Guides: Start Your Own Business: Start Your Business

Need to Find a Lawyer?

If you need a lawyer, the Orange County Bar Association (OCBA) has a lawyer referral service. They will partner you with an experienced attorney for up to 30 minutes, for an initial $50 administration fee. Additional costs may be assessed after the 30 minute mark.

Please note: lawyers who accept referrals from this service pay to participate in this service.

Legal and Taxation Books

Federal and State Taxation
Investigate all aspects of small business taxation.
Import/Export
Find information on products and suppliers, shipping and insurance policies, and credit and payment methods.
Legal Guides
Use these guides to launch your new business with useful legal information.
New Business Funding
Explore bank and venture capital funding and other sources of business funding for a new or growing business with these titles.

Ready to Get Started? Time to Create Your Business!

So, you've found your demographics, researched your competitors, written your business plan, secured funding, and 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 nonprofit.

Florida Department of State - Division of Corporations - Starting a Business
This resource will provide you with helpful links to start your business. Includes IRS information, registration, locations/land use/permitting, industry reports, and more.
Florida Department of State - Division of Corporations
The main website of the Florida Department of State - Division of Corporations. You can e-file, search other corporations, and more.

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.

IRS - Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center
This page gives you helpful information about forms you may need, information about EINs, upcoming events, and more.
Small Business Administration - Choose & Register Your Business
Information about choosing a name and registering your business.

Does Your Business Need Additional Registrations and Regulation?

Some businesses require more than just registering with the State: a license from The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation will need to be obtained. There are several business types and services that are covered under this umbrella. Make sure your business has what it needs!

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
A quick list of businesses and professions that require additional licenses.
Florida Department of Management Services
If you would like your business to be a prospective vendor for the state of Florida, don't forget to check out this link to begin the registration process.

Reference Librarian

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Human Resources - About and the Legal

Human Resource Titles
Peruse our collection of personnel management titles, in a variety of formats, for valuable tips on interviewing, hiring, and developing productive employees.
Labor Laws
Scan our resources to find information on labor laws, employees' rights, and the employer's legal responsibilities.

Hiring Your Employees

Let CareerSource Central Florida help you Recruit, Retain, and Retrain your workforce. They offer services to post job openings, business services, and employer research and resource center.