10 Best Business License & LLC Services of 2025
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Why use an online formation service to start a business in Florida?

Business formation services offer a fast and cost-effective solution to forming a business. These filing services and industry experts offer all the services you would need to launch your business, such as preparation and filing of LLCs and corporations, business licenses, legal documents, compliance and registered agent services, all in one place, for an affordable price.

Do you need help starting an LLC? With online LLC filing services forming your business is a quick, straightforward, and smooth process. Forming your LLC and launching your business is no longer a complicated, lengthy, and expensive process when you leave it to these industry professionals to do the work for you. The top services also offer very knowledgeable chat support.

Florida Business License and Permits requirements

General Florida Business License

Florida does not have a universal, state-issued general business license. However, most businesses are required to obtain County or City Business Tax Receipt. Many counties and cities in Florida require businesses to obtain a local business tax receipt (sometimes referred to as a business license) to operate legally. This is required for all types of businesses, including home-based businesses.

State-Specific Licenses for Regulated Professions and Industries

Some industries require special licenses or permits issued by Florida state agencies. These include:

Health and Medical Professions

Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals must be licensed by the Florida Department of Health (DOH).

Construction and Contracting

Contractors, electricians, plumbers, and similar trades need a license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

Real Estate

Real estate brokers and agents must be licensed through the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) under the DBPR.

Food and Hospitality

Restaurants and food vendors need licenses from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Food trucks and caterers also require a Mobile Food Dispensing Vehicle license and potentially local health permits.

Alcohol and Tobacco Sales

Businesses selling alcohol or tobacco must obtain a license from the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (ABT).

Childcare Services

Childcare providers and daycare centers must be licensed by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF).

Financial and Insurance Services

Businesses offering financial services, loans, or insurance must be licensed by the Florida Office of Financial Regulation or Florida Department of Financial Services.

Cosmetology and Personal Care Services

Barbers, cosmetologists, and nail technicians need licenses from the DBPR.

Florida Seller’s Permit (Sales Tax Certificate)

Businesses selling tangible goods, services, or taxable items must obtain a Florida Sales Tax Certificate (or seller’s permit) from the Florida Department of Revenue (DOR).

Federal Licenses

Some businesses may need federal licenses, especially if they operate in industries such as:

• Agriculture
• Aviation
• Broadcasting
• Firearms or explosives

Local Permits

In addition to state requirements, Florida businesses may need:

• Zoning Permits: Ensures the business location complies with local zoning laws.
• Sign Permits: For businesses displaying outdoor signage.
• Health Permits: For businesses handling food or sanitation.

Professional filing services offer a fast and affordable option to register your business and file your business licenses. TailorBrands offers one of the most comprehensive business packages including annual compliance, operating agreement, 1-year free domain, DIY website/online store  and more. They also have a special promo that can get you up to $50 in Amazon gift card if you use their service to incorporate.

LLC benefits

Most entrepreneurs opt for the LLC entity type when starting their business. An LLC offers business owners the simplicity of a general partnership in terms of formalities and taxes, yet with the personal protection and shield against company debts and liabilities of a corporation. Otherwise, you could be held personally responsible for the mistakes your business might make.

Another huge benefit of forming an LLC is its flexibility. You get to choose whether you want to be managed as a partnership (member-managed LLC) or as a corporation (manager-managed LLC) with all the formalities, such as having a board of directors and annual meetings. You can also turn your LLC into a corporation down the road if the business takes that direction.

Domestic LLC vs. Foreign LLC

A domestic LLC means you file your LLC in the state where you live and do most of your business. This is the most common and cost-effective scenario. A foreign LLC is needed if you form your LLC in one state but run a business or have a physical location in another state. For example, if you file your LLC in one state but open a store in a different state, you’ll need to file a foreign LLC in that second state to do business legally.

Foreign LLCs usually cost more and might require you to appoint a registered agent in more then one state. If you file your LLC in a state that isn’t your home state, you will still need to file a foreign LLC in your home state to run your business there.

How to start a business and file business license in Florida in 4 simple steps

Filing your business license in Florida is super easy and fast when using a trusted professional formation service. Here is the process to complete it with TailorBrands in 4 simple steps:

1. Fill in your company name and address
2. Designate a registered agent
3. Pay for the filing service (and possible add-ons such as Operating Agreement, expedited filing service, etc…) + state fees
4. Select the ‘Business license and permits’ package on your TailorBrands dashboard.

Additional LLC & business services

Do I need to appoint a registered agent?

Yes, in most states it is mandatory to appoint a registered agent and we highly recommend using a professional registered agent service. All brands listed on our charts offer a professional registered agent service.

BOIR for business

Starting in 2024, new and existing U.S. businesses should submit the ‘Beneficial Ownership Information Report’ (BOIR) to FinCEN. This report includes personal information about key individuals in the company including the entity, its beneficial owners, and in some cases its company applicants. The top LLC filing services listed on our chart can help you with the BOIR requirement.

How to expediate LLC processing

TailorBrands offers expedited LLC processing in all LLC filing services including the free one.