How to Get a Business License in Florida
Learn how to get a business license in Florida — what licenses you need, where to apply, what it costs, and how long it takes. A plain-English guide for Florida entrepreneurs.
Bizee Editorial Staff
Editorial Team
Introduction
Florida doesn't issue a single statewide business license that covers every business. Instead, you'll need a combination of state licenses, county Business Tax Receipts, and sometimes city permits — depending on your industry, location, and what your business does. This guide walks you through each layer so you know exactly what to get and where to apply.
What is a Florida business license?
A Florida business license is a government-issued authorization that lets your business operate legally in the state. Florida doesn't have one universal license — what you need depends on your industry, your county, and sometimes your city. Most businesses end up with at least 2 separate authorizations: a state-level license or registration and a local Business Tax Receipt.
The Business Tax Receipt (BTR) — sometimes called an occupational license — is the most common local requirement. Florida Statute 205 governs how counties levy and administer these receipts, and most Florida counties require one before you can open your doors.
On top of the BTR, certain industries — contractors, healthcare providers, real estate agents, childcare operators, and others — need a state professional or trade license through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) or another state agency. The licensing requirements for your business won't always be obvious, which is why researching both the state and local level matters before you start operating.
What licenses does your Florida business need?
The licenses your Florida business needs depend on 3 factors: what your business does, where it's located, and how it's structured. There's no single checklist that works for every business — you'll need to look at the state level, the county level, and sometimes the city level.
State-level licenses and registrations
If your business operates in a regulated profession or trade, you'll need a state license before you can legally work. The Florida DBPR handles licensing for industries like construction, cosmetology, real estate, engineering, and healthcare. You can search for your license type and apply at MyFloridaLicense.com.
Businesses that sell taxable goods or services also need to register with the Florida Department of Revenue to collect and remit sales tax. This isn't a license in the traditional sense, but it's a required registration that most product-based and many service-based businesses need.
County and city Business Tax Receipts
Most Florida counties require a Business Tax Receipt annually. If your business is in an incorporated city, you may need both a county BTR and a city BTR — that's 2 separate applications and 2 separate fees. Miami-Dade County, for example, issues BTRs through the Tax Collector's Office for businesses in unincorporated areas.
Check your county's Tax Collector website to find the application, required documents, and fee schedule. Requirements vary by county, so don't assume one county's process mirrors another's.
Fictitious name (DBA) registration
If your business operates under a name other than your legal name or your LLC's registered name, Florida requires you to register a fictitious name — also called a DBA — through the Division of Corporations at Sunbiz.org. This isn't a license, but it's a legal requirement before you can use a trade name publicly.
How to get a business license in Florida
Getting licensed in Florida means working through a few separate steps across different agencies. The order matters — some licenses require proof of other registrations before they'll approve your application.
Step 1: Figure out which licenses apply to your business
Start by searching the Florida DBPR's license lookup at MyFloridaLicense.com to see whether your profession or trade requires a state license. Then check your county Tax Collector's website for BTR requirements. If you're in a city, check the city's business licensing office as well. Write down every license that applies — you'll need to track deadlines and renewal dates for each one.
Step 2: Register with the Florida Department of Revenue
If your business sells taxable goods or services, register with the Florida Department of Revenue before you start collecting sales tax. You can register online through the Florida Business Tax Application (Form DR-1). This registration is free and gives you a Certificate of Registration and a Florida Annual Resale Certificate.
Step 3: Apply for any required state professional or trade license
If your industry requires a DBPR license, apply at MyFloridaLicense.com. You'll need to create an account, complete the application for your specific license type, submit supporting documents (things like proof of education, exam scores, or insurance), and pay the application fee. Processing times vary by license type — some are approved in days, others take weeks if they require board review.
Step 4: Apply for your county Business Tax Receipt
Contact your county Tax Collector's Office to get the BTR application. You'll typically need your business name, business address, owner contact information, type and purpose of business, start date, number of employees, and your Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security number. Some counties let you apply online; others require an in-person visit or a mailed application.
Step 5: Get a city license if your municipality requires one
If your business address is inside city limits, check whether the city has its own BTR or business license requirement. Many Florida cities — including Miami, Orlando, and Tampa — require a separate city-level license in addition to the county BTR. The city's business licensing or finance department handles these applications.
How much does a Florida business license cost?
Florida business license costs vary by license type and location. There's no single fee — you'll pay separately for each license or registration your business needs. Most BTRs and state licenses fall somewhere between $25 and a few hundred dollars, but regulated professions can run higher depending on the application requirements.
The Florida Department of Revenue registration (Form DR-1) is free. County BTR fees depend on your county and business type — check your county Tax Collector's fee schedule for the exact amount. State professional licenses through the DBPR carry their own application fees, which vary by license category. One thing worth knowing: some Florida counties offer fee waivers for veterans or new businesses, so it's worth asking when you apply.
How long does it take to get a Florida business license?
Processing times depend on the type of license and the agency handling it. County BTRs are often issued within a few days to a few weeks once your application is complete and your fee is paid. State professional licenses through the DBPR can take longer — some are approved quickly online, while others require board review and can take several weeks.
The most common reason for delays is an incomplete application. Before you submit, double-check that you've included every required document and that your business information matches what's on file with the state. Missing a single item can push your approval back by weeks. Plan to have your licenses in hand before you start operating — not after.
FAQ
Yes. Forming an LLC in Florida doesn't automatically license your business to operate. Most LLCs still need a county Business Tax Receipt and, depending on the industry, a state professional or trade license. Forming an LLC and getting licensed are 2 separate steps — the LLC establishes your legal entity, but the license authorizes you to do business in your specific field and location.
No. An LLC is a legal business structure you form with the Florida Division of Corporations through Sunbiz.org. A business license is a separate government authorization — issued by a state agency, county, or city — that permits your business to operate in a specific industry or location. You can have an LLC without a license, but you'll need both to operate legally in most cases.
For most county Business Tax Receipts, you'll need your business name, business address, owner contact information, type and purpose of business, start date, number of employees, and your Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security number. State professional license applications through the DBPR may also require proof of education, exam results, or liability insurance depending on the license type.
It depends on the license type and your location. County Business Tax Receipts typically range from $25 to a few hundred dollars. State professional licenses through the DBPR carry separate application fees that vary by license category. The Florida Department of Revenue registration is free. Some counties offer fee waivers for veterans or new businesses — ask your county Tax Collector's Office when you apply.
It depends on the license type. County Business Tax Receipts are often processed within a few days to a few weeks once your application is complete. State professional licenses through the DBPR can take several weeks if they require board review. Incomplete applications are the most common cause of delays — submit all required documents upfront to avoid pushing your approval back.
Operating without a required license can mean fines, penalties, or in some cases criminal charges — depending on the license type and how long you've been operating without one. For regulated professions, the DBPR can issue a cease-and-desist order and require you to stop working until you're properly licensed. Getting licensed before you start operating is the straightforward way to avoid that situation.
It depends on your goals, but most Florida entrepreneurs start by choosing a business structure and registering with the Florida Division of Corporations at Sunbiz.org. From there, you'll identify which licenses and permits apply to your business, register with the Florida Department of Revenue if you'll collect sales tax, and apply for your county Business Tax Receipt. Doing these steps in order prevents gaps that can slow down your license approvals.
You can search for existing Florida state licenses through the DBPR's license verification tool at MyFloridaLicense.com. For county Business Tax Receipts, check your county Tax Collector's website — most counties have an online lookup tool. For business entity registrations like LLCs and corporations, search the Florida Division of Corporations database at Sunbiz.org.