General Information & Available Resources

The Internal Revenue Service is the federal government agency responsible for tax collection and tax law in the United States.

• Starting a Business
• Review and Set Up Taxes
• Small Business & Self-Employed Tax Center
• How to apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
• Revised Form SS-4 – Application for Employer Identification Number (requires identification of responsible party)
• Updating Incorrect Business Entity Information
• Change in Application for Employer Identification Number (EIN)
• Use of Nominees in the EIN Application Process

Business Registration

In addition to registering with the Department of State, most professions must register with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Florida businesses may be required to register with the local county. County occupational licenses are typically obtained from the local county government.

• Department of Business and Professional Regulation
• Division of Workers’ Compensation
• Download and print filing forms from the Division of Corporations

Other resources to consider:

• BusinessUSA.gov – A one-stop platform to access business-related services
• Division of Library and Information Services – Small Business Resource Guide
• Florida Trend’s – Florida Small Business Resource
• Florida Chamber of Commerce

Florida Tax Registration

It is vital that businesses know about the taxes they are required to collect and pay to the State of Florida. The Florida Department of Revenue provides a helpful starting place to learn more about registering for Florida taxes.

• Department of Revenue – Contact Information
• Department of Revenue – Tax Questions
• Department of Revenue – Tax Forms & Publications

Selecting a Location

Location can affect the quality and quantity of services and products in the business world. Other issues to consider include access to major transportation routes and skilled workers, as well as identifying the location of the target demographic for your goods and services. All of these things could impact your company’s ability to grow and conduct business in Florida.

• Florida’s Economy – Facts and Highlights
• Transportation Advantages in Florida
• Florida Demographics
• Florida Chamber of Commerce

International Trade Information

International commerce is big business in Florida. Our deep-water ports and international air transportation facilities support large volumes of global trade. Florida has 21 foreign trade zones, which are ideal for businesses in the import-export industry.

• U.S. Department of Commerce
• International Trade Administration

Land Use & Permitting

Florida holds businesses accountable for their impact on the environment and for compliance with local land use ordinances and codes. Issues such as surface and groundwater quality, wastewater treatment, solid and hazardous waste disposal, natural habitat protection and even placement of signs on a public right of way are a few of the concerns that businesses may be asked to address.

• Department of Environmental Protection – Publications and Reports
• Department of Environmental Protection – Rules
• Department of Environmental Protection – Program Contacts
• Department of Environmental Protection – Permit Information
• Department of Transportation - Guide to Outdoor Advertising
• Department of Transportation - Encroachment Brochure

Assistance Programs

Florida is committed to creating an environment conducive to stimulating economic growth. As such, assistance programs are available for minority businesses, rural economic development, small businesses and other areas within the business community.

• Enterprise Florida
• Department of Management Services – Office of Supplier Diversity
• Small Business Assistance – North Florida
• Small Business Assistance – South Florida
• Florida Small Business Development Center Network - The state's principal provider of small business assistance. The Florida SBDC Network provides no-cost consulting, training, and resources to help Florida businesses launch, grow, and thrive.

Industry Reports

Florida provides numerous business perks, including a beneficial business tax system, 21 foreign trade zones, a large population of skilled workers and much more. Florida has everything a business needs to thrive.

• Enterprise Trends – Why Florida?
• Florida Trend – Education & Workforce
• Florida Trend – Business Environment
• Florida Trend – Business News
• University of Florida – Bureau of Economic and Business Research

Start a Business

• FYI: Starting a Business
• Corporate Structure Types
• Start E-Filing