Start Your Own Business

This guide will show you the eResources and books you can use to help find your target market, plan your business for success, navigate legal and financial hurdles, market your business effectively, and community resources.

Ready to Get Started? Time to Create Your Business!

So, you've found your demographics, researched your competitors, written your business plan, secured funding, considered all the legal requirements needed - now it's time to create your business!

Florida Department of State - Division of Corporations

Sometimes it's hard to know exactly where to go.  For the state of Florida, you must register your business and file your annual reports with the Florida Department of State - Division of Corporations.  You can register a variety of businesses, from LLC to a non profit.  Please note - the website for this ends with ".org", not ".com".

Don't Forget the Federal Registrations!

You'll also need to register your business with the IRS to get an Employer ID Number (EIN).  You may need to do this even if your business structure is a sole proprietorship!  Other federal resources are listed for informational purposes.

Does Your Business Need Additional Registrations and Regulation?

Some businesses will require more than just registering with the state - licenses from The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation will also need to be obtained.  There are several business types and services that are covered under this umbrella - make sure your business gets what it needs!

Also found here is the link for the Florida Department of Management Services should you want to contract to sell your product or service to the state of Florida.