Fishing, Hunting, Trapping and Taxidermy
This industry comprises businesses primarily engaged in (1) the commercial catching or taking of finfish, shellfish, or miscellaneous marine products from a natural habitat (e.g., the catching of bluefish, eels, salmon, tuna, clams, crabs, lobsters, mussels, oysters, shrimp, frogs, sea urchins, and turtles), (2) commercial hunting and trapping; (3) operating commercial game preserves (such as game retreats;) and (4) operating hunting preserves. This category also includes taxidermy establishments.
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This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in the commercial catching or taking of finfish, shellfish, or miscellaneous marine products from a natural habitat, such as the catching of bluefish, eels, salmon, tuna, clams, crabs, lobsters, mussels, oysters, shrimp, frogs, sea urchins, and turtles.
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This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in one or more of the following: (1) commercial hunting and trapping; (2) operating commercial game preserves, such as game retreats; and (3) operating hunting preserves.
Before starting a business, you probably will need to register with the Florida Department of State, the IRS and the Florida Department of Revenue. For businesses located outside of the State of Florida, evidence of registration with their Division of Corporations or Corporate Registry may be required. When you have completed those steps, you will probably need to get a license from one of these Florida agencies:
- Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Apalachicola Bay oyster harvesters
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission – retail and wholesale saltwater product dealers, salt water charters, saltwater fishing piers, freshwater fish and frog dealers, freshwater wholesalers, saltwater products, commercial fishing, fur and hide dealers, alligator farms, alligator processing facilities and processors, game farms, hunting preserves, special taxidermy permits and licenses to possess wildlife for exhibition and sale
Businesses within this category may employ or require individuals holding professional licenses or permits as requirement for a business license. If you are only pursuing a professional license, you may not need to complete all of the additional steps listed on this checklist.
Businesses in this category should check with the Department of Environmental Protection for applicable air, water and waste permits.
Business owners in this category may also wish to explore assistance offered by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.
Register your business with the Department of State
Department of State
The Florida Department of State’s Division of Corporations serves as the state’s central depository for a number of commercial activities. These activities include a variety of business entity filings, trade and service mark registrations, federal lien recordings, judgment lien filings, uniform commercial code financing statements, fictitious name registrations, notary commissions, and cable and video service franchises.
To file a complaint regarding a business or person licensed by this agency, please see their website. To obtain this agency’s public records, visit: https://www.dos.myflorida.com/offices/general-counsel/public-records-requests/.
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Agency Introduction
The Department of State (DOS) is where you register your business. You can search and access filed information for corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, general partnerships, trademarks, fictitious name registrations and liens. Also, electronic filing and certification can be processed via the Department’s website.
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Sunbiz offers several methods in which information can be submitted to the DOS for filing.
Apply for your Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Internal Revenue Service
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is the nation’s tax collection agency and administers the Internal Revenue Code enacted by Congress.
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Agency Introduction
If you are required to report employment taxes or give tax statements to employees, you need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to send with all items you report to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or Social Security Administration. If you do not intend to hire others, you may skip this step.
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You may apply for an EIN online if your principal business is located in the United States or U.S. Territories. The person applying online must have a valid Taxpayer Identification Number (SSN, ITIN, EIN). You are limited to one EIN per responsible party per day.
Register your business with the Department of Revenue
Department of Revenue
The Florida Department of Revenue administers three programs: General Tax Administration, Property Tax Oversight and Child Support. The General Tax Administration program works with Florida businesses that are required to register for, collect, report and remit the taxes and fees administered by the Department.
The Department also manages the State of Florida’s New Hire Reporting Center. Federal and state laws require employers to report newly hired, re-hired and temporary employees, and in some cases contractors, within 20 days of an employee’s start date. This information is used to assist the Department’s Child Support Program with child support orders. The employment information reported through the state’s New Hire Reporting Center is also used to detect and prevent public assistance and reemployment assistance fraud.
For additional information, please visit floridarevenue.com.
To file a complaint regarding a business or person licensed by this agency, please see their website. To obtain this agency’s public records, visit: https://floridarevenue.com/opengovt/Pages/default.aspx.
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Agency Introduction
A business owner or contractor may need to register for, collect, report and/or remit one or more of the taxes, fees and licenses administered by the Florida Department of Revenue. This is dependent on the business’s structure, activities, and whether it hires employees. In addition, businesses must report newly hired, re-hired and temporary employees, and in some cases contractors, through the State of Florida’s New Hire Reporting program managed by the Florida Department of Revenue.
