The Ultimate Miami, Florida Business License Guide (2025 Edition)

Last updated: September 2025

This is a practical, no-fluff guide to registering and licensing a business located in the City of Miami or elsewhere in Miami-Dade County. It tells you exactly which agencies handle what, where to apply, what fees commonly exist (with hard numbers where state-wide law sets them), realistic timelines, and direct links to official sources.

Read the Quick Help box first. Then use the checklists and tables to move fast—and avoid costly mistakes.

Quick Help (Fast Links, Contacts, Deadlines)

If your address is inside the City of Miami, you will almost always need both a City of Miami Certificate of Use (CU) and City Business Tax Receipt (BTR) AND a Miami-Dade County Local Business Tax Receipt (LBT). Start here: City of Miami — Business Tax Receipt (BTR) overview and City of Miami — Certificate of Use (CU). County LBT info: Miami-Dade County — Local Business Tax Receipt.
Register your business entity with Florida (Sunbiz) before you apply locally. File online: Florida Sunbiz — LLC Articles of Organization or Florida Sunbiz — Profit Corporation Articles of Incorporation. Florida LLC filing is $125 * *; p ro f i t cor p or a t i o n f i l in g i s * *$ 70 (state fees). Source: Sunbiz (State of Florida).
File for an EIN (federal tax ID) free with the IRS: IRS — Apply for an EIN online. Cost: $0.
Report Beneficial Ownership (BOI) to FinCEN. New entities formed on or after January 1, 2025 must file within 30 days; entities formed in 2024 had 90 days; those formed before 2024 had a deadline of January 1, 2025. File free at FinCEN — BOI Reporting. Cost: $0. Source: FinCEN Final Rule.
If you sell taxable goods/services, register with Florida Department of Revenue (DOR) for Sales and Use Tax: Florida DOR — Register to collect tax. Check the current Miami-Dade surtax rate on the official chart: Florida DOR — Discretionary Sales Surtax (DR-15DSS).
Employers: Florida Reemployment (unemployment) Tax. Initial rate is typically 2.7% on the first $7,000 of each employee’s wages. Register here: Florida DOR — Reemployment Tax. Source: Florida DOR.
Florida minimum wage increases to $14/ h o u r * * o n * * S e pt e mb er 30, 2025 * * (o ni t s w a y t o * *$ 15/hour by September 30, 2026). Source: Florida Constitution Art. X §24 (Minimum Wage Amendment).
Need help navigating? Call Miami-Dade 311 (from within the county) or use Miami-Dade 311 Contact Center for routing and local office details.

Reality check: Local approvals can take longer than you expect if inspections or plan reviews are required (build-out, signage, fire, grease traps, etc.). Budget time for corrections.

What Licenses Do You Need in Miami? The Short Answer

You must figure out whether your business address is inside the City of Miami, in another municipality (like Miami Beach, Coral Gables), or in unincorporated Miami-Dade. Start by checking your address: Miami-Dade Property Appraiser — Property Search and Miami-Dade Municipalities Map.
If inside the City of Miami: you typically need a City Certificate of Use (zoning/occupancy) and a City Business Tax Receipt. You also need the County Local Business Tax Receipt.
If in another municipality: get that city’s BTR/CU (or equivalent) plus the County LBT.
If in unincorporated Miami-Dade: apply for the County Certificate of Use (if required) and the County Local Business Tax Receipt.
Many industries also need state licenses (restaurants, contractors, cosmetology, healthcare, alcohol, etc.).
Some activities also need environmental, fire, or building permits (DERM, Fire-Rescue, Building).

Use the table below to see who issues what.

At-a-Glance: Where to Apply (by location)

Your business location	Zoning/occupancy approval	Local business tax receipt	City business tax receipt	State license (if applicable)
Inside the City of Miami	City of Miami — Certificate of Use	Miami-Dade County — LBT	City of Miami — BTR	DBPR/DOH/FDACS as applicable
Other municipality (e.g., Miami Beach)	That city’s CU/zoning	Miami-Dade County — LBT	That city’s BTR	DBPR/DOH/FDACS as applicable
Unincorporated Miami-Dade	County — Certificate of Use	Miami-Dade County — LBT	Not applicable	DBPR/DOH/FDACS as applicable

What to do if this doesn’t work: If you can’t tell which jurisdiction you’re in, use the county’s GIS maps or call 311 and ask “Which jurisdiction issues my business tax receipt and certificate of use for [address]?” Provide your folio or parcel number from the Property Appraiser’s site.

