In the state of Florida, there are three divisions or departments that issue business licenses. This is why, before starting the licensing process for a business, it's important to consult about the licensing requirements applicable to your idea. Not all businesses require the same licenses. Even businesses that carry out the same operations may require different permits. Before obtaining a business license, consult an expert guide to determine which license applies to your idea and whether there are additional requirements to operate. This step will help you make informed decisions and avoid potential legal obstacles. At License Pro, we offer comprehensive and specialized advisory services to ensure that any business investment is successful and licensable in Florida.
For every client who requests License Pro's services, we inform them that the first step before starting any business process is to conduct an interview. This helps us identify what they want to do and understand their plans. By gathering all the information, we can determine the licenses or licenses that best suit the requirements applicable to the presented idea.
It is not recommended to apply for licenses or permits randomly, but in a specific order, to avoid legal setbacks and unnecessary expenses.
Obtaining the fundamental legal documents to operate is essential to establishing a business and applying for licenses or permits in Florida. Below are key tips for establishing a business on a solid foundation in Florida:
1. The First Step is Planning.
Outline the business idea you want to develop. Research the market to see if your idea already exists. If businesses carry out the same operation, evaluate what activity or service they do not provide. In other words, identify "what does not exist?" Look for information about businesses that compete with your idea and start developing it from the perspective of establishing a difference. Develop new ideas that will distinguish you from other companies. We recommend brainstorming to be innovative. Even if the ideas seem wild initially, don't dismiss them—write them down. Then, study the ideas, organize them, and shape them. In the end, you might have a solid and innovative business.
2. The Second Step is Choosing a Legal Name.
After defining your idea, create a name for the business. It would help if you designed a trade name. It is recommended that the name be short, with a maximum of 3 words. A one or two-word name is ideal.
Next, check the availability of the name in the Florida Department of State records. Verify if the name has been used before and if it carries legal problems. Choosing a unique name that hasn't been previously used is recommended to avoid future legal issues unrelated to your company. Before selecting the business name, research if it is registered on social media. If the name is already registered on social media, avoid adding a period, hyphen, or any other word to the name to register it. This can lead to losses, as businesses tend to be more reliable when their full name appears first in social media searches. People generally do not add periods or symbols when searching for names on social media. Once you select the legal name, you should register the domain for that name. Today, this is the backbone of a business. If you don't purchase it and need it later, you risk someone else buying it, forcing you to try to buy it at whatever price the owner wants to sell it for. This can be very costly.
3. The third step is registering the business name with the Florida Division of Corporations.
When registering the business with its name, ensure the address is commercial. For protection, it's not recommended to make your home address public. If you don't have a commercial space, consider renting generally affordable virtual offices.
4. The Fourth Step is Applying for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) with the IRS.
This number is intended to identify the business for tax and banking purposes. You should apply for the EIN after receiving approval for your corporate entity registration. This number is vital to establishing a business. It is required to open commercial bank accounts and process business licenses.
5. The Fifth Step is Identifying Specific State and Municipal License and Permit Requirements Necessary to Operate the Business Legally.
An essential detail is ensuring your business's commercial activity is approved under the property's zoning before renting a location. If you are unaware of this, it is essential to find out before renting. Otherwise, this can result in high costs in the permitting process.
The applicable business licenses and permits will depend on specific factors of your business. Consideration is given to the activity to be carried out, the location from which the company will operate, the items for sale, and the services to be offered. The response to these factors will determine the license or permit applicable to your business.
6. The Sixth Step is Applying for an Occupational License.
Every business in the state of Florida must obtain an occupational license. The license required will depend on the business's location. If the company is under the jurisdiction of a city in the county, it is typically required to obtain both a city and county occupational license. Only a county occupational license is required if the business is in the county.
7. The seventh step is registering the business with the Florida Department of Revenue to comply with state tax obligations.
It is essential to apply for the Sales & Use Tax certification. We recommend registering when you are ready to start buying and making sales.
8. The Eighth Step is Ensuring You Develop a Solid Marketing Plan to Promote Your Business.
Consider choosing a company or provider with a marketing plan within your budget. The company must understand the Central Florida market, which includes branding, advertising, and social media strategies.
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