Starting a Business in Florida

Different businesses have different legal requirements.
Use this checklist when starting your business or side hustle.

Register your business entity or name (LLC, Corporation, Fictitious Name)
Dos.fl.gov
Obtain an EIN from the IRS
IRS.gov
Obtain a Business Tax Receipt (BTR)
from the county you operate in and the city if located/operates within city limits.
Open a business bank account
Learn More
Obtain any necessary licensing at the federal level if applicable
(industry examples include agricultural, alcoholic beverage, and aviation businesses)
Obtain any necessary licensing/registration from the state-level
(licensing can come from different agencies, including DBPR or FDACS)
Register with the Florida Department of Revenue (sales and use tax, reemployment tax)
FloridaRevenue.com
Obtain Business Insurance
Register Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI)
Fincen.gov

Learn More

Gulf Winds is proud to support the University of West Florida’s Louis Maygarden Center for Financial Literacy and partner with the Small Business Development Center to bring information to the community to improve financial wellness.

Contact the SBDC at UWF regarding which requirements apply to your business. SBDC at UWF consulting is provided at no cost.