Rooming and Boarding Houses
This industry comprises businesses primarily engaged in operating rooming and boarding houses and similar facilities, such as fraternity houses, sorority houses, off-campus dormitories, residential clubs, and workers’ camps. These establishments provide temporary or longer-term accommodations which, for the period of occupancy, may serve as a principal residence. These establishments also may provide complementary services, such as housekeeping, meals, and laundry services.
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This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in operating rooming and boarding houses and similar facilities, such as fraternity houses, sorority houses, off-campus dormitories, residential clubs, and workers’ camps. These establishments provide temporary or longer-term accommodations which, for the period of occupancy, may serve as a principal residence. These establishments also may provide complementary services, such as housekeeping, meals, and laundry services.
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.
Rooming and boarding houses do not require a business license from the State of Florida to operate. However, if you wish to prepare food on the premises, you may need to obtain a state license for that purpose from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
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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A tax imposed on each sale of communications services in Florida, including cable and satellite television, video and music streaming, telephone service (e.g., landline, VoIP, charges made by a hotel or motel), and mobile communications.
Providers must register for communications services tax online or complete a Florida Business Tax Application (Form DR-1). -
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.
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These local option taxes apply to rentals, leases, and licenses to use living quarters or sleeping or housekeeping accommodations for a term of six (6) months or less. In addition to sales tax, businesses must collect the applicable tourist development tax from the purchaser at the time of sale.
If the tax is administered by the Department of Revenue, it must be reported and remitted with sales and use tax. No additional registration is required.
If the tax is administered locally by the county, it must be reported and remitted according to the county’s filing schedule. Registration with the county is required.
Apply for a food service license from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (optional)
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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Division of Hotels and Restaurants
This division licenses and regulates public food service establishments in Florida. Most establishments require a plan review and inspection before a license is approved, so be sure to leave time for these processes.
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Fixed public food service establishments that provide and maintain accommodations for consumption of food on the premises of the establishment or under the control of the establishment, or for which the sole service provided is intended as take-out or delivery.
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.