Florida Business License: The Complete Guide for Solopreneurs

Florida doesn't issue a single statewide business license. Instead, solopreneurs navigate federal, state, and local requirements, with most needing only a local business tax receipt. Understanding this three-tier system keeps you compliant and confident. Lettuce automates LLC formation, S Corp election, payroll, and renewals so you stay protected and IRS-compliant.

Florida doesn’t issue a single “business license.” Instead, you’ll navigate a three-tier system: federal, state, and local, each with its own rules. Miss one, and you risk fines or shutdowns.

Most solopreneurs only need a local business tax receipt, but understanding how all three layers fit together keeps you compliant and confident.

Lettuce handles it all automatically, LLC formation, S Corp election, payroll, taxes, and renewals, so you stay protected and IRS-compliant while focusing on your creative work. Get started today.

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Understanding Florida's Business Licensing System

Here’s what catches most solopreneurs off guard: Florida doesn’t issue a single statewide “business license.” Instead, licensing happens across three levels: federal, state, and local, and most creative professionals only need the local business tax receipt from their county or city.

Federal Licenses (Usually Not For You)

Federal licensing applies only to heavily regulated industries such as alcohol, aviation, firearms, transportation, and financial services. If your business doesn’t involve safety-sensitive or interstate activity, you can skip this level. The SBA’s federal licensing guide can confirm whether your industry is covered.

State Licenses (For Regulated Professions)

Florida’s Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR) and Department of Health oversee state-level licenses for fields like:

• Healthcare and wellness (massage therapists, nutritionists)

• Legal and financial services (CPAs, insurance agents, real estate)

• Construction and trades (contractors, electricians)

• Personal care (barbers, cosmetologists, tattoo artists)

If you work in creative, consulting, or digital services, you can safely skip this layer and move straight to local compliance.

Local Business Tax Receipts (What Most Solopreneurs Need)

This is the layer that matters most. Nearly every Florida business needs a county business tax receipt, and if you’re located inside city limits, you’ll likely need a city receipt too. There are some organizations that are exempt from this requirement, for example, charitable or religious organizations or businesses owned by disabled veterans.

Here’s what to expect:

• Even home-based or online businesses need a license where you physically work.

• Home-based and online businesses must get licensed where you work, not where your clients are located. For example, a designer in Miami needs a Miami-Dade County business tax receipt even if all clients are out of state. This is the case for most counties in Florida. Also, if you have more than one business location in Florida, you likely will need to register in all counties and cities that you maintain and conduct business in.

• Your business structure (sole prop, LLC, or S Corp) doesn’t change licensing requirements.

• Renew your licenses annually to stay compliant. Modern platforms can automate reminders so you never miss a deadline.

Check directly with your county tax collector or city hall for exact fees and renewal dates. For example, Orange County charges $150 for the annual report, while Pinellas starts at $25.

Business Structure vs. Business License: Clearing Up The Confusion

Many Florida solopreneurs think forming an LLC means they're "licensed to do business", but that's only half the story. Others assume that getting a local business permit covers their legal structure needs. Here's the truth: they serve completely different purposes, and you'll likely need both.

Your Business Structure: The Foundation For Taxes And Protection

Your business structure, whether sole proprietorship, LLC, or S Corp, determines how you're taxed and protected from liability. An LLC formation in Florida creates an official entity that shields your personal assets from business debts and lawsuits. An S Corp election is a tax choice that lets you avoid double taxation by passing profits through to your personal return.

Business Licenses: Your Permission To Operate Locally

Now that you understand structure, let's talk about licenses. A business license gives you official permission to operate in a specific location or industry. This is distinct from your business structure. Whether you're a sole proprietor, LLC, or S Corp, you still need the same local business tax receipts and professional licenses. Your structure doesn't change your licensing requirements; it just changes how you're taxed and protected.

Why You Need Both: Structure And License Working Together

Think of it this way: your business structure is like owning a car, while your business license is like having a driver's license. Most businesses need both the proper entity for protection and tax benefits, plus the required licenses to operate within the law. An LLC protects your personal assets, while your county business tax receipt allows you to conduct business in your specific location.

S Corp election no longer requires attorneys, accountants, or hours of manual work. Lettuce automates every step: from filing IRS Form 2553 to running payroll, managing quarterly taxes, and submitting your annual 1120-S return. Get started today and get enterprise-level tax savings and full IRS compliance without the traditional complexity or cost.

Getting Licensed In Florida: Step-By-Step

Getting your Florida business properly licensed might seem overwhelming, but when you break it down into clear, actionable steps, it becomes straightforward. Follow this five-step roadmap to make sure you cover every requirement without missing a beat.

Step 1: Confirm What Licenses You Need

Start by identifying which licensing layers apply to your business. Most solopreneurs only need a local business tax receipt, but check whether your industry also requires a state or federal license for regulated professions or interstate work. The SBA licensing directory and MyFloridaLicense.com are the best places to verify.

Step 2: Choose and Form Your Business Structure

Decide whether you’ll operate as a sole proprietor, LLC, or S Corporation. Most solopreneurs form an LLC for liability protection, then file IRS Form 2553 to elect S Corp status for tax savings. You can form your LLC online through Florida Sunbiz.

Step 3: Gather Your Key Business Information

Before you file, have these ready:

• Business name and address

• NAICS code for your industry

• Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number (EIN)

• Any professional certifications (if required)

Step 4: Apply for Local Business Tax Receipts

Every Florida business must register locally.

• Apply for your county business tax receipt through your tax collector’s office.

• If you’re inside city limits, you’ll also need a city business tax receipt.

Step 5: Stay Compliant with Renewals and Filings

After setup, mark your calendar for annual renewals. Most counties and cities renew licenses yearly, and LLCs must file an annual report with Sunbiz to stay active. Missing deadlines can result in late fees or administrative dissolution.

Costs and Timelines: What to Expect

You’re making smart moves by planning ahead. Here’s what to expect when setting up and licensing your Florida business:

Costs

These are the typical fees most solopreneurs encounter when getting licensed in Florida:

• LLC formation: $125–$160 total through Florida’s Sunbiz system ($100 for Articles of Organization + $25 for registered agent designation)

• Local business tax receipts: $25–$300+, depending on your county and business type, with most solopreneurs paying under $100 annually

• State professional licenses: Only required for regulated fields. Fees range from $50 to $500+ through DBPR’s portal, depending on your profession.

• Annual renewals and filings: Florida requires businesses to file an annual report by theMay 1 before the late fee is assessed or by the third Friday in September to avoid getting your company automatically dissolved.. Missing the May 1st deadline triggers a $400 late fee, and professional licenses have their own renewal cycles and continuing education requirements.

Timeline

Here’s how long it typically takes to become fully licensed and operational in Florida:

• Full business licensing: 2–4 weeks from your first application to being fully approved

• LLC formation: 3–5 business days through the Sunbiz portal or up to 10 business days if there are any backlogs

You can file your own S Corp election for free, but managing payroll, bookkeeping, and quarterly filings on your own takes hours each month. Lettuce eliminates the manual work by automating every step. Get started today so your Florida business stays licensed, protected, and audit-ready year-round.

Frequently Asked Questions: Florida Business License

Florida’s licensing system can feel confusing at first. These FAQs break down the details so you can stay compliant with confidence.

Do I need a business license to work from home in Florida?

Yes. Even if you work entirely online, you must get a local business tax receipt based on where you physically work. For example, if you run a design business from your apartment in Orlando, you’ll need both an Orange County and, if applicable, City of Orlando business license.

What’s the difference between an LLC and a business license?

An LLC is your legal business structure; it protects your personal assets and determines how you’re taxed. A business license gives you permission to operate in a specific location. Most solopreneurs need both to stay compliant.

Do I need a state license in Florida?

Only if your profession is regulated, Florida’s Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR) oversees licenses for contractors, barbers, real estate agents, and similar fields. Most creative or digital service providers only need a local license.

How much does it cost to get a Florida business license?

Local business tax receipts typically cost $25–$100 per year, depending on your county and business type. State professional licenses can range from $50–$500, and LLC formation through Sunbiz costs about $125–$160.

How often do I need to renew my Florida business license?

Most local business tax receipts renew annually, and your LLC annual report is due to Sunbiz by May 1st each year. Missing renewal deadlines can result in penalties or administrative dissolution.

From Licensed to Thriving: Simplify Your Florida Business

Understanding Florida’s licensing system is the first step toward running your business confidently and legally. Once you’ve met your federal, state, and local requirements, the real opportunity begins—building a system that keeps you compliant, tax-efficient, and free to focus on what you do best.

That’s where Lettuce comes in. Lettuce handles everything, from LLC formation and S Corp election to payroll, bookkeeping, and tax filings, so your Florida business runs smoothly year-round. What used to take multiple vendors and endless admin now happens automatically, with full audit support and documentation built in.

Lettuce keeps your business compliant, your taxes optimized, and your time focused where it matters most. Get started today.