Apartments, Vacation Rentals and Timeshare Projects
This industry comprises businesses primarily engaged in acting as lessors of buildings used as residences or dwellings, such as single-family homes, apartment buildings, and town homes. Included in this industry are owner lessors and establishments renting real estate and then acting as lessors in subleasing it to others. The establishments in this industry may manage the property themselves or have another establishment manage it for them.
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This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in acting as lessors of buildings used as residences or dwellings, such as single-family homes, apartment buildings, and town homes; ownerlessors and establishments renting real estate and then acting as lessors in subleasing it to others; acting as lessors of buildings (except miniwarehouses and self-storage units) that are not used as residences or dwellings; owner-lessors of nonresidential buildings; establishments renting real estate and then acting as lessors in subleasing it to others; establishments providing full service office space, whether on a lease or service contract basis; renting or leasing space for self-storage; provide secure space (i.e., rooms, compartments, lockers, containers, or outdoor space) where clients can store and retrieve their goods; acting as lessors of real estate such as manufactured home (i.e., mobile home) sites, vacant lots, and grazing land.
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 need to get a license from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. If you wish to prepare food, or sell alcohol or tobacco, on the premises of your lodging establishment, you will need to obtain an additional license for that purpose.
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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Apartments, Vacation Rentals and Timeshare Projects
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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Apartments, Vacation Rentals and Timeshare Projects
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 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 structure of a business, the activities of a business, and whether the business hires employees. In addition, businesses must report newly hired, re-hired and temporary employees 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 within 20 days of an employee’s start date. The Department’s Child Support program utilizes 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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Apartments, Vacation Rentals and Timeshare Projects
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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Apartments, Vacation Rentals and Timeshare Projects
Apply for a license from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation
Department of Business and Professional Regulation
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) is the agency charged with licensing and regulating businesses and professionals in Florida. A variety of businesses will need to coordinate with DBPR 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: http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/instant-public-records/.
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Division of Hotels and Restaurants
This division licenses, inspects and regulates public lodging and public food service establishments in Florida. Public lodging establishments include apartments, timeshare projects and vacation rentals. To operate a public lodging, you will need one of the licenses listed below. If you want to prepare and serve food at your facility, you may also need a public food service establishment license found at the same website.
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Apartments, Vacation Rentals and Timeshare Projects
Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (optional)
This division licenses, inspects and regulates alcoholic beverages and tobacco products. If you are interested in obtaining a public lodging license, you may also want to consider adding an alcohol and/or tobacco license to expand your business.
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Apartments, Vacation Rentals and Timeshare Projects
Explore assistance from the Department of Economic Opportunity (optional)
Department of Economic Opportunity
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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Apartments, Vacation Rentals and Timeshare Projects
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.