How to Start a Business in Florida in 2026
How to Start a Business in Florida in 2026
Florida is one of the best states to start a business. No personal income tax, a massive consumer market, and a straightforward registration process make it a popular choice for entrepreneurs across the country.
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Why Florida Is Great for Business
- No state income tax, like Texas, Florida has no personal income tax on LLC earnings
- No LLC franchise tax, Florida charges an annual report fee but no franchise tax
- Strong economy, Florida's GDP is larger than most countries. Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville are all major business markets
- Tourism and hospitality hub, if your business serves tourists or the lifestyle market, the customer base is massive
- Low cost of living (outside Miami), lower labor costs than California or New York
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Step 1: Choose Your Business Structure
An LLC is the right choice for most Florida small businesses. It provides personal liability protection and avoids the $400+ corporate filing fees.
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Step 2: Name Your Florida Business
Florida LLC name requirements:
- Must be unique, search Sunbiz.orgSunbiz.orghttps://search.sunbiz.org/Inquiry/CorporationSearch/ByName to check availability
- Must include "LLC," "L.L.C.," "Limited Liability Company," or "Limited Liability Co."
- Cannot use words like "Bank," "Insurance," or "University" without special approval
Also check your domain and social media handles before committing.
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Step 3: File Articles of Organization with Sunbiz
Florida's business filings are handled through the Division of Corporations at [Sunbiz.org](https://dos.myflorida.com/sunbiz/)
File online at [dos.myflorida.com/sunbiz](https://dos.myflorida.com/sunbiz/)
Required information:
- LLC name
- Principal business address
- Registered agent name and Florida address
- Member/manager names and addresses
Filing fee: $125
Processing time: 1–2 business days online
Florida is one of the fastest states for LLC formation.
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Step 4: Appoint a Florida Registered Agent
Required, must have a Florida street address. Same options as other states: be your own agent or hire a service ($49–$125/year).
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Step 5: Get Your EIN
Free at IRS.gov/EINIRS.gov/EINhttps://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online. Instant online.
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Step 6: Understand Florida Taxes
No personal income tax. Florida is one of nine states with no state income tax. LLC members don't pay state income tax on pass-through earnings.
Florida sales tax: 6% state rate. Counties add up to 2% surtax, Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Orange County all have additional surtaxes. Average combined rate: 7–8%.
Register for a Florida Sales and Use Tax permit at floridarevenue.comfloridarevenue.comhttps://floridarevenue.com if you sell taxable products or services.
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Step 7: File the Annual Report
Florida LLCs must file an Annual Report by May 1 each year.
Fee: $138.75
This is not an income report, it just confirms your LLC's current information (address, registered agent, members). File at Sunbiz.orgSunbiz.orghttps://dos.myflorida.com/sunbiz/.
If you miss May 1: A $400 late fee applies. If not filed by September 30, the LLC is administratively dissolved.
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Step 8: Get Florida Business Licenses and Permits
Florida has no single statewide business license, but:
Professional licenses: Florida is strict about professional licensing. Required for contractors, healthcare providers, cosmetologists, real estate agents, accountants, engineers, and many other professions. Check the Department of Business and Professional RegulationDepartment of Business and Professional Regulationhttps://www.myfloridalicense.com.
Local business licenses: Most Florida cities and counties require a Local Business Tax Receipt (formerly called an Occupational License). Fees vary, typically $25–$100/year. Check with your county.
Food service businesses: Require a Florida Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
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Total Cost to Start a Florida Business
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (Sunbiz) | $125 |
| Registered agent service (optional) | $49–$125/year |
| EIN | Free |
| Annual Report (ongoing) | $138.75/year |
| Local Business Tax Receipt | $25–$100/year |
| Total first year | $300–$500 |
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Florida Business Resources
- Sunbiz.org, Florida LLC formation and annual reports
- Florida SBDC Network, free consulting at 40+ locations statewide
- Enterprise Florida, state economic development, incentives
- SCORE Florida, free mentoring in Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville
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