Start a Business
While there’s no single path to starting a business, there are decisions nearly every business owner will need to make. This page provides an overview for understanding the major steps in getting started, preparing for what comes next, and finding resources that can help.
You do not have to complete every step in the order shown, and the requirements for your business may vary. When you’re ready, explore our Requirements page to identify licenses, permits, registrations, and other obligations that may apply to your specific business.
Get Free Help Along the Way
You don’t have to navigate the process of starting a business on your own. The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network offers no-cost, confidential consulting and training to help entrepreneurs start, manage, and grow their businesses.
SBDC consultants can help you work through many of the decisions covered in the steps below, from developing a business plan and exploring financing options to choosing a business structure and researching your market.
Connect With a Florida SBDC
Build Your Business Plan
Your idea is the beginning, but a business plan provides the roadmap for bringing it to life. It helps you define what your business will offer, understand your market and competition, set goals, estimate costs and revenue, and determine how your business will operate and grow. A strong business plan can also be important when seeking financing or investment.
As you develop your plan, consider some of the fundamental questions about your business:
- What product or service will you provide?
- Who are your customers?
- What makes your business different?
- What will it cost to start and operate?
- How will you reach customers and generate revenue?
Find Business Planning Resources
Plan How You Will Fund Your Business
Starting and growing a business requires capital. Your options may include personal funds, loans, microloans, investors or other financing programs. The right approach depends on your business, financial position and goals.
When considering your financial options, be sure to:
- Estimate startup and operating costs before seeking financing.
- Understand the terms, repayment requirements and ownership implications of each option.
- Use qualified business assistance when evaluating financing choices.
Explore Funding Resources
Choose a Business Structure
Your business structure can affect taxes, paperwork, personal liability, control of the business, and your ability to raise money. Common structures include sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs), and corporations.
Your legal business structure and federal tax classification are not always the same. For example, a business may be formed as an LLC in Florida and elect to be taxed as an S corporation for federal tax purposes.
Because your choice of structure can have important legal and tax implications, consider speaking with an attorney, CPA, or Florida SBDC consultant before making a decision.
Business Structure Resources
Choose Your Business Name & Register Your Business
Once you’ve chosen a business structure, it’s time to select a name and complete any required state business filings. If you’re forming an LLC, corporation, or nonprofit corporation in Florida, you’ll file formation documents with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations. If you operate under a name other than your legal name or registered entity name, you may also need to register a fictitious name.
Before moving forward:
- Search Florida’s business records to see if the name you want is already registered.
- Determine whether you need to register a business entity, a fictitious name, or both.
- Make sure the name you choose fits how you plan to present and grow your business.
Search or Register Your Business Name
Understand Your Tax Responsibilities
Your tax responsibilities will depend on your business structure, activities, employees, and location. Depending on your business, you may need a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN), register to collect or pay Florida taxes, and meet local business tax requirements.
As you get started:
- Determine whether you need an EIN from the IRS. (An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a federal tax ID issued by the IRS that is used to identify a business for tax and other business purposes. Think of it like a Social Security number for your business.)
- Identify which Florida taxes apply to your business and whether you need to register with the Florida Department of Revenue.
- Check whether your city or county requires you to register your business locally and pay a local business tax.
- If you plan to hire employees, review employment-related tax and reporting requirements.
Explore Tax Resources
Identify Licenses, Permits + Registrations
The licenses, permits, and registrations you need depend on what your business does and where it operates. Requirements may come from federal, state, county, or municipal government, and some businesses may be regulated by more than one agency.
Before you open, determine:
- Whether your business or profession requires a state license or registration.
- Whether your city or county has additional licensing, permitting, or registration requirements.
- Whether your business activities require a federal license or permit.
- Whether you need operational permits or approvals related to your location or activities.
Find My Business Requirements
Protect Your Business
Insurance can help protect your business, property, employees, and finances from unexpected losses. The coverage you need will depend on your industry, business structure, location, employees, and specific risks. Consider speaking with a licensed insurance professional or Florida SBDC consultant to help identify the coverage your business may need.
Common types of business insurance include:
- Workers’ compensation
- Commercial automobile
- General liability
- Professional liability
- Property and flood coverage
- Business interruption and cyber/data-breach coverage
Insurance Resources
Prepare to Hire
Hiring employees brings new responsibilities for taxes, reporting, employment eligibility verification, workers’ compensation, workplace notices, and recordkeeping.
Before hiring your first employee:
- Obtain or confirm your EIN.
- Set up payroll and tax records.
- Complete required employment eligibility verification.
- Report new hires as required.
- Review workers’ compensation requirements.
- Post required workplace notices and maintain required employment records.
Hiring Resources
Know Where to Turn for Help
In addition to the Florida SBDC, federal, state, and local organizations offer specialized assistance with financing, taxes, licensing, workforce needs, government contracting, and other aspects of starting and growing a business. Explore our Support page to find organizations, programs, and resources that can help.
Find Business Assistance
Keep the Full Guide Handy
The Guide to Starting a Business in Florida provides more detailed information on many of the topics covered here, along with a quick-reference guide and additional resources.
View the eGuide
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