If you are looking to start a business in Florida, there are numerous resources to help you get started. Aside from being the state with the fourth-largest economy in the US and a hub for small businesses, have it in mind that it is not always easy to start a business in Florida.
However, there are a variety of resources available to provide the answers you need, help you navigate through the licensing process, and ensure you achieve your dream of opening your own business. Florida is considered one of the most tax-friendly States in the US.
Aside from the fact that there is no personal income tax, corporations in Florida are only expected to pay 5.5% on their corporate income tax return. If you have decided on a product or service to provide, but don’t know how to get started, note that growing a business in Florida isn’t too complicated.
For one, you have to decide the exact type of business you want to start. You can choose between a Limited Liability Company (LLC), corporation, or DBA, also known as a “Doing Business As.” If you intend to run your business under a name that is not your legal name, Florida expects you to submit a DBA.
Once you have registered your business with the state, you will be expected to apply for your Employer Identification Number, coupled with any other business licenses or permits you may need. Have it in mind that your licenses can vary based on the type of industry you are in; however, ensure to check with your county’s tax collector to figure out what you need.
If you also need some help getting your business off the ground, Florida offers a wide range of incentives to help you get started. If you are looking to start a business in Florida, here are useful websites to visit.
Top Useful Websites for Starting a Business in Florida
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Florida Division of Corporations Website
Note that the Florida Division of Corporations is the State’s central location for filing business entities, trade and service marks, fictitious name registrations, judgment, federal tax liens, UCC financing statements, notary commissions, and apostilles.
The Division functions as an informational hub for business activities, registrations, and certificates in the state of Florida. Also, note that they provide sole proprietors and companies with the legal right to conduct business in the state of Florida. The Division is an administrative filing agency with two crucial functions:
- Formalizing the legal standing of a business or activity by accepting and indexing the filing or registration; and
- Providing information and certification that has to do with the filings and activities of record.
Florida Department of Revenue Website
The Florida Department of Revenue is tasked with serving Florida citizens and businesses through the clear, fair, and consistent administration of tax and child-support laws. They operate via three core programs: the Child Support Program, the General Tax Administration Program, and the Property Tax Oversight Program.
The department is tasked with the publishing of numerous reports, including the Legislative Budget Request and its Long Range Program Plan.
The Florida Department of Revenue strives to operate according to the core values of integrity, trust, honesty, respect, fairness, and concern for others. They also administer over 30 taxes and fees and you are expected to register with the Department as a dealer before you begin conducting business activities.
Florida Department Of Business and Professional Regulation
In the state of Florida, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation is the agency tasked with licensing and regulating State of Florida businesses and professionals.
Note that their primary program activities include licensing; testing; inspecting licensed establishments; administering laws, and standards; responding to complaints against licensees and unlicensed activity; carrying out mediations, and enforcing action against licensees and businesses and individuals engaging in unlicensed activity if probable cause is noted.
The DBPR website provides information about applicants and licensed individuals for those professions and businesses that are regulated by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
Florida Trend: Small Business
For more than 60 years, this website and the magazines they publish have reported on the people and issues that have defined Florida and shaped its future — from H. Lee Moffitt to Gov. Ron DeSantis; from Tropicana to Tech Data; from small businesses to international conglomerates; from workers comp to tort reform.
Also, note that the magazine and its website provide regionally-based stories and reporting with statewide impact. Florida Trend’s combination of local color and thorough, fact-finding investigative journalism is well noted each year with regional and national awards for editorial excellence.
Owing to its history and unique perspective, Florida Trend has made itself very essential to Florida’s business community. They have remained steadfast in providing the best, forward-looking in-depth reporting on Florida available anywhere.
Florida Small Business Development Center
The Florida SBDC Network is known to make available vital tools, training, and resources to help small businesses grow and succeed in the state of Florida. Renowned as “Florida’s provider of small business assistance,” the Florida SBDC Network has over 40 offices from Pensacola to Key West to cater to the varying needs of Florida’s business community.
Established in 1976, its network of partners has helped construct a statewide ecosystem that strives to propel the spirit, support, and success of hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs and innovators.
According to reports, the Florida SBDC Network is adequately funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Defense Logistics Agency, State of Florida, and other private and public partners, with the University of West Florida well noted as the Network’s designated lead host institution.
Also, have it in mind that the Florida SBDC Network is nationally accredited by the Association of SBDCs and is renowned as one of the best resources for anyone looking to start or who already owns a business in the state of Florida.
Just as was noted above, there are numerous resources available in the state of Florida to provide the answers you need, help you navigate through the licensing process, and help you attain the business success you so desire. While there are numerous options to pick from, mentioned above are the top 5 useful websites to consider when looking to start a business in Florida.