Starting a new business is usually an exciting venture. But it involves many decisions, both large and small. You will need to decide what type of business entity you will form and what products or services you will offer. In some cases, it’s also necessary to determine whether you need a business license. Not all Florida businesses are required to get a license. This article will look at when a business license is required and how to get the appropriate one.
As you plan your new business, remember to check with the appropriate government agency or professional group to see if you need a business or occupational license.
The Department of Business & Professional Regulation
The list of businesses this Department licenses and regulates is too long to include in this article. What follows is a shortlist of occupations and industries that typically require a business license:
- Alcoholic beverages and tobacco
- Architects
- Auctioneers
- Barbers
- Certified Public Accountants
- Cosmetology
- Electrical and Alarm Contractors
- Employee Leasing Companies
- Harbor Pilots
- Home Inspectors
- Interior Design
- Mold-Related Services
- Real Estate
- Restaurants and Food Vendors
- Veterinary Medicine
- Yacht and Ship Brokers and Salespersons
For a complete list, check the Department’s website.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
The Division of Licensing within this Department licenses and regulates the following industries:
- private investigative,
- private security, and
- recovery services.
The Division also oversees compliance and tries to protect the public from “unethical business practices and unlicensed activity.” Finally, the Division also handles Florida’s concealed weapon licensing program.
Are you planning to open a business in any of these industries? If so, contact the Division of Licensing to ensure that you comply with their standards.
Other Licensing Organizations
Some Florida businesses also need to check with the following agencies for certain industries to make sure :
- Department of Health: massage therapists, tattoo artists, nurses, pharmacists, clinical social workers.
- Agency for Healthcare Administration: Assisted living facilities, home care agencies, nursing homes.
- Agency for Persons with Disabilities: group homes.
- Department of Children and Families: daycare facilities
- Department of Financial Services: insurance agents
A Florida business attorney or general counsel can help you get your business started right and stay in compliance with state regulations.
We Can Help, Whether You Need a Business License or Not.
Attorney Richard Sierra at the Florida Small Business Center assists clients like you with business and litigation matters. As always, Our Goal Is to Help You Succeed™. For an appointment, you may call us at 1-866-842-5202 or use the contact form on our website. We represent clients throughout the State of Florida, including Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Pompano Beach, Sunrise, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, West Palm Beach, Jupiter, Deerfield Beach, Stuart, Port St. Lucie, Orlando, Naples, Fort Myers, Sarasota, Tampa, and surrounding communities.