How Much Does a Business License Cost in Florida?

The Sunshine State is a great place to start an LLC because Florida has no personal income tax, so most LLC profits that pass through to members aren’t taxed by the state (LLCs taxed as C-corps pay the 5.5% corporate income tax). The state sales tax is 6%, plus a county surtax.

But before you start a business in Florida, you must know what business licenses you need and the associated Florida LLC fees.

So, how much does a business license cost in Florida?

Let’s find out. 

What is a business license?

A business license is a general term for any licenses, permits, or certifications your state, county, or city requires before you can sell goods or provide services.

The business licenses you’ll need, and the associated Florida LLC costs, depend on your location and the services or products you’ll provide. 

Let’s look at which business licenses you might need and their costs next:

What is the cost of a business license in Florida?

The business license cost in Florida varies by location, business nature, and size, and some counties/cities require annual renewal. 

Here are some business license examples to give you an idea of what you might need to start your business in Florida:

• Florida business tax receipt: Florida doesn’t require or issue a state business tax receipt (also known as a business license). However, most start-ups need a county or city business tax receipt (BTR). Fees vary by county, city and business type, from a few dollars to several hundred dollars or more.
• Home occupation permit: Entrepreneurs starting a home-run business must apply for a home occupation permit from their local zoning board or county clerk’s office. Fees vary by city or county.
• Professional occupational licenses: Certain occupations, like attorneys, healthcare facilitators, realtors, and accountants, need a professional occupation license. Fees vary by profession and board.
• Agriculture and consumer licenses: Dealers in agricultural products (businesses buying and reselling agricultural products within Florida) must apply for this license from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) to ensure their businesses meet health and legal requirements. The license cost depends on the surety bond amount: a $5,000 to $9,999 bond = $170 license fee, a $10,000 to $14,999 bond = $230 license fee, and a bond of $15,000 or more = $300 license fee.
• Seller’s permit: Any business that sells certain taxable products or services to Sunshine State residents must get a sales tax permit from the Florida Department of Revenue. Registering online is free.
• Federal licenses and permits: Besides state and local licenses, some businesses must get a federal license, including those that prepare meat products, work in agriculture, or sell firearms, tobacco, or alcohol. Visit the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) website for fees and requirements.

What are some unique elements of Florida when it comes to business licenses

Florida has 67 counties, each with unique elements and requirements for applying for a business license.

However, businesses with state tax obligations (sales tax, reemployment tax) register with the Florida Department of Revenue on Form DR-1. You display the local business tax receipt at your place of business, as it’s subject to inspection by a municipal or county official. 

Practicing a state-regulated profession without a license can be a crime. Operating without a local business tax receipt carries a 25% penalty plus fees and civil penalties (F.S. 205.053). 

Many cities (like Miami) require both a city business tax receipt and a county business tax receipt. 

Top tip:

You can find state professional license requirements on the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation website. For local requirements, check with your county tax collector or use the links to each Florida county website on Open My Florida Business. 

The types of businesses that require a license in Florida

Your license requirements depend on your business type and where you’ll operate. Although Florida doesn’t require a state business license, certain professions must apply for one. Understanding Florida business license rules is key, as most businesses need a local business tax receipt from their county, city, or both. 

Occupations needing a business license include those requiring extensive training, selling certain products (like firearms or agricultural materials), working in the food industry, or exposing customers to potential hazards. 

Some occupations that need a business license include: 

• Lawyers
• Accountants
• Architects
• Interior Designers
• Medical professionals
• Barbers and cosmetologists
• Construction-related occupations and building contractors
• Engineers
• Private investigators and security services
• Real estate brokers
• Salespersons

Note:

Multi-member LLCs and LLCs with employees need a federal employer identification number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). A single-member LLC with no employees may use the owner’s Social Security number for federal tax purposes.

Top tip:

Use the Florida State Library licensing guide for more information about which agencies license your business.

Conclusion

So, how much does a business license cost in Florida?

It depends on the type of business you’re starting and where you’ll operate because Florida doesn’t require a state business license, and each county and city has its specific requirements.

If you’re just getting started, learning how to open an LLC in Florida can help ensure you’re meeting the right legal requirements from the beginning. Fortunately, you can find each county’s licensing department on the Florida Department of State website.

Good luck with your search.

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