How To Start a Business in Florida: 12 Essential Steps

Florida offers unique opportunities for entrepreneurs across its diverse regions. From Miami’s bustling markets to Key West’s local charm, the state provides a supportive environment for new businesses.

“Florida is like several different states in one. Each region offers its own distinct business climate and resources,” says Nancy Allen, president and CEO of the Women’s Business Enterprise Council of Florida. “Wherever you go in Florida, you can plug into a support system designed to foster businesses from startups through established companies.”

This guide walks you through starting your Florida business, with resources and steps to help you succeed.

12 essential steps to start a business in Florida

1. Choose your business idea
2. Name your business
3. Create a business plan
4. Choose a business structure
5. Select a registered agent and register
6. Get an EIN
7. Pay state taxes
8. Obtain licenses and permits
9. Get insurance
10. Open a business bank account
11. Get funding
12. Market your business

1. Choose your business idea

Whether you’ve been planning your business for years or just started brainstorming, take time to develop your business idea. Make sure your concept has a strong market, offers real business potential, and aligns with your goals as a business owner.

2. Name your business

Use a business name generator to create a shortlist of potential business names, then search the Division of Corporations’ online database to check availability. You’ll also want to check the US Patent and Trademark Office database for trademarks.

If you’re starting an LLC or corporation, remember to include required terms like “limited liability company” or “corporation” in your name. For sole proprietorships, your name will be part of the company’s legal name.

Want a different public-facing name? You can register a fictitious name, also known as a DBA (doing business as), that doesn’t include your legal name or terms like “incorporated.” Don’t forget to check domain availability using a domain name generator.

3. Create a business plan

Your business plan helps you stay organized and focused on your goals. It’s also essential if you plan to apply for funding.

A strong business plan outlines your:

• Company description
• Market analysis
• Management and organization
• Products and services
• Customer segmentation
• Marketing plan
• Logistics and operations plan
• Financial plan

Start with a business plan template and study business plan examples from successful businesses for inspiration.

4. Choose a business structure

When starting your Florida business, you’ll need to choose between three different types of business structures: sole proprietorship, limited liability company (LLC), and corporation. Each structure has different benefits and requirements.

Sole proprietorship

A sole proprietorship is the simplest and most affordable way to start a business in Florida. You’re the sole owner, which means you keep all profits but are also personally responsible for any liabilities like lawsuits or debts.

This structure works well if you’re an individual service provider or producer who doesn’t plan to expand or hire employees. Common examples include accountants, artisans, musicians, and consultants.

Limited liability company

A limited liability company (or LLC) combines the simplicity of a sole proprietorship with legal protections similar to a corporation. While you’ll pay federal taxes, Florida doesn’t require state taxes for LLCs.

To start a Florida LLC, you’ll need to submit Articles of Organization. with a $125 filing fee. This document includes your business name, contact information, and address. While not required by law, consider creating an operating agreement to outline how your LLC will be managed..

Corporation

A corporation separates owners from the business, protecting personal assets from lawsuits and debts. While it’s the most complex and expensive structure to set up, corporations can issue stock to raise money from investors and attract talented employees.

To form a corporation in Florida, first submit Articles of Incorporation to the Florida Division of Corporations, following their requirements.You’ll then need to prepare corporate bylaws following the Florida Business Corporation Act, which determines your operation’s structure and governance. Use a template to make this process easier.

Florida requires corporations to have a board of directors for oversight and management. Rules regarding who can be a director can be found in the Florida Business Corporation Act. Once appointed, hold your first board meeting to make it official. During this meeting, you’ll typically issue stock—which helps distribute ownership, raise funds, and potentially attract experienced staff and advisers. Extensive information on the regulations that apply to stock, how to issue stock, and more, is available in the statutes of the Florida Business Corporation Act.

5. Select a registered agent and register

A registered agent receives court documents on behalf of your LLC or corporation. While your business can’t serve as its own agent in Florida, you can choose someone affiliated with your business or a legal entity like a law firm.

List the name and contact details of your registered agent in your Articles of Organization or Incorporation. Then, register your business by filing your registration documents through Sunbiz.org. and pay the filing fee ($125 for LLCs, $70 for corporations). Online filings typically take three to five business days to process.

6. Get an EIN

A federal employer identification number (EIN) works like a Social Security number for your business. Apply for an EIN for free through the IRS website, or submit your application by fax, mail, or phone.

7. Pay state taxes

Florida businesses pay a 5.5% state corporate income/franchise tax through the Florida Department of Revenue. While there’s no state personal income tax, you need to collect sales and use taxes.

The state charges a 6% sales tax on most goods and services, with some exceptions. Counties may also collect their own discretionary sales surtaxes for businesses operating in their region. Florida offers various business tax incentives to encourage business growth in the state.

8. Obtain licenses and permits

While Florida doesn’t require a general business license, certain industries need specific licenses. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation and Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services oversee licensing for activities like alcohol sales, construction contracting, and landscaper architecture.