Reporting Employment Information
The Department manages the State of Florida’s New Hire Reporting Center. Federal and state laws require employers to report newly hired, re-hired and temporary employees, and in some cases contractors, within 20 days of an employee’s start date. The Department’s Child Support Program uses employment information and employer cooperation to assist with child support order compliance. The reported employment information through the state’s New Hire Reporting Center is also used to detect and prevent public assistance and reemployment fraud.
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Register your business to report newly hired, re-hired or temporary employees, and in some cases contractors, within 20 days of an employee’s start date.
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The Department of Revenue’s Child Support Program works with employers in a variety of ways to ensure compliance with child support orders when applicable. Employers must work with the Child Support Program to respond to income withholding requests and to enroll children in medical insurance plans. Once registered with the New Hire Reporting Center, businesses will be able to access the Child Support Employer Services website to report employee termination and bonus or lump sum payments, request replacement copies of income withholding notices currently in place for employees and contractors, and use the program’s online calculator to get pro-rated child support amounts for employees that have more than one child support case.
Business Taxes, Fees and Surcharge
Businesses in this category may be required to register for, collect, report and/or remit one or more of the following taxes and fees.
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Most corporations and certain entities conducting business, or who are incorporated in Florida, including out-of-state corporations, must file a Florida corporate income tax return.
Register online or by submitting a Florida Business Tax Application (Form DR-1), or by filing the Florida Corporate Income/Franchise Tax Return (Form F-1120).
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Reemployment Assistance gives partial, temporary income to workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own and are able and available for work. If your business will employ workers in Florida, you may register online or submit a Florida Business Tax Application (Form DR-1).
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Before conducting business, anyone selling, renting, leasing or repairing goods, providing certain services, charging admissions, or renting or leasing short-term lodging, housekeeping accommodations, or commercial real property must register with the Department of Revenue.
Additionally, use tax is due on the use or consumption of taxable goods or services when sales tax was not paid at the time of purchase.
Register online or by submitting a Florida Business Tax Application (Form DR-1).
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This surtax, imposed by most Florida counties, applies to most transactions subject to sales or use tax. Businesses must also collect the applicable discretionary sales surtax from the purchaser at the time of sale, then report and remit it to the Department of Revenue.
No additional registration is required.
Apply for a license from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) supports and promotes Florida agriculture, protects the environment, safeguards consumers, and ensures the safety and wholesomeness of food. FDACS licenses and inspects various businesses and professions in Florida, such as bakeries, milk producers, weights and measurements, pesticide dealers, oyster harvesting, pre-packaged food sales, beekeepers and travel agents, among others. A variety of different businesses may need to coordinate with FDACS to obtain applicable licenses, registrations and/or permits.
To file a complaint regarding a business or person licensed by this agency, please see their website. To obtain this agency’s public records, visit: https://fdacs.mycusthelp.com/WEBAPP/.
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Division of Aquaculture
The division issues Apalachicola Bay Oyster Harvesting Licenses for the commercial harvest of oysters in Apalachicola Bay.
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License required for the commercial harvest of oysters in Apalachicola Bay
Apply for a license or permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission manages fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people. With more than 575 species of wildlife, 200 native species of freshwater fish, and 500 native species of saltwater fish in their purview, the agency balances their focus with the needs of 19 million residents by providing law enforcement, research, management and outreach.
To file a complaint regarding a business or person licensed by this agency, please see their website. To obtain this agency’s public records, visit: https://myfwc.com/contact/public-records-requests/.
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This license authorizes the holder to operate a facility for captive propagation of alligators, to possess alligators for captive propagation, to take alligator hatchlings and alligator eggs occurring in the wild, to rear such alligators, alligator hatchlings, and alligator eggs in captivity, to process alligators taken or possessed under authority of such alligator farming license or otherwise legally acquired, and to possess, process, and sell their hides and meat.
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This license authorizes Alligator Farming, Alligator Trapping, and Alligator Processing license holders who possess a current food permit issued by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to process alligator meat for sale.
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This license authorizes a person to buy and process lawfully acquired alligators from alligator trapping, farming, or other alligator processing license holders and to sell the alligator meat, hides and other parts.
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Any person who takes freshwater fish or frogs by any lawful method prescribed by the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for purpose of sale is required to possess a Commercial Fishing License (resident or nonresident).
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This license permits a resident to import, export, or sell (non-game) freshwater fish or frogs, including live bait. It is unlawful for licensed freshwater fish dealers or buyers to purchase freshwater fish or frogs from an unlicensed person.
Non-game Fish: all freshwater fish are defined as non-game fish, except grass carp and fish defined as freshwater game fish. Note: Alligator gar require a scientific collector’s permit to take.
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This license authorizes the captive rearing of native or nonnative game birds and game mammals. Includes chucars, ducks, geese, pheasant, quail partridges, turkeys, deer, and other game species. This license does not authorize the taking of or keeping of any game removed from the wild.
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This license authorizes the release of captive reared native and non-native game animals for hunting purposes.
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This license authorizes any person, firm, corporation or association to possess specific wildlife for exhibition or public sale.
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This license permits a nonresident, who does not sell freshwater fish or frogs in Florida, to buy (non-game) freshwater fish or frogs from resident freshwater fish dealers for resale outside the state.
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This license permits a nonresident to buy (non-game) freshwater fish for resale from persons properly licensed to harvest freshwater fish and may sell freshwater fish within the state.
Non-game Fish: all freshwater fish are defined as non-game fish, except grass carp and fish defined as freshwater game fish. Note: Alligator gar require a scientific collector’s permit to take.
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This license authorizes the holder to engage in the business of a dealer or buyer in alligator skins or green or dried furs in the state and purchase such skins within the state.
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This license authorizes the holder to engage in the business of a dealer or buyer in alligator skins or green or dried furs in the state and purchase such skins within the state.
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A Retail Saltwater Products Dealer license is required to sell any saltwater products to the end consumer. A retail dealer may purchase only from a wholesale dealer. The RC is not required when products are prepared for consumption or take-out under a license issued by the Division of Hotels and Restaurants.
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A Charter Captain or Boat License is required to carry paying customers (where a fee is paid directly or indirectly) for the purpose of taking, attempting to take, or possessing saltwater fish or organisms.
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This license is issued to an owner, operator or custodian of a pier; covers everyone saltwater fishing from that pier.
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A saltwater product is defined as any marine fish, shellfish, clam, invertebrate, sponge, jellyfish, coral, crustacean, lobster, crab, shrimp, snail, marine plant, echinoderm, sea star, brittle star or urchin, etc.; except non-living shells and salted, cured, canned or smoked seafood. You must have the Saltwater Products License (SPL) to commercially harvest and sell saltwater products, and you may sell only to a licensed Florida wholesale dealer. An SPL may be issued in the name of an individual or a valid commercial vessel registration number issued in the name of the license applicant. Any vessel used to harvest commercial quantities of saltwater products must have a commercial vessel registration.
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A special taxidermy permit is required to salvage or mount any alligator, crocodile, weasel, round-tailed muskrat or any other species classified as “threatened” or “endangered.” An exception to this is that skulls and untanned skins of cougar lawfully taken outside this state may be possessed and transported.
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A Saltwater Wholesale Dealer license is required to purchase saltwater products from persons holding a saltwater products license or another licensed wholesale dealer and to sell saltwater products to any licensed wholesale dealer, retail dealer or restaurant. Wholesale dealers must report purchases to the Commission when products are landed or sold for the first time.
Explore assistance from the Department of Economic Opportunity (optional)
Department of Commerce
In collaboration with our partners, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) assists the Governor in advancing Florida’s economy by championing the state’s economic development vision and by administering state and federal programs and initiatives to help visitors, citizens, businesses, and communities.
To file a complaint regarding a business or person licensed by this agency, please see their website. To obtain this agency’s public records, visit: https://floridajobs.org/about-us/who-we-are-and-what-we-do/requests-for-public-records.
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Agency Introduction
The Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) utilizes public and private sector expertise to attract, retain and grow businesses and create jobs in Florida. It also provides valuable resources for businesses and entrepreneurs; assistance with recruiting workers; and statistical information regarding Florida businesses and employment. Your business may qualify for various state or federal assistance.
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Your business may qualify for various state or federal assistance programs.
Additional Local Government Information
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Explore Federal Licensing Considerations
Federal Business Requirements
In addition to state and local licensing, many business activities are also regulated by federal agencies. Businesses within this category may also be required to obtain additional federal licenses, permits, registration, etc. depending on your specific business activities. It is recommended that you consult with a professional (e.g., attorney, CPA, SBA, etc.) to ensure you meet all requirements before starting your business. The U.S. Small Business Administration is an excellent resource for potential and current business owners seeking assistance navigating federal licensing requirements. For more information on the Federal Government, please visit www.usa.gov.
In most cases, you will need not need a license to import or export services or goods into or from the US. However, international transfer of certain goods may require a license, permit or certification. All items are subject to export control laws and regulations. For more information, please visit USA.gov’s importing and exporting page.
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Disclaimer: The State of Florida operates OpenMyFloridaBusiness.gov as a public service to Florida residents and visitors worldwide. While efforts were made to verify that the content of this website is accurate and comprehensive, it is recommended that you consult with a professional (e.g., attorney, CPA, SBDC, etc.) to ensure you meet all requirements before starting your business. OpenMyFloridaBusiness.gov is not responsible for the content of external websites.