Step 1 — Confirm Your Business Location and Zoning (Do this first)

Look up your business address and zoning. For City of Miami addresses, use the City of Miami Interactive Zoning Map (Miami 21). City zoning code: Miami 21 — Zoning Code.
For unincorporated areas, check Miami-Dade RER — Zoning.
Before signing a lease, verify your intended use is allowed and whether a Certificate of Use is required (most commercial situations require it).
Food, assembly, childcare, salons, gyms, auto uses, medical, and day/nightlife uses often trigger extra reviews (fire, health, parking, grease, noise). Expect inspections.
Home-based businesses are allowed by state law if they meet strict conditions (traffic, signage, noise, storage, etc.). See Florida Statutes 559.955 — Home-based businesses. City/county can enforce those standards.

What to do if this doesn’t work: If zoning doesn’t allow your use, ask about alternative sites, conditional uses, or variances. For City of Miami planning/zoning help, start at City of Miami — Planning & Zoning. For county zoning, start at Miami-Dade — Zoning. If stuck, contact the Florida SBDC at FIU for free site-selection and regulatory navigation help: Florida SBDC at FIU — Request Consulting.

Step 2 — Form Your Florida Business (LLC/Corp) or Register as a Sole Proprietor

Action items come first:

Create your entity on Sunbiz (LLC or Corporation). File online for faster approval: Sunbiz — File LLC or Sunbiz — File Profit Corporation.
Florida LLC Articles filing fee is $125 * * . Fl or i d a p ro f i t cor p or a t i o n A r t i c l es f i l in g f ee i s * *$ 70. Source: Sunbiz filing pages.
If you will use a business name that doesn’t include your exact legal name (sole proprietor/partnership) or differs from your entity name, register a Fictitious Name (DBA). File online: Sunbiz — Fictitious Name Registration. Base filing fee: $50. Statute: F.S. 865.09. You must advertise once in a newspaper in the county before registering (you attest to this; Sunbiz does not collect proof).
File your Sunbiz Annual Report every year by May 1 to keep your entity active. Late filings after May 1 incur a $400 * * s t a t e l a t e f ee f or LL C s an df or - p ro f i t cor p or a t i o n s .2025 f ees (s t a t e w i d e) : LL C ann u a l re p or t * *$ 138.75; Profit corporation annual report $150. Source: Sunbiz — Annual Report.

Real world example: A Miami salon forms an LLC online Monday, gets the filed Articles back mid-week, then uses the approved Articles to start the City’s Certificate of Use application and set fire inspections. They register a DBA because their signage uses a trade name.

What to do if this doesn’t work: If Sunbiz rejects your filing, it’s usually because of an incomplete registered agent acceptance, a non-distinct name, or missing addresses. Sunbiz explains rejections by email. For help, see Sunbiz — Contact or get free assistance from SBDC at FIU.

Step 3 — Get Your EIN and Do Your Federal BOI Reporting

Get an EIN (Tax ID) from the IRS. It’s free and instant when done online: IRS — Apply for EIN. Cost: $0.
File Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) with FinCEN. Most corporations and LLCs must file. Key deadlines: Entities created in 2024 had 90 days; entities created on or after January 1, 2025 must file within 30 days; entities created before 2024 had to file by January 1, 2025. File free at FinCEN — BOI. Cost: $0.

Reality check: BOI filings take 10–20 minutes if you have IDs ready. Fines for not filing are serious. Put this on your setup checklist.

What to do if this doesn’t work: If you’re unsure whether you’re exempt (e.g., large operating company), read FinCEN — BOI FAQs or ask your attorney/CPA. For technical issues, see FinCEN — Contact.

Step 4 — Register for Florida Taxes (Sales Tax, Reemployment Tax, Resale Certificate)

If you sell, rent, or repair taxable goods/services, register with Florida DOR: Florida DOR — Tax Registration. Sales tax is state 6% plus a county discretionary surtax (check Miami-Dade’s current rate on DR-15DSS). Official sales tax guidance: Florida DOR — Sales and Use Tax.
After registering, DOR issues your Annual Resale Certificate for Sales Tax (Form DR-13). It’s free and renews annually if your account is active. Source: Florida DOR.
Hiring employees? Register for Florida Reemployment Tax: Florida DOR — Reemployment Tax. Standard initial rate is 2.7% on the first $7,000 of each employee’s wages (the wage base). Source: Florida DOR.
Florida minimum wage is scheduled to increase to $14/ h o u r * * o n * * S e pt e mb er 30, 2025 * *, t h e n * *$ 15/hour on September 30, 2026. Source: Florida Constitution Art. X §24. Post the required notice in English, Spanish, and Creole where applicable (see FloridaCommerce for current posters).

