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Archive for category: Starting a Business

What Licenses and Permits Do I Need to Start My Business?

Blog, SBDC News, Starting a Business

by Christine Jaros | October 30, 2023

Now that you’ve registered your business, obtained your Employee Identification Number (EIN) and opened a business bank account, you need to also explore what licenses, certifications and permits your business needs to legally operate in your location and industry. This is usually the most complicated and confusing step in getting your business up and running. But it doesn’t have to be. Detailed below are a few key topics in understanding what your business needs, where to explore industry/locality requirements, and how to obtain them.

The Business Operating License – For Every Small Business

The Business Operating License is a basic requirement for most businesses that allows you to operate in a city and state. Don’t confuse this license with obtaining your legal business entity via your company registration with the Department of State (Sunbiz). Your company registration essentially creates and recognizes the legal existence of your business. The business operating license is a general blanket license giving you permission to conduct business activities in a city or county.

In the state of Florida, business operating licenses are typically issued by the local government versus being issued at the state level and are based on your business operating locations. It’s important you check with your local municipality or county clerk’s office/website to obtain your business operating license as these licenses vary by city and county and can change over time as well. In addition to filling out an application and paying a small fee, you will need to make sure your business complies with all local zoning, health and safety requirements and regulations which will vary depending on the type of business you have. Know also that some businesses may require inspections or approval by other government departments.

Seller’s Permit

If your business sells goods (products) – whether online or in person, you will need a seller’s permit. This permit gives you authorization to collect sales tax from your customer’s purchases and remit them to the appropriate tax authorities. With regards to E-commerce, Florida defines an E-commerce website as a “dealer”. Florida is also a state that taxes based on destination (versus origination) so the sales tax will be calculated based on where the products are being shipped.

Note also, some services in Florida are subject to sales tax. This includes but is not limited to security services, commercial pest control, non-residential cleaning services and health club memberships. For any questions, check with the Florida Department of Revenues.

Since sales tax rules and rates vary by city, county, and state, you might also consider software to help with your tax collection and remittance. For a seller’s permit, go to the Florida Department of Revenue’s website at Florida Dept. of Revenue – Florida Dept. of Revenue (floridarevenue.com)

Special Permits

Depending on your industry, profession, or business activities, you may require special permits. These can include alcohol licenses, fire permits, health permits, and other industry specific permissions. You can check these requirements on The Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulations (http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR). Here you can also apply for these permits/licenses.

Fictitious/Doing Business As (DBA) Name Statement

Many register a business name when they open their small business but end up operating under a different brand name. If you did not include this brand/fictitious name or DBA (doing business as) name within your initial company registration, you will need to register it now so that you can provide the documentation for transparency to your customers and suppliers. Fictitious name registration can be found here https://dos.fl.gov/sunbiz/start-business/efile/fl-fictitious-name-registration

Industry Licenses and Certifications

Companies in regulated industries – like banking, hair salons, healthcare, veterinary, food services, construction and real estate may need special licenses and certifications that provide customers with the knowledge that these businesses have met specific industry standards and regulations. Since these vary greatly by profession and industry, business owners must check with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations (http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR). There you can search initially by industry, drilling down to the detail of your specific profession/job.

Manufacturing products like cosmetics, perfumes, body lotions, food products, etc. should also check on definitions with regards to cottage industry versus otherwise. You may also need to seek information regarding your regulations on the Florida Food & Drug Administration website at https://www.fdacs.gov/

Overall, it is important to take the time to research and explore what licenses, certifications, and permits your business will need to legally operate in your location and industry. Obtaining the correct license and permits ahead of time can save business owners time and stress when the time comes to do actual business.

