Florida Business License
Operating a business in Florida requires obtaining a Florida business license called an Annual Resale Certificate for Sales Tax—i.e., a seller’s permit or business tax receipt. Florida businesses can obtain a business operating license online, by mail, or in person.
Besides a general business license, other business licenses may be required for commercial certifications, per professional regulation, and to comply with local, county, and federal requirements.
We provide the information and resources needed to get federal, state, and local licenses and permits for your small business.
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How to Get a Business License in FL
A new business can get a business license online, by mail, or in person by applying with the correct licensing or regulatory agency.
Business licensing requirements generally depend on your business’s activity and location (zoning requirements).
There are three main licensing jurisdictions:
- State
- Local
- Federal
State of Florida Business Licensing
The main state-level permit or license in Florida is the Annual Resale Certificate for Sales Tax, often called a seller’s permit, Florida business license, or business tax receipt.
You must obtain an Annual Resale Certificate for Sales Tax if you:
- Are engaged in business in Florida
- Intend to sell taxable goods or services.
Visit the Florida Department of Revenue website to obtain an Annual Resale Certificate for Sales Tax.
Additionally, many industries and professions are required to have a separate business license in Florida. You can find more information about these licensing requirements from the Florida Department of State.
Steps for Obtaining a Business License in Florida
Florida Annual Resale Certificate
You can fill out a business license application to register for a Florida Annual Resale Certificate for Sales Tax online, by mail, or in person.
Apply for a Florida Annual Resale Certificate for Sales Tax
OPTION 1: Apply Online With the Florida Department of Revenue
Apply Online– OR –
OPTION 2: Apply by Mail or in Person
Download FormFee: None
Mailing Address:
Account Management MS 1-5730
Florida Department of Revenue
5050 W. Tennessee St.
Tallahassee FL 32399-0160
Office Address: Taxpayer Service Center Index
Renewal
The Florida Annual Resale Certificate for Sales Tax expires each year on December 31, but the Department of Revenue automatically renews the certificate and sends it to you.
Contact the relevant state or local government office and county tax collectors about renewal requirements for any additional licenses your business has.
Local Business Licenses
In Florida, you may need a local business tax receipt and other licenses or permits from your local government depending on your business activity or location.
For example, a plumber in Miami-Dade County must obtain a county business license through the county tax collector, but may also need to obtain state-level construction contractor licenses per Florida law.
Check with your local Florida government office for more information.
Other Florida Business Licenses
The process for obtaining other Florida business licenses that you may need varies depending on the type of business and the office that regulates that industry or profession.
You can find more information about these licensing processes from the Florida Division of Library and Information Services or by contacting your local government office.
Federal Business Licenses and Permits
You can get a business license by applying with the correct licensing and regulatory agency for your business. Business licensing requirements depend on your business’s activity and location (zoning requirements).
If your business conducts activities that are regulated by the federal government, you will need to apply for the appropriate business license or permit.
Choose a business activity below to learn how to apply:
Agriculture
Alcoholic beverages
Aviation
Firearms, ammunition, and explosives
Fish and wildlife
Commercial fisheries
Maritime transportation
Nuclear energy
Radio and television broadcasting
Transportation and logistics
Visit our review of the best licensing service providers to learn more about the different professional services that can help you research and apply for business licenses and permits.
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FL Business License FAQ
What is a business license?
A business license is a permit issued to businesses by a government office that allows the business to operate in a particular area. They can be issued by federal, state, or local governments. There are typically different licensing requirements for different businesses and different locations.
What are the types of business licenses?
There are many types of business licenses. These include licenses at the local, state, and federal levels, licenses related to sales tax and other taxes, and specific licenses for various professions. There are also environmental licenses, zoning permits, and more.
Is there a national business license?
Most businesses don’t need a federal business license, but some industries, including broadcasting, investment advising, and drug manufacturing, do have federal regulations and licenses.
Is an EIN the same as a business license?
No. An employer identification number (EIN) is issued by the IRS to identify and keep track of businesses, but it does not license them to operate.
Is an LLC considered a business license?
No. An LLC is a type of business structure. While you are required to register as an LLC, it is not a business license.
Who needs a business license in Florida?
Any business that sells taxable goods or services will need an Annual Resale Certificate for Sales Tax, often called a seller’s permit. Businesses in certain locations or professions will also need other licenses. And after businesses have performed a Florida LLC search and formed an LLC, it’s then necessary to get a business license.
What licenses do I need to open a business in Florida?
Most businesses will at least need a Florida Annual Resale Certificate for Sales Tax. Some professions and locations require additional licenses.
What is a seller’s permit?
A seller’s permit is the common name for a license or permit that allows you to sell products or services. This is called an Annual Resale Certificate for Sales Tax in Florida.
How much does a Florida business license cost?
There is no filing fee for a Florida Annual Resale Certificate for Sales Tax. The cost of other Florida licenses varies.
How do I get a Florida business license?
You can register for a Florida annual resale certificate online, by mail, or in person. To register online, use the Department of Revenue website. The process to obtain other Florida business licenses varies.
Do I have to renew my Florida business license?
The Florida Annual Resale Certificate expires each year on Dec. 31, but the Department of Revenue automatically renews the certificate and sends it to you. Contact the relevant state or local government office about renewal requirements for any additional licenses your business has.