Agriculture, Farming, Ranching and Livestock
This industry group comprises businesses primarily engaged in (1) growing oilseed and/or grain crops,(2) producing oilseed and grain seeds, (3) rowing root and tuber crops (except sugar beets and peanuts) or edible plants and/or producing root and tuber or edible plant seeds, (4) growing fruit and/or tree nut crops, (5) growing crops of any kind under cover (e.g., in greenhouses, cold frames, etc.) and/or growing nursery stock and flowers, (6) growing other crops, such as tobacco, cotton, sugarcane, hay, sugar beets, peanuts, agave, herbs and spices, and hay and grass seeds, (7) growing a combination of crops, (8) raising cattle, milking dairy cattle, or feeding cattle for fattening, (9) raising hogs and pigs, (10) breeding, hatching, and raising poultry for meat or egg production, (11) raising sheep, lambs, and goats, or feeding lambs for fattening, (12) raising bees, horses and other equines, rabbits and other fur-bearing animals, and so forth, and producing products, such as honey and other bee products, and (13) alligator farming.
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This industry group comprises establishments primarily engaged in raising cattle, milking dairy cattle, or feeding cattle for fattening.
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This industry group comprises establishments primarily engaged in growing fruit and/or tree nut crops. The crops included in this industry group are generally not grown from seeds and have a perennial life cycle.
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This industry group comprises establishments primarily engaged in growing crops of any kind under cover and/or growing nursery stock and flowers. “Under cover” is generally defined as greenhouses, cold frames, cloth houses, and lath houses. The crops grown are removed at various stages of maturity and have annual and perennial life cycles. The nursery stock includes short rotation woody crops that have growth cycles of 10 years or less.
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This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in raising hogs and pigs. These establishments may include farming activities, such as breeding, farrowing, and the raising of weanling pigs, feeder pigs, or market size hogs.
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This industry group comprises establishments primarily engaged in (1) growing oilseed and/or grain crops and/or (2) producing oilseed and grain seeds. These crops have an annual life cycle and are typically grown in open fields.
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This industry group comprises establishments primarily engaged in raising animals and insects (except cattle, hogs and pigs, poultry, sheep and goats, aquaculture) for sale or product production. These establishments are primarily engaged in raising one of the following: bees, horses and other equines, rabbits and other fur-bearing animals, and so forth, and producing products, such as honey and other bee products. Establishments primarily engaged in raising a combination of animals with no one animal or family of animals accounting for one-half of the establishment’s agricultural production (i.e., value of animals for market) are included in this industry group.
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This industry group comprises establishments primarily engaged in (1) growing crops (except oilseed and/or grain; vegetable and/or melon; fruit and tree nut; and greenhouse, nursery, and/or floriculture products). These establishments grow crops, such as tobacco, cotton, sugarcane, hay, sugar beets, peanuts, agave, herbs and spices, and hay and grass seeds; or (2) growing a combination of crops (except a combination of oilseed(s) and grain(s) and a combination of fruit(s) and tree nut(s)).
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This industry group comprises establishments primarily engaged in breeding, hatching, and raising poultry for meat or egg production.
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This industry group comprises establishments primarily engaged in raising sheep, lambs, and goats, or feeding lambs for fattening.
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This industry group comprises establishments primarily engaged in growing root and tuber crops (except sugar beets and peanuts) or edible plants and/or producing root and tuber or edible plant seeds. The crops included in this group have an annual growth cycle and are grown in open fields. Climate and cultural practices limit producing areas but often permit the growing of a combination of crops in a year.
Before starting a business, you probably will need to register with the Florida Department of State, the IRS and the Florida Department of Revenue. When you have completed those steps, you may need to apply for a business license from one or more of these Florida agencies:
- Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – various licenses in this category
- Department of Citrus – licensed citrus dealer
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission – Alligator farms and processors, game farms
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.
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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Internal Revenue Service
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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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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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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Department of Citrus
Department of Citrus
The Florida Department of Citrus is responsible for regulating and overseeing all citrus-related business for the state. Citrus is defined, with the exception of grove management, as post-harvest oranges, grapefruit, tangerines and specialty fruit.
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.floridacitrus.org/grower/about/open-government/.
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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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Florida Commerce
Florida 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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County Business Requirements
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Federal Business Requirements
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.