How to get a Florida business license: costs and steps

Published Tuesday 21 April 2026

Table of contents

• Do you need a business license in Florida?
• Types of business licenses in Florida
• How to get a business license in Florida
• Florida business license costs
• 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 the most common license requirement for 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.
• Use the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) online tool to identify any industry-specific licenses your business needs, especially if you work in a regulated field like cosmetology, construction, or food service.
• Track renewal deadlines carefully, since most Florida business licenses require annual renewal and operating with an expired license can result in fines or forced closure.

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?

Most Florida businesses need at least one license or permit to operate legally. Florida doesn't issue a single statewide business license. Instead, your requirements depend on your location, industry, and business activities.

Here's what most businesses need:

• local business tax receipt: required by most cities and counties to operate in their area
• state industry permits: required for regulated professions like cosmetology, food service, healthcare, and construction through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)

Types of business licenses in Florida

Florida business licenses fall into three main categories: local business tax receipts, state-regulated industry licenses, and other state permits. The licenses you need depend on your industry and where you operate. Most businesses require one or more of the following.

Local business tax receipts

A local business tax receipt is a permit issued by your city or county tax collector that authorizes you to operate in that location. This is the most common license requirement for Florida businesses. It was previously called an occupational license.

Your location determines which receipts you need:

• unincorporated areas: county receipt only
• within city limits: both city and county receipts may be required

State-regulated industry licenses

State-regulated industry licenses are required permits for professions that must meet Florida's safety and quality standards. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) oversees most of these licenses.

Professions requiring DBPR licenses include:

• cosmetologists and barbers
• contractors and construction professionals
• restaurant and food service operators
• real estate agents and brokers

Other agencies regulate healthcare providers and childcare facilities.

Other state permits

Other state permits cover business activities beyond professional licensing. These are separate from your local business tax receipt and industry licenses.

Common state permits include:

• sales tax permit: required if you sell taxable products or services; register with the Florida Department of Revenue to collect and remit sales tax
• employer registration: required if you have employees; register for reemployment tax
• corporate income tax registration: required for corporations doing business in Florida

How to get a business license in Florida

Getting a Florida business license involves five main steps: registering your business name, choosing a legal structure, obtaining tax accounts, and securing required permits. Most businesses can complete this process within two to four weeks.

Follow these steps to complete your registration:

1. Register your business name

Registering your business name secures your legal business identity in Florida. Choose a name that reflects your brand, then verify it's available through the Sunbiz portal.

Complete these name registration steps:

• check availability: search the Sunbiz name search tool to verify your chosen name isn't already taken
• file a doing business as (DBA) name if needed: register a DBA name if you operate under a different name than your legal business structure
• register your entity name:limited liability company (LLC) and corporation 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

Your business structure determines your taxes, liability, and legal requirements. Choose the structure that fits your needs, then register it through the Sunbiz portal.

Sole proprietorship:

• Best for: Individual owners seeking simple setup
• Benefits: Low cost and minimal paperwork
• Drawbacks: Personal liability for business debts, and you must pay self-employment tax if your net earnings were $400 or more

Partnership:

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

Limited liability company (LLC):

• Best for: Small business owners wanting asset protection
• Benefits: Personal asset protection and tax flexibility, though note that an election specifying an LLC's tax classification cannot take effect more than 75 days prior to the date it's filed
• Drawbacks: More paperwork and filing requirements

Here's more info from the IRS on business structures. Talk to a business attorney or tax advisor for advice on which structure 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

Registering with the Florida Department of Revenue is required for most businesses to handle state taxes. This applies even to home-based businesses and service providers.

Register with the Department of Revenue (DOR) if your business:

• sells taxable products or services: you must collect and remit sales tax
• employs workers: you must pay reemployment tax
• operates as a corporation: you may owe Florida corporate income tax

Complete your registration online through the DOR's e-Services Registration Portal.

You'll need basic information about your business, including your federal employer identification number (EIN). Keep in mind the online application expires after 15 minutes of inactivity. You'll also need your type of business structure and information about 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

Local business license requirements vary by city and county but apply to most Florida businesses. Complete these steps before opening:

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

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

Regulated businesses must obtain special permits from state agencies before operating. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) handles most industry licenses.

Industries requiring DBPR permits include:

• restaurants and food service
• salons and cosmetology businesses
• construction and contracting
• real estate
• childcare facilities
• healthcare providers

Use the Florida DBPR online services page to check your industry's requirements. If your business involves multiple activities, you may need permits from different agencies. For example, a salon selling haircare products needs both a cosmetology license from DBPR and a sales tax permit from the Department of Revenue.

Florida business license costs

Florida business license costs range from $15 to $500 or more, depending on your location and business type. Each city, county, and state agency sets its own fees.

Typical cost ranges by license type:

• local business tax receipts: $15 to $100 annually, varies by county
• state professional licenses: $50 to $300 for application and renewal
• industry-specific permits: $100 to $500 or more for regulated professions

Budget for both initial application fees and annual renewal costs. Check your city, county, and relevant state agency websites for exact amounts.

For example, Osceola County charges $30 for annual local business tax receipts.

Renew your Florida business licenses on time

Most Florida business licenses require annual renewal to stay legally compliant. Operating with expired licenses can result in fines or business closure.

Track these renewal requirements:

• local business tax receipts: renew annually with city and county authorities
• industry licenses: renew annually through DBPR
• LLC/corporation status: file annual reports with Sunbiz to maintain good standing
• doing business as (DBA) registration: renew every five years

Set calendar reminders or use digital tracking to stay ahead of deadlines.

Get your business set up right with Xero

After getting licensed, you'll need to manage your Florida business finances. Once you're set up, you'll need to track expenses, manage invoices, and stay on top of renewals.

Xero helps you stay organized from day one. Track expenses, manage invoices, and connect your bank accounts in one place. Get the accounting tools you need to run your business efficiently.

Get one month free to try Xero for your business.

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 range from $15 to $500 or more, depending on your location and business type. See the Florida business license costs section above for detailed cost ranges by license type.

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

Processing times vary by license type. Local business tax receipts are often issued within a few days. State-regulated industry licenses through DBPR typically take several weeks due to documentation and review requirements.

Can I run a home-based business in Florida?

Yes, you can run a home-based business in Florida. Check your local zoning laws for restrictions on signage, noise, and customer traffic. Depending on your business activities, you may need zoning permits or special approvals from your city or county.

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

Operating without required licenses can result in fines, forced business closure, or legal action. Make sure you have all necessary licenses before you start operating.

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

Most small businesses don't need federal licenses. Federal licensing applies only to federally regulated industries.

Industries requiring federal licenses include:

• aviation
• alcohol production or sales
• firearms
• certain healthcare services
• agriculture

Check the Small Business Administration's (SBA) federal licenses and permits page to confirm whether your business needs federal licensing.