Since Florida doesn’t have a unified licensing system, check with relevant state agencies to understand your specific requirements.

9. Get insurance

Your Florida business will likely need several types of business insurance coverage:

• General liability: protects against common business risks
• Professional liability: covers service-based businesses
• Workers’ compensation: required if you have employees

Check with the Florida Department of Financial Services to understand your specific coverage requirements, which vary by industry and number of employees.

10. Open a business bank account

A dedicated business bank account helps separate your personal and business finances. Look for accounts with low monthly fees, reasonable minimum balance requirements, and competitive transaction fees. Consider working with a business accountant to help manage your finances effectively.

11. Get funding

You’ll also want to consider business funding. Some options include:

• Self-funding: works well if you have minimal startup costs
• Small business loans: provide competitive rates for ongoing funding needs
• Florida state grants: offer funding you don’t need to repay
• Small Business Administration (SBA) loans: provide government-backed financing with competitive rates and low fees

12. Market your business

Marketing helps your business succeed by showcasing your value to potential customers. Here’s how to build a strong marketing foundation:

Brand your business

Create a brand that captures your business’s unique value and resonates with customers. Start with a memorable logo using an online logo maker, then choose colors and imagery that reflect your brand’s personality. Add a compelling tagline (check out a slogan maker for inspiration) and consistent fonts to unify your look across platforms.

Your brand voice should stay consistent in all communications, from social media to your website to your email newsletters. Tapping into brand storytelling is an effective way to leverage your brand tone and voice, and build community and trust in the process. Define your ideal customer and position your brand identity to stand out from competitors.

Build a business website

Every business needs a website, whether you sell online or in-person. Your site helps customers find you through search and learn more about your products and services. Create a branded, user-friendly website that’s easy to navigate. Platforms like Shopify let you build and launch a professional site quickly, even without design or coding experience.

Promote your business

Create a marketing plan to guide your promotion and help you sell more products and services. Effective strategies include networking and exploring co-marketing opportunities with complementary businesses.

“Nurture relationships, because people do business with people they know, they like, and they trust,” advises Allen.

Your marketing plan helps you find and grow your audience while keeping promotional efforts on track. Include:

• An executive summary that outlines your overall plan
• A mission statement describing your goals and business philosophy
• Clear objectives for what you want to achieve
• A SWOT analysis to identify strengths and areas for improvement
• Market research about your industry, potential customers, and competitors
• A market strategy for reaching customers and establishing your unique value proposition
• A realistic budget to keep finances in check

Review these marketing plan examples to help you get started and stay focused on your goals.

Industries that thrive in Florida

Tourism and hospitality

Tourism plays a major role in Florida’s economy, accounting for 10% of the state’s Gross State Product (GSP) and contributing $127.7 billion in 2023. The state’s warm climate, world-famous attractions like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, and beautiful beaches create opportunities for entertainment venues, restaurants, and hotels.

Real estate and construction

Florida’s population continues to grow even as US population growth slows. With 23.3 million residents as of July 2024, the state offers significant opportunities in residential, commercial, and infrastructure development for real estate professionals and construction companies.

Healthcare and biotechnology

Florida has invested heavily in healthcare and biotechnology, becoming a leader in several key areas:

• The state ranks second nationally in medical device manufacturing
• Second in pharmaceuticals manufacturing
• Fourth in biotech research and development

Major organizations like The Scripps Research Institute have established centers in Florida, further strengthening this sector. 

Agriculture and agribusiness

Florida’s agricultural secƒtor thrives thanks to favorable weather and diverse ecosystems. In 2023, the state supported more than 44,400 commercial farms across 9.7 million acres. Miami-Dade County leads the nation in ornamental plant production, and ranks second in Florida for overall farm value. Key products include:

• Valencia oranges
• Watermelons 
• Bell peppers
• Grapefruit
• Sweet corn

Environmental services

Florida’s unique natural areas—from swamps to beaches—create opportunities in environmental protection and conservation. New businesses can partner with government and private organizations to help preserve these vital ecosystems.

Transportation and logistics

Florida serves as a gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean, moving over $1 trillion in freight value in 2022. Major seaports like PortMiami and Port Tampa Bay generate $61.4 billion and $34.6 billion in economic value respectively.

The state’s logistics sector employs more than 500,000 professionals across 11,500 businesses, supporting everything from freight handling to supply chain management.

*This post is for information only. You are responsible for reviewing and using this information appropriately. This content doesn’t contain and isn’t meant to provide legal, tax, or business advice. Requirements are updated frequently and you should make sure to do your own research and reach out to professional legal, tax, and business advisers, as needed. Businesses outside of Florida will have different steps and requirements. To sell products using the Shopify platform, you must comply with the laws of the jurisdiction of your business and your customers, the Shopify Terms of Service, the Shopify Acceptable Use Policy, and any other applicable policies.

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