Doing business in the South Florida District

Business requirements

SBA’s Business Guide lists the requirements needed to start, grow, and expand your business. Since laws and taxes vary by state, here’s what you need to do before starting your business in our area.

Business name and registration

Register your business name with the county clerk where your business is located. If you are a corporation, you will also need to register with the Secretary of State.(Link is external)

Business licensing and zoning

Licenses are typically administered by a variety of state and local departments. It is important to consider zoning regulations when choosing a site for your business. Contact the local business license office where you plan to locate your business. You may not be permitted to conduct business out of your home or engage in industrial activity in a retail district.

Taxes

IRS Florida Taxpayer Assistance Centers(Link is external)
51 SW First Ave.
Miami, FL 33130
Phone: 305-982-5077(Link opens phone app)

3848 W. Columbus Dr.
Tampa, FL 33607
Phone: 813-302-5500(Link opens phone app)

Florida Department of Revenue Services(Link is external)
5050 W. Tennessee St.
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: 800-352-3671(Link opens phone app)

Health and safety

Florida Department of Economic Opportunity(Link is external)
107 E. Madison St.
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: 850-245-7105(Link opens phone app)

Florida Occupational Safety and Health Administration(Link is external)
5807 Breckenridge Parkway, Suite A
Tampa, FL 33610
Phone: 813-626-1177(Link opens phone app)

State small business profiles

Need information on the local business landscape? SBA's Office of Advocacy has the latest demographic and statistics on local small business economic activity.

Local assistance

Need help? Get free business counseling in your area.

Find counselors

SBA lending in our area

Loan programs

Learn more about SBA's 7(a) loans, 504 loans, and microloans that you can use for your business.

Find a loan
Lender Match

Describe your business needs and get matched with an SBA-backed lender in your area.

Get matched with a lender
Lending activity reports

View 7(a) and 504 lending activity reports from our district.

View lending reports

Additional local resources

Download our guide to SBA resources

Learn about the opportunities available for small businesses nationwide.

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