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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Business Registration
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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EIN Online Registration
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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New Hire Reporting Registration
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Working with the Child Support Program
Visit: https://servicesforemployers.floridarevenue.com/Pages/home.aspx
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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Corporate Income Tax Liability
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Reemployment Tax Registration
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Sales and Use Tax Registration
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Discretionary Sales Surtax (local option county taxes)
Apply for a license from the Agency for Health Care Administration
Agency for Health Care Administration
The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) is the agency charged with licensing and regulating health care providers and health care businesses in Florida. Health care providers and other health care related professionals will need to coordinate with AHCA 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://ahca.myflorida.com/Executive/Communications/public_records.shtml.
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Abortion Clinics License
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Clinical Laboratories CLIA Certification
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Commercial Health Maintenance Organizations (CHMO)
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Crisis Stabilization Units and Short Term Residential Treatment (CSU/SRT) Facilities License
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Drug-free Workplace Laboratories License
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Health Care Clinic License
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Hospital License
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Multiphasic Health Testing Center License
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Prepaid Health Clinics (PHC)
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Residential Treatment Centers for Children and Adolescents (RTC) License
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Residential Treatment Facilities (RTF) License
Visit: https://ahca.myflorida.com/
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: https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/instant-public-records/.
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Agency Introduction
DBPR’s Division of Drugs, Devices and Cosmetics provides licensing for health care clinic establishments under this category.
Division of Drugs, Devices and Cosmetics
This division licenses, inspects and regulates manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers of drugs, devices and cosmetics. The division requires a health care clinic establishment permit for the purchase of prescription drugs by a place of business at location that provides health care or veterinary services.
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Health Care Clinic Establishment Permit
Apply for a license from the Department of Children and Families
Department of Children and Family Services
Florida’s Department of Children and Families (DCF) works in partnership with local communities to protect the vulnerable, promote strong and economically self-sufficient families and advance personal and family recovery and resiliency.
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.myflfamilies.com/publicrecords/.
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Agency Introduction
The Department of Children and Families, Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health is the designated state authority for substance abuse, mental health, and medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction.
Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health
The Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (SAMH) is responsible for licensure and regulation of all substance abuse providers in the state. If you are interested in pursuing licensure to provide treatment for substance use disorder, it is recommended that you review and become familiar with the Licensure materials on the Department’s website as a starting point. Applicants may also contact their local SAMH Office with further questions. *Please note: new opioid treatment programs may only be established in response to the Department’s determination of need.
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License to Provide Substance Abuse Services
Visit: https://www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/samh/licensure-regulation/
Apply for a license from the Department of Health
Department of Health
The Florida Department of Health, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, & community efforts. The department’s goal is to be the healthiest state in the nation through innovation, collaboration, accountability, responsiveness and excellence.
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.floridahealth.gov/about/sunshine-info/public-records-requests/index.html.
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Medicine, Surgery and Mental Health
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Anesthesiologist Assistant
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Biomedical Waste Generator Permit/Exemption
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Certified Podiatric X-Ray Assistant
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Office Surgery Registration
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Osteopathic Physician
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Medical Doctor
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Pain Management Clinics License
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Physician Assistant
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Podiatric Physician
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Psychologist
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Radiologic Technologist
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School Psychologist
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Telehealth Provider
Visit: http://www.floridahealth.gov/licensing-and-regulation/index.html
Other Health Practioners
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Acupuncture
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Athletic Training
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Audiologist
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Certified Respiratory Therapist
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Clinical Laboratory Personnel
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Dietician/Nutritionist
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Electrologist
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Electrology Facility License
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Hearing Aid Specialist
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Marriage and Family Therapist
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Midwifery
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Registered Respiratory Therapist
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Speech-Language Pathologist
Visit: http://www.floridahealth.gov/licensing-and-regulation/index.html
Emergency Medicine
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Emergency Allergy Treatment Certification
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Emergency Medical Services (EMS) CE Programs
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Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Providers
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Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Training Programs
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Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
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Paramedic
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Trauma Systems License
Visit: http://www.floridahealth.gov/licensing-and-regulation/index.html
Chiropractic, Occupational & Physical Therapy
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Certified Chiropractic Physician Assistant
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Chiropractic Physician
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Registered Chiropractic Assistant
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Occupational Therapist
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Occupational Therapy Assistant
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Physical Therapist Assistant
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Physical Therapist
Visit: http://www.floridahealth.gov/licensing-and-regulation/index.html
Dentistry and Optical Establishments
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Dental Hygienist
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Dental Laboratories License
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Dentist
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Apprentice Optician
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Optical Establishment License
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Optician
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Optometrist
Visit: http://www.floridahealth.gov/licensing-and-regulation/index.html
Nursing
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Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner
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Certified Nurse Specialist
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Certified Nursing Assistant
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Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
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Nursing Education Programs License
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Nursing Home Administrator
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Registered Nurse
Visit: http://www.floridahealth.gov/licensing-and-regulation/index.html
Orthotics and Prosthetics
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Orthotic Fitter Assistant
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Orthotic Fitter
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Orthotist
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Pedorthist
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Prosthetist
Visit: http://www.floridahealth.gov/licensing-and-regulation/index.html
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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Assistance Programs
Visit: http://www.floridajobs.org/
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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U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Diversion Control Program
Many of the narcotics, depressants, and stimulants manufactured for legitimate medical use are subject to abuse and have, therefore, been brought under legal control. Under federal law, all businesses that import, export, manufacture, or distribute controlled substances; all health professionals licensed to dispense, administer, or prescribe them; and all pharmacies authorized to fill prescriptions must register with the DEA. Registrants must comply with regulatory requirements relating to drug security and recordkeeping. The DEA is also obligated under international treaties to monitor the movement of licit controlled substances across U.S. borders and to issue import and export permits for that movement.
Visit: https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drugreg/index.html
U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration
The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) mission is to provide the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world; the FAA is responsible for the safety of civil aviation. The FAA’s major roles include: regulating civil aviation to promote safety; encouraging and developing civil aeronautics, including new aviation technology; developing and operating a system of air traffic control and navigation for both civil and military aircraft; researching and developing the National Airspace System and civil aeronautics; developing and carrying out programs to control aircraft noise and other environmental effects of civil aviation; and regulating U.S. commercial space transportation.
The FAA regulates various types of aerospace businesses and professionals including:
- Medical Certificate
The U.S. Department of Agriculture
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is the federal agency that oversees the American farming industry. USDA duties range from helping farmers with price support subsidies, to inspecting food to ensure the safety of the American public. The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service issues permits for the import, transit and release of regulated animals, animal products, veterinary biologics, plants, plant products, pests, organisms, soil, and genetically engineered organisms including, but not limited to, Commercial Animal Dealers, Exhibitors, Research Facilities, and Transporters.
The USDA licenses various types of businesses and professionals including:
- AHPHIS-Approved Laboratories
- Research Facilities
U.S. Coast Guard
As a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, a law enforcement organization, a regulatory agency, a member of the U.S. Intelligence Community, and a first responder, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) employs a unique mix of authorities, broad jurisdiction, flexible operational capabilities, and a network of partnerships. The Coast Guard is the principal Federal agency responsible for maritime safety, security, and environmental stewardship in U.S. ports and inland waterway.
The USCG regulates a wide variety vessels and mariners, including:
- Merchant Mariner Medical Certificate