revenue to collect and remit sales tax. This is a separate registration from your business tax receipt or professional license.

Florida business license costs

The cost of getting a business license in Florida varies because cities, counties, and state agencies each set their own fees.

Fees can range from as little as $15 to several hundred dollars. Industry-specific licenses from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) will have their own application and renewal fees. Check the websites for your city, county, and any relevant state agencies to get a clear picture of the costs.

Budget for both the initial application fees and the annual renewal costs so you are prepared.

How to get a business license in Florida

Getting a Florida business license involves registering your business name, choosing a legal structure, obtaining tax accounts, and securing required permits. Follow these steps to complete your registration:

1. Register your business name

Business name registration secures your legal business identity in Florida. Choose a name that reflects your brand and check availability through Sunbiz.

Name registration requirements:

• Check name availability: Use Sunbiz name search tool to verify your chosen name is available
• File a doing business as (DBA) name if needed: Register this name if you operate under a different name than your legal business structure
• Register limited liability company (LLC) or corporation names: These names are automatically registered during the business formation process

Here's more info on registering a business.

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

Business structure selection determines your taxes, liability, and legal requirements. Choose the structure that fits your needs:

Sole proprietorship:

• Best for: Individual business owners seeking simple setup
• Benefits: Low cost and minimal paperwork
• Drawbacks: Personal liability for business debts

Partnership:

• Best for: Two or more owners sharing profits and responsibilities
• Benefits: Shared decision-making and easy formation
• Drawbacks: Personal liability unless forming LP or LLP

Limited liability company (LLC):

• Best for: Small business owners wanting asset protection
• Benefits: Personal asset protection and tax flexibility
• Drawbacks: More paperwork and filing requirements

Here's more info from the IRS on business structures. Talk to a business attorney or tax advisor, such as a certified public accountant, for advice on the structure that fits your long-term goals.

Once you choose a structure, register your business with the Florida Department of State through the Division of Corporations Sunbiz portal.

3. Register with the Florida Department of Revenue

Florida Department of Revenue registration is required for most businesses, even those based at home or that only provide services, to handle state taxes. Register if your business:

• Sells taxable items: Products or taxable services requiring sales tax collection
• Has employees: Businesses paying re-employment tax on workers
• Pays corporate tax: Corporations owing Florida corporate income tax
• Collects sales tax: Any business collecting and remitting 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 Department of Revenue (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

Local business licensing varies by city and county but is required for most Florida businesses. Complete these steps before opening:

1. Contact local authorities: Check requirements with your city and county tax collector offices
2. Verify industry permits: Use DBPR's online tool to identify additional licenses for your profession
3. Apply before opening: Obtain approval before starting business operations
4. Gather required documents: Prepare business registration, EIN, and professional certifications

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

Florida business license renewal is typically required annually to maintain legal compliance. Track these renewal requirements:

Annual renewals required:

• Local business tax receipts: Renew with city and county authorities yearly
• Industry licenses: Professional permits through DBPR require annual renewal
• LLC/Corporation status: File annual reports with Sunbiz to maintain good standing
• DBA registration: Renew fictitious name registration every five years

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

Get your business set up right with Xero

Getting your business licensed is just the beginning. Stay organized and financially prepared with tools that grow with your business.

With Xero, you can track expenses, manage invoices, and connect your bank accounts in one place. From startup to growth, you get the accounting tools you need to run your business, not your books. Get one month free and see how easy your business finances can be.

FAQs on 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?

Florida business license costs typically range from $15 to $500 or more, depending on location and business type.

Typical cost ranges:

• Local business tax receipts: $15-$100 annually (varies by county)
• State professional licenses: $50-$300 for application and renewal
• Industry-specific permits: $100-$500+ for regulated professions
• Example:Osceola County charges $30 for annual local business tax receipts

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 sell, you may need zoning permits or special approvals. Check your local zoning laws to make sure your business follows any restrictions on signage, noise, and customer traffic.

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

To avoid fines, business closures, or even legal action, make sure you have the right licenses before you operate.

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

Usually you do not need federal occupational licensing. Agencies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) oversee specific industries, but most small businesses are not affected. But you'll need a federal license if you're in a federally regulated industry like aviation, alcohol, firearms, healthcare, or agriculture. Check the official State of Florida website to confirm your federal licensing requirements.