How To Start A Business In Florida

There are some stages to complete to become a successful business.  The first stage is planning.  You will want to determine what your startup costs will be, and what your goals will be.  Next is registering.  Below, you will find information on how to register your roofing company in Florida.  Last is growing.  In order to grow your business, you will need to use marketing techniques along with applying people skills with customer service and sales.

How to Register Your New Business In Florida

Make sure you thoroughly research the regulations in the area you are planning to start your business so you can operate legally.
Here is a website to help you get started with your business in Florida: http://www.floridatrend.com/small-business

1. You will need to select your business structure.

Sole-proprietor, LLC, Partnership, Corporation, etc.  Find out more here: http://www.floridatrend.com/small-business

2. You will need to choose and register your new business name.

Find out more about registering a fictitious name here: https://efile.sunbiz.org/ficregintro.html

3. You will need to register your new business with the state of Florida.

You can register your business with the state of Florida here: Florida Business Registration

4. You will need to open a business checking account.

You will need to open a separate bank account for your business with your new business name.

5. You will need to find out about the requirements for taxes, and possibly hire an accountant.

You may want to file your own taxes if you are a small company. As you grow, it will be easier to have an accountant do the work. More information about taxes here: http://dor.myflorida.com/dor/info_business.html and http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Starting-a-Business .

6. You may need to get liability insurance.

Depending on what type of business you are starting, you may want to invest in liability insurance.  Talk about the specific needs of your business with a few different insurance agents, as prices and options can vary.

7. You may need to register as a Contractor with the state of Florida.

If you are planning on doing any type of home repairs or construction, you will need to register as a contractor.  There is a fee to register.  The registration fee must be paid every other year.  There are two types of contractor licenses in Florida- Registered and Certified.  Registration – The applicant has taken and passed a local competency examination and can practice only within that locale.  Certification – The applicant has taken and passed an examination and can practice throughout Florida.  You can find out more about applying for your registration here: Florida Contractor Registration .

8. You may need to provide worker’s compensation.

The insurance agency that provided your liability insurance should be able to help with this.  You don’t need Worker’s Compensation unless you have employees.

9. You will need to get your own health insurance.

Since you will be self-employed, you will need your own health insurance.  If you have employees, you will need a plan that will include their health needs also.

10. You are responsible for necessary city licenses and permits.

You may be required to obtain a license to do business in a particular locale, whether you are a resident, or not.