Resources

Looking for someone to help you understand Florida’s licensing requirements?  Do you need a little guidance with your business concept?  Do you need help developing and finalizing your business plan?  If you do, you have come to the right place.  There are a wide variety of resources available to provide the answers you need, help you navigate through the licensing process and help you fulfill your dream of opening your own business!

Getting Started

  • Portal eGuide
    The “OpenMyFloridaBusiness Guide to Starting a Business in Florida” provides basic business start-up information and supplementary resources to the portal’s business-specific checklists.  Available in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole.
  • State Library of Florida
    Visit the Department of State’s comprehensive website with additional resources for starting a business in Florida.
  • Florida Department of Revenue
    File and pay state taxes with the state’s General Tax Administration Program.
  • Florida Department of State
    Search corporate records, and register your business structure or company’s fictitious name with this agency.
  • U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
    If you have employees or file certain types of tax returns, you may be required to register for an Employer Identification Number (EIN).
  • Florida City Websites
    In addition to the state requirements addressed by this portal, business owners should be aware of local government requirements, especially local business taxes (occupational licenses), building permits and inspections, planning and zoning, and community and economic development opportunities.
  • Florida County Websites
    Florida’s county governments require various licenses, permits and filings above and beyond state requirements, depending on the type of business you wish to open.

More State Resources

    • FloridaCommerce
      The Department of Commerce 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.
    • Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Hurricane Guide
      DBPR has developed a Hurricane Guide which provides hurricane checklists and other resources.
    • Disaster Preparedness and Recovery
      Protect your investment by preparing a disaster plan for your business. This website is sponsored by the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM).
    • Select Florida
      SelectFlorida is the state of Florida’s official international commerce organization, serving as a catalyst for economic development, economic diversification into targeted industries, and high-wage job creation for Floridians
    • Florida Association of Counties
      Find out about public services and opportunities related to Florida counties and their governments.
    • Florida Chamber of Commerce
      The chamber is a Florida business organization whose goal is to further the interest of businesses in Florida.
    • Florida League of Cities
      Find your municipality to discover information about local events and government requirements.
    • Florida Lottery
      Enhance profits and client base by becoming a lottery retailer.
    • Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR)
      Explore the different insurance options available for businesses in Florida.
    • Florida’s Small Business Development Center Network (FLSBDC)
      State designated as Florida’s principal provider of small business assistance, the network provides no-cost, professional business consulting, in-person and on-demand training, and access to business research resources to help Florida businesses—no matter their stage of business—grow and succeed.

    • MyFloridaMarketplace (MFMP)
      MFMP is the State of Florida’s online exchange for buyers and vendors.  If you would like to do business with state agencies in Florida, you will have to register with MFMP.
    • North Florida Economic Development Partnership
      The North Florida Economic Development Partnership (NFEDP) is a public/private, 501c(6) entity dedicated to facilitating economic development activity and high quality job growth, and securing capital investment in the 15-county region comprising North Central Florida: Baker, Bradford, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Putnam, Suwannee, Taylor, and Union counties.

  • Opportunity Florida
    Opportunity Florida is an economic development organization committed to growing the regional economy in Northwest Florida counties of Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty, Wakulla and Washington.
  • Southwest Florida Economic Development Alliance
    The goal of Southwest Florida Economic Development Alliance is to draw business development to the five counties comprising Southwest Florida, including Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Hendry, and Glades County.
  • Visit Florida
    Visit Florida is the state’s official sales and marketing organization that promotes Florida tourism through sales, advertising, promotions, public relations and visitor services programs.

Federal Resources

    • Grants.gov
      Grants.gov is an E-Government initiative operating under the governance of the Office of Management and Budget.  Grants.gov is an E-Government initiative operating under the governance of the Office of Management and Budget and was chartered to deliver a system that provides a centralized location for grant seekers to find and apply for federal funding opportunities.

  • Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) Program 
    The SBIC program, which is regulated by the SBA, works with private investment funds to provide growth capital to small businesses in the U.S.
  • U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
    This bureau in the U.S. Department of Labor is the principal federal agency responsible for measuring labor market activity, working conditions, and price changes in the economy. It is a great resource for nationwide, regional and statewide statistical information affecting business.
  • U.S. Department of Labor
    This federal agency’s mission is to foster, promote, and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers, and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights. Its website is a great resource for understanding federal requirements for employers and employees.

Employment

  • New Employee Registration
    Florida law requires employers to report new and re-hired employees to the Department of Revenue.  Beginning October 1, 2021, Florida businesses will be required to report new hire information for independent contractors to the Florida Child Support Program. To learn more about the requirements, read section 409.2576, F.S.
  • Employee Eligibility
    Employers must verify the employment eligibility of newly hired employees by registering at the E-Verify website sponsored by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
  • Posting of Required Notices
    Employers are required to display certain posters in an easily-viewed area of the workplace to inform employees of their rights and employer responsibilities under federal and state labor laws.
  • Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
    This is a division of the Florida Department of Education that helps people with disabilities find and maintain employment and enhance their independence.  Visit their website to take advantage of the resources they offer and see the benefits available to employers.
  • Workers’ Compensation Insurance
    More information about worker’s compensation insurance can be found at the Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Workers’ Compensation website.

Other Resources

    • Better Business Bureau – Florida Business Resources
      This toolkit is a valuable resource to help Florida entrepreneurs start, grow and build trust for their business, provided by the West Florida branch of the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Explore their website to find out more about your local chapter and how accreditation can benefit your business.
    • Business Network International (BNI) America
      BNI’s mission is to help members increase their business through a structured, positive and professional referral marketing program that enables them to develop long-term relationships with business professionals.

    • National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB)
      The NFIB represents 325,000 small businesses in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., and is dedicated to leveling the playing field with Big Business, Big Government, and Big Labor in every key area – taxes, healthcare, regulations, and more.
    • Small Business Nation
      This is a project started by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce designed to help small business owners start and grow their business.

  • U.S. Chamber of Commerce
    The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business organization representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions.