How to Start a Sole Proprietorship in Florida

• Before you file your fictitious name, Florida law states that you must advertise your proposed name in a newspaper in the county where your business is located.
• The fictitious name registration form can be downloaded or completed online.
• A filing fee of $50 is required, and the completed form needs to be sent to the Division of Corporations.

As a sole proprietor, you may not be required to obtain an EIN, especially if you have no employees. In such cases, you can use your Social Security Number (SSN) for tax purposes.

However, obtaining an EIN can provide privacy benefits and help streamline certain business operations.

• Opens up business banking opportunities: Obtaining an EIN enables the opening of dedicated business bank accounts, credit cards, and financing.
• Helps establish business credit: An EIN allows building business credit rather than relying solely on personal credit history.
• Eases the hiring process: Getting an EIN distinguishes the business finances and tax documentation from the owner’s finances.
• Enhances business privacy: Using an EIN instead of an SSN on business documents enhances privacy protections.
• Prepares for business growth: An established EIN can simplify future transitions to more structured business entities.

Depending on the nature of your business, you may need to obtain specific licenses, permits, and zoning clearances to operate legally in Florida. The requirements vary based on your industry, location, and the activities your business will engage in.

• Florida doesn’t require a general state-level business license.
• Sole proprietors who are retailers must obtain a seller’s permit. This license is called the “sales and use tax permit.” 
• Check with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) to determine if your profession requires a license. The DBPR regulates and licenses many professions in Florida.
• The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) licenses and regulates other professions in Florida, including pawn shops and private investigators.
• Some areas, such as healthcare, are licensed by independent regulators, not the DBPR or the DACS.
• Some industries, such as alcohol, are regulated by federal agencies. You can find more information at the Small Business Administration, where you can find links to the federal agency you must apply with.
• Check local regulations; your city or county may require permits, licenses, or zoning laws to follow.
• Contact your city or county clerk to ask about requirements. Some cities like Miami have specific local business rules to stay aware of.

Additional state and local taxes

• As previously mentioned, Florida requires businesses involved in retail to register for a sales and use tax. You can file sales and use tax online at the Florida Department of Revenue website or by completing Form DR-1, the Business Tax Application.
• The Department of Revenue also has a new business start-up-kit webpage that can guide you through the different taxes that may apply to your business.

We recommend opening a dedicated business bank account to maintain clear financial records and separate your personal assets and your business finances.

A business bank account offers several advantages, including:

• Simplified bookkeeping and record-keeping: Separating your personal and business finances allows for easier tracking of income and expenses.
• Facilitates accurate tax reporting: With a dedicated business bank account, you can easily identify and report business-related transactions on your tax returns.
• Demonstrates professionalism: Having a separate bank account adds credibility to your business and enhances your professional image when dealing with clients, suppliers, and financial institutions.

As a sole proprietor, you shoulder complete responsibility for any business debts or obligations, making insurance an essential part of your business strategy. It safeguards you from unexpected claims or events. Consider exploring the following:

• General business liability insurance: This coverage handles allegations of property damage, bodily injury, or personal harm tied to your business operations.
• Professional liability insurance: Particularly vital for service providers, this insurance defends against allegations of negligence, errors, or lapses in your services.

Keeping records is important for tax filing and managing your sole proprietorship’s financial affairs. You should make an effort to track the following precisely:

• Income
• Expenses
• Assets and liabilities
• Inventory
• Billing documents

Using bookkeeping software and spreadsheets or setting up a systematic method can help handle documents. Being as organized as possible will prove helpful when it’s time to file taxes, and it promotes the overall financial health of your business.

While a sole proprietorship might seem appealing due to its simplicity and few legal needs, it’s vital to consider possible downsides and look into other business structures, like a Limited Liability Company (LLC).

Here are some things to think about when choosing between a sole proprietorship and an LLC:

• Protection from debt: One big plus of starting an LLC is its liability protection. As a sole proprietor, you are responsible for any money owed or legal claims against your business, which could put your own assets at risk. On the other hand, an LLC gives a clear divide between your personal and business assets, keeping your personal belongings safe from business debts.
• Looking professional: An LLC could make you look more professional in customers’ eyes. Starting an LLC shows more dedication to your business.
• Potential to grow: If you plan to make your business bigger or attract outside funding, an LLC gives you more room to grow than a sole proprietorship.
• Flexibility with taxes: One plus of a sole proprietorship is how simple it is when it comes to taxes. You usually report money made and money spent by your business on your personal tax return with a Schedule C. An LLC also offers flexibility with taxes, as it can be treated like a sole proprietorship, a general partnership, or a corporation for tax reasons.

It’s important to remember that starting an LLC involves more steps and legal needs, like filing legal documents like your Articles of Organization and paying filing fees.

• Florida Department of State’s Division of Corporations
• US Patent and Trademark Office
• Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)
• Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS)
• Small Business Administration
• Form 1040
• Schedule C
• Schedule SE
• Florida Department of Revenue
• Form DR-1 Business Tax Application
• IRS Employer Identification Number (EIN) Online Application