Author

Chrissy Jaros

Christine Jaros

Consultants, Jaros, Tampa
Florida SBDC at USF, Tampa
Specialties: E-commerce, Marketing & Sales, Startup Assistance, Organizational Development
Christine Jaros provides business consulting in the areas of startup, business plan development, marketing and sales, e-commerce, finance, wholesaling and retailing, and business management. Before joining the Florida SBDC at USF, Jaros owned her own apparel wholesale sales and consulting business in New York City for 14 years. She has more than 35 years of experience as a professional businesswoman. Jaros built a global-focused career specializing in manufacturing, marketing and sales with organizations including Bidermann Industries, Liz Claiborne Inc, and Hartmarx Corp. Working with iconic brands such as Yves Saint Laurent, Liz Claiborne, Calvin Klein, Polo-Ralph Lauren and Austin Reed, Jaros grew her portfolio of skills to include international sourcing and distribution. She is a certified TTI DISC Certified Professional Behavioral Analyst and TTI DISC Certified Professional Driving Forces Analyst and a certified Associate Business Continuity Professional (ABCP). Jaros obtained her bachelor’s in business management and marketing from Ohio University. She went on to study fashion and apparel in Paris, France, and later received a finance-focused Executive MBA from Pace University in Manhattan.
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Importance of Reporting All Income to the IRS

Blog, Finance, Starting a Business

by Simplice Essou | October 13, 2023 Business ownership can be very rewarding. However, it comes with many responsibilities. One of these responsibilities include the filing of the annual income tax return due by April 15 for businesses. Tax return preparation can be a long and time-consuming process that does not add to the bottom […]

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Importance Of Keeping Adequate Business Records

Blog, Finance, Starting a Business

by Simplice Essou | October 13, 2023 It is crucial for businesses to keep adequate business records for several reasons. Below are some reason why good record keeping is needed in business: Bookkeeping should not be a source of stress for business owners. Having a good accounting software, such as QB Online or Zoho can […]

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Importance of Separating Business Finances from Personal Finances

Blog, Finance, Starting a Business

by Simplice Essou | August 21, 2023 When starting a new business, it is common for business owners to comingle their business and personal finances. However, separating one’s business and personal finances may help maintain a clearer picture of the company’s cash flow and financial health apart from your personal assets and liabilities. Below are […]

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Selecting the Correct Business Entity

Blog, Finance, Starting a Business

by Simplice Essou | July 7, 2023 Selecting the type of business entity to register and operate the business under is one of the most important decisions a new business owner will have to make. This decision is crucial and may have implications on your tax bills, on the number of investors allowed, and the […]

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Navigating Technology Challenges: A Guide for Start-up Businesses

Blog, SBDC News, Starting a Business

by Barry Haynes | June 13, 2023 In today’s digital age, technology plays a pivotal role in the success of start-up businesses. Embracing the right technologies can enhance efficiency, productivity, and customer experience. Meanwhile, neglecting technology can lead to significant setbacks. As start-ups strive to establish themselves in competitive markets, it is essential to address […]

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Franchising Series: How to Evaluate and Buy a Franchise

Blog, Starting a Business

Franchising Series:  How to Evaluate and Buy a Franchise  By Brad Mix | November 1, 2022  In part one and two of this series, we outlined the advantages and disadvantages of becoming a franchise owner, versus starting your own business from scratch. If you’re still interested after weighing the pros and cons, you’ll need to […]

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Franchising Series: The Disadvantages of Being a Franchise Owner

Blog, Starting a Business

by Brad Mix | November 1, 2022  In part one of this series, we itemized the advantages of owning a franchise versus starting your own business from scratch. But there’s also a flipside. Below, we’ll outline the disadvantages of franchising, for the franchisee. Disadvantages of Franchising for the Franchisee Higher Start-up Costs: One of the […]

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Franchising Series: Advantages of Owning a Franchise

Blog, Starting a Business

by Brad Mix | November 1, 2022 When determining what type of small business to start, franchising can be a very appealing market entry strategy. In part one of this series, we’ll discuss the advantages of Becoming a franchise owner over starting your own business from scratch. Advantages of Franchises Proven Business Model: When you […]

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Is it Worth Starting a Cleaning Company?

Blog, Starting a Business

by Simplice Essou, CPA | August 2, 2022 Do you love looking around and seeing everything clean and sparkly? Do you love making a difference in someone’s life by providing them with a clean home? If this is you, then, a cleaning business might be for you. Startup costs are relatively low and therefore it […]

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