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, 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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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)
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Tourist Development Taxes (bed tax, transient rental tax)
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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Continuing Education Provider License
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Firearms Instructor License (Class K)
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Recovery Agent Instructor (Class RI)
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Recovery Agent School (“RS”) License
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Security Officer Instructors (Class DI)
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Security Officer School or Training Facility (“DS”) License
Apply for a license, permit or course approval 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
The department’s boards and divisions provide approval for many educational providers, continuing education (CE) providers and educational courses in Florida.
Schools and Educational Providers
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Real Estate Schools
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Architecture CE Provider
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Asbestos Education Course Provider
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Barber HIV/AIDS Education Course Provider
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Building Code Administrators and Inspectors Board Laws, Rules and Ethics Program Course and Provider Approval
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Certified Public Accounting (CPA) Ethics Provider and Course Approval
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Community Association Managers (CAM) CE Provider
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Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) CE Provider
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Cosmetology CE Course Provider
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Culinary Education Provider
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Division of State Fire Marshal Education Course and Provider Approval
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Electrical Contractors CE Provider
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Engineers Ethics CE Provider
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Engineers Laws and Rules CE Provider
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Engineers New CE Provider
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Home Inspector CE Provider
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Interior Design CE Provider
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Landscape Architect CE Provider
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Mold-Related Services CE Provider
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Slot Machine Educational Facility License
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Veterinary Medicine CE Provider
Course Approvals
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Architecture CE Course Approval
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Asbestos Education Course Approval
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Barber HIV/AIDS CE Course Approval
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Building Code Administrators and Inspectors Board Laws, Rules and Ethics Program Course and Provider Approval
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Certified Public Accounting (CPA) Ethics Provider and Course Approval
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Community Association Managers (CAM) CE Course Approval
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Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) CE Course Approval
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Cosmetology Body Wrapping Course Approval
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Cosmetology CE Course Approval
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Cosmetology Hair Braiding Course Approval
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Cosmetology Hair Wrapping Course Approval
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Cosmetology Initial HIV/AIDS Course Approval
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Division of State Fire Marshal Education Course and Provider Approval
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Electrical Contractors – Alarm System Agent Course Approval
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Electrical Contractors – Fire Alarm System Course Approval
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Electrical Contractors CE Course Approval
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Home Inspector CE Course Approval
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Interior Design CE Course Approval
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Landscape Architect CE Course Approval
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Mold-Related Services CE Course Approval
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Veterinary Medicine CE Course Approval
Instructors
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General Instructor (Appraisal)
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Real Estate Instructor Permit
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Residential Appraisal Instructor
Visit: https://www.myfloridalicense.com/intentions2.asp?chBoard=true&boardid=64&SID=
Apply for a license from the Department of Education
Department of Education
The Department of Education serves as the single repository of education data from school districts, state and community colleges, universities, and independent postsecondary institutions – allowing them to track student performance over time and across varying education sectors. This agency administers a statewide reading initiative for Florida’s public schools, and among community groups and volunteer organizations that support them, with a goal of having every child able to read at or above grade level.
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.fldoe.org/newsroom/public-records-requests.stml.
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Educator Certification
The Florida Department of Education licenses educators within the State of Florida. Educators must hold a certificate to teach in Florida’s public schools and many private schools.
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Educator Certification
K-12 Private Schools
Private schools operating in Florida may be organized as either for-profit or nonprofit entities. Persons opening a private elementary or secondary school in Florida are required to complete two basic steps: (1) establish the private school with the Department of State, Division of Corporations; and (2) register the existence of the private school, once established,
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Private Schools
Visit: http://www.fldoe.org/schools/school-choice/private-schools/opening-a-private-school.stml
Commission for Independent Education
To obtain an initial license to operate in the State of Florida planning to offer degrees, diplomas, or certificate programs, a person must first go through the Commission’s license application process. The process normally takes between 4 and 6 months.
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Independent Postsecondary Institution
Visit: http://www.fldoe.org/policy/cie/new-institution-application.stml
Apply for a license or registration from the Department of Financial Services
Department of Financial Services
The Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) is the agency responsible for providing services and regulating businesses in financial and insurance related professions, as well as serving as the state’s fire marshal and chief financial officer. Financial and insurance related professionals will need to coordinate with DFS 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://www.myfloridacfo.com/division/publicrecords/.
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Division of Insurance Agent and Agency Services
This industry is comprised of businesses primarily engaged in providing insurance education to current and prospective insurance agents and adjusters.
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Insurance Schools
Visit: https://www.myfloridacfo.com/Division/Agents/Licensure/Education/default.htm
Division of Funeral, Cemetery and Consumer Services
This division regulates the death care industry in Florida, including registration of training agencies for funeral directors and embalmers.
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Funeral Director/Embalmer Training Agency Registration
Visit: https://www.myfloridacfo.com/Division/funeralcemetery/Licensing/LicensingApplications.htm
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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911 PST Programs
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Emergency Medical Services (EMS) CE Programs
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Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Training Programs
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Massage Schools License
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Nursing Education Programs License
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Food Sanitation Certificate
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Biomedical Waste Generator Permit/Exemption
Visit: http://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/food-safety-and-sanitation/index.html
Apply for a license from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles provides highway safety and security through excellence in service, education and enforcement. The department is leading the way to a safer Florida through the efficient and professional execution of its core mission: the issuance of driver licenses, vehicle tags and titles and operation of the Florida Highway Patrol.
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.flhsmv.gov/resources/open-government/.
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Commercial Driving School
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Dealer Training School
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Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Program License
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Third Party Administrator
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Third Party Administrator for Commercial Driver License Testing
Visit: https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/education-courses/
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. 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:
- Airmen
- Drone Pilot
- Pilot Flight/Ground School
- Medical Certificate