You might be asking if you need a business license if you intend to sell goods or services online in Florida. The answer is that it depends on your location and type of business. The majority of businesses in Florida have to apply for and receive a license or permission from the state or municipal government in order to legally operate. This applies to enterprises, including those conducted online, but the precise criteria change based on the kind of the enterprise, the products or services it provides, and its geographic location.
The Florida Department of Revenue may require you to obtain a sales tax authorization if you are selling things online. With the help of this permit, you will be able to collect and send the state’s sales tax on the goods you sell. Additionally, you’ll need to register your company with the government and secure any licenses or permits required by your sector. For instance, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation will need you to obtain a food service permit if you want to sell food online.
You might not always require a license or authorization to sell products online in Florida. You are not required to register your business with the state if you operate as a sole proprietorship or a single-member LLC. You will nevertheless need to get any licenses or permits required by your industry. Additionally, you might not require a sales tax permit if you’re selling services rather than items.
A DBA, or “doing business as” name, allows a company to trade under a name other than its registered name. A DBA may have more than one owner in Florida, but each owner must be specified on the registration form. The owners of the DBA are also the owners of the business since it is not a separate legal entity from the company. What Drawbacks May There Be to a DBA?
Although a DBA might be a practical approach to run a business under a different name, there are some drawbacks to take into account. One is that a DBA does not shield the company owners from liability. The owners are liable for any legal actions taken against the company or debts incurred by it. Additionally, since the company is still taxed as a sole proprietorship or partnership, a DBA does not provide any tax advantages. Can Two Companies Use the Same DBA Name?
As long as they are in distinct counties, two businesses in Florida may share the same DBA name. The Florida Division of Corporations will not accept a second registration for a corporation if it shares a DBA name with another business in the same county. Before registering a DBA, it’s crucial to check the Division of Corporations’ internet database to make sure the name isn’t currently in use. What Happens if Your DBA Is Not Published in Florida?
Businesses operating in Florida under a DBA name must publish a notice of their registration in a neighborhood newspaper. For four weeks in a row, this notice must be published once each week. The DBA registration may be terminated if the notice is not published. A business can also be penalized up to $1,000 per day if it uses a DBA name without registering it.
A DBA (Doing Business As) is permissible for an LLC in Florida. By submitting a DBA registration form to the Florida Department of State, an LLC might decide to conduct business under a name other than its official one. This enables the LLC to operate under a name other than its legal name, which can be advantageous for branding and marketing objectives. It is crucial to understand that creating a DBA does not establish an independent legal body, and the LLC continues to be liable for all of its deeds and obligations.
If you have an LLC, you must use the words “LLC” or “Limited Liability Company” in your business name in Florida. Using the proper identifier in your company name is required by law.