LICENSING & ZONING
Zoning
License & Business Tax Receipts
***It is recommended that you consult with an Attorney and Accountant to ensure you fully understand the liability and implications of the legal business structure chosen.***
Zoning
Cities and counties have a detailed set of zoning requirements in place which determine appropriate locations for different business types. Before deciding upon a property location, it’s best to determine if the zoning of that property is appropriate for your business.
Note: Checking the zoning of a property prior to signing a lease or purchase will help minimize any possible delays, costs, or the inability to use the property due to improper zoning.
Permitted Use
Each zoning district is accompanied by a list of specific uses that have been determined as suitable for that district. These permitted uses refer to the business types that are most appropriate for the area according to the amount of traffic they generate, the surrounding uses, and the type of density.
Conditional Use
The regulations for each zoning district also contain a list of conditional uses (though not particularly well suited for that zoning, may be allowed on a case-by- case basis).
This process requires an application for conditional use to be submitted and reviewed and a public hearing in order to be approved. Here is a list of the business types that most often need a Conditional Use:
- Automobile sales
- Gasoline service stations
- Temporary labor services
- Secondhand merchandise
- Outdoor activities
- Offices in a RB-2 district
- Outdoor storage
- Car washes
- Self-storage facilities
- Churches/schools
- Day care facilities
- Communication towers
Orange County – (Zoning, Permits etc.)
Seminole County – (Business Services, zoning, building services, economic development)
Lake County – (Zoning/Permitting Services)
Business License & Tax Receipts
Careful consideration must be given to the management, structural and tax implications of your business and to ensure the name you select is not already in use or trademarked by another entity.
One common misconception of home-based or mobile businesses is that they do not require licenses. That is false!
Ensuring your business is properly licensed from the beginning will save you time and money in the long run. Operating an unlicensed business can result in multiple fines.
There may be several licenses you might need to obtain to operate your particular business and those requirements vary based on your location.
No matter what business you develop you’ll need to decide on the legal structure. If you decide to incorporate, you will need to register with the State, and obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Federal Government.
Local municipalities and counties often require you to register your business and obtain a business tax receipt or an occupational license in order to operate.
When choosing a location for your business you want to be sure it is properly zoned for the type of business you wish to locate there. Contact the permitting office of your city and/or county where the property is located to find zoning restrictions. This is critical in obtaining your business tax receipt.
Helpful information & links for licensing requirements in Central Florida.
Florida / State
The type of business will determine what the requirements are for registering with the State. Depending on your industry, the State may require additional licenses or additional documentation.
Sunbiz.org – To establish and file a Corporation, LLC, LLP, or Limited Partnership (Incorporation, Regulation, fictitous name registration, annual report filing, etc…) in the State of Florida. While not a replacement for legal or tax advice, it can provide helpful information for selecting a business name, and establishing a corporation. You can also do quick name or trademark searches within the State of Florida.
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation – Some regulated services/businesses and professional licensing have special licensing requirements regulated by the state.
To register a business name for a sole proprietorship or general partnership: Contact your local county recorder where you intend to do business.
Federal
Employee Identification Number (EIN or FEIN)
Employers with employees, business partnerships, and corporations must obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service after registering with the state. Even if you are a sole proprietor and don’t have employees, it is still good practice to obtain an EIN.
An EIN may be needed for government forms, opening a business checking account at the bank, or applying for a business loan. One of the benefits of obtaining your EIN is it often times can be used in place of your personal Social Security Number to help protect against identity theft.
Business Tax Receipts (BTR) - City & County
It is highly likely that you need to acquire a Business Tax Receipt (license to operate locally within the county, city, and/or town) from both your city and county within the State of Florida. These are renewed annually.
Reach out to your local government agencies directly if you are unsure.
All businesses operating in the municipalities below must obtain a Business Tax Receipt from the city or town PRIOR to obtaining the County level.
Orange County Fast track One-Sheet
Orange County Tax Collector Business – (Tax Receipt/License, Zoning, Permits etc.)
Orange County Government – (Economic Development / Business Resources)
Seminole County Tax Collector – (Business Tax Receipts/License)
Seminole County – (Business Services, zoning, building services, economic development)
Lake County Government – (Zoning/Permitting Services)
Lake County Business – (Resources for growth)
Lake County currently does not have a separate Business Tax Receipt (2022), but it is always best to check when you are registering your business.
Brevard County Tax Collector – (Business Tax Receipts/License)
Brevard County – (Zoning, Business Resources)
Volusia County Tax Collector – (Business Tax Receipts/Licenses)
Osceola County Tax Collector – (Business Tax Receipts/License)
Osceola County – (Small Business Resources)
Tax Information
Taxation for small businesses can be very confusing depending on the size and scale of the business. The tax liability for each business will be different based on the type of business and the corporate structure.
As an employer, you may be responsible for withholding money for unemployment insurance and worker’s compensation insurance. Additionally, any state sales taxes collected need to be sent to the state monthly.
For further information on these topics, contact the offices below directly.
- Federal Identification Numbers (EINs) contact the Internal Revenue Service or call (800) 829-4933.
- State Sales Tax and State Withholding Tax contact the State Department of Revenue.