Registration and Identification
Your Florida business entity’s 6- or 12-digit number assigned during its initial registration is necessary for procedures and filings.
The main state-level permit in Florida is the Annual Resale Certificate for Sales Tax. You must obtain it if:
- You are engaged in a Florida business
- Intend to sell taxable goods or services
- Your Florida business entity’s document number is assigned during initial registration by the Department of State’s Division of Corporations. It is necessary for procedures and filings like your company’s annual report.
Florida driver’s licenses and ID cards contain 13 alphanumeric document numbers. The format is one letter followed by 12 numbers. All Florida driver’s licenses and ID cards include expiration dates.
In addition to a federal tax ID number, your Florida business may need a Florida state tax ID number, issued by the state government. To get an EIN, submit a Form SS-4 online, by phone, mail or fax.
Licensing Requirements
To conduct a trade or provide services in Florida, apply for and get granted a professional license. The Department’s Division of Professions approves over 360,000 Florida professionals.
Most Florida counties require a business tax receipt to legally operate there.
A certified copy of an original document is made by a notary public, lawyer or commissioner.
To verify a Florida contractor license, call the Department of Business & Professional Regulation at (850) 487-1395 with the licensee’s information.
To get your Florida attorney license, complete pre-licensing courses and graduate from an accredited law school before taking your state bar exam.
Finding Your Business License Number
To find your business document number:
- Search for your information.
- Click your business name in the results.
- Your document number is the first item under “Filing Information”.
How Much Is a Business License in Florida?
There is no fee for applying for your Florida business tax receipt or BTC. Local licenses and permits cost from $25 to a few hundred dollars, with an annual renewal fee required for existing licenses or permits. Renew at the department or agency where the original application was filed.
Obtaining a Business License in Florida
Visit the Florida Department of Revenue website to obtain an Annual Resale Certificate for Sales Tax.
Many industries and professions are required to have a separate business license in Florida. More information about these licensing requirements can be found at the Florida Department of State.
A Fictitious Business Name (FBN) or Doing Business As (DBA) registration may also be necessary.
For state-wide business licenses, Florida does not require them just to exist as a business, but specific types of businesses are licensed by state-level agencies.
In Orlando, there is a one-time processing fee of $50 for obtaining a business tax receipt.
Florida licenses ensure businesses comply with laws, regulations, and standards in their respective industries.
To apply for a Florida business license, register your business, identify necessary licenses and permits, and submit applications to the appropriate agencies.
Register Your Business
- Register your business with the Florida Department of State.
- Choose a legal structure, such as an LLC or corporation.
Remember to check both local and federal licensure requirements, and note that some businesses may not need a license to operate online.