Real world example: A City of Miami boutique registers for Florida sales tax, downloads its DR-13 resale certificate to buy wholesale tax-free, and sets up e-file in Florida’s online tax center to file monthly returns.

What to do if this doesn’t work: If your DOR registration gets flagged, log into the DOR portal to view the task list. Use the contact options on Florida DOR — General Tax Administration to reach the right division (sales tax or reemployment tax). You can also visit a local DOR service center—find locations on the DOR site.

Step 5 — Get State Professional/Industry Licenses (if required)

Many businesses need a license beyond city/county approvals. Key agencies:

Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR): construction contractors, cosmetology, barbers, real estate, hotels/restaurants, alcohol, and more. Start: DBPR — Main Licensing Portal.
Florida Department of Health (DOH): medical and allied health professions. Start: Florida HealthSource — Licensing.
Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (FDACS): food establishments not regulated by DBPR (e.g., groceries, packaged foods, bakeries without seating), weight & measures, pest control. Start: FDACS — Food Permitting.
Alcohol (DBPR/ABT): DBPR — Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco. Quota and non-quota licenses exist; fees and processes vary by category.
Cottage Food (home-made shelf-stable foods): Allowed up to $250,000 annual gross sales without a permit if you meet labeling/delivery rules. See FDACS — Cottage Foods and F.S. 500.80.

Table: Common Florida Licenses for Miami Businesses

Business type	Primary agency	Notes/starting link
Restaurants and most food service with seating	DBPR — Hotels & Restaurants	Food service license, plan review if building new kitchen; DBPR H&R
Packaged foods/grocery/retail food (no seating)	FDACS — Food Safety	Food permit required; FDACS Food
Cosmetology/Barbering	DBPR	Establishment and individual licenses; DBPR Cosmetology
Construction contractors	DBPR + local permitting	State license class; local permits via City/County; DBPR Construction
Alcohol sales	DBPR/ABT	Quota vs. special licenses; DBPR ABT
Healthcare providers	DOH	Profession-specific boards; Florida HealthSource

What to do if this doesn’t work: If you’re unsure whether DBPR or FDACS regulates your food business, read the “Who Regulates What” guidance on each site and call the regulator listed on the respective contact pages. For alcohol licensing strategy (quota vs. SRX), consult ABT or a Florida alcohol attorney. If you can’t get through, ask SBDC at FIU for help triaging the right agency.

Step 6 — City of Miami Certificate of Use (CU) and Business Tax Receipt (BTR)

If your business address is inside the City of Miami:

Apply for the Certificate of Use first. It verifies zoning and occupancy, and typically requires inspections (Zoning, Fire, Building; sometimes Environmental). Start at City of Miami — Certificate of Use. Expect to upload your floor plan, lease, and Sunbiz/IRS documents.
After the CU is approved, apply for the City Business Tax Receipt (BTR). Start at City of Miami — Business Tax Receipt. Fees vary by business category and square footage. Check the City’s current fee schedule on the BTR page.
Renewals: BTRs in Florida generally run on the local tax year and are typically due by September 30 each year under Chapter 205, Florida Statutes (check the City’s BTR page for the exact renewal window, penalties, and instructions). Statute: F.S. Chapter 205 — Local Business Taxes.

Reality check: If your build-out changed walls, plumbing, or electrical, you’ll likely need building permits and inspections before the CU can be issued. Fire inspections can require exit signage, extinguishers, alarms/sprinklers depending on occupancy. Plan a few weeks if permits or corrections are needed.

What to do if this doesn’t work: If your CU is stalled due to plans or inspections, visit the City’s permitting portal or the Building department page for self-service help and to request status. Start at City of Miami — Permits & Construction. If you still can’t resolve, consider hiring a permit expediter or architect who regularly works in Miami.

Step 7 — Miami-Dade County Local Business Tax Receipt (LBT) and (if needed) County CU

Almost every business in Miami-Dade needs a County Local Business Tax Receipt, whether you are in the City of Miami, another city, or unincorporated area.

Apply for the County LBT: Miami-Dade County — Local Business Tax Receipt. You will typically submit your Sunbiz documents, EIN, lease, and proof of city CU/BTR (if in a municipality).
If you are in the unincorporated area, you may also need a County Certificate of Use: Miami-Dade — Certificate of Use (Unincorporated).
Renewals: Local business tax receipts usually renew on the local tax year cycle, with payments due by September 30 and delinquent after October 1 (verify the exact county rules on the LBT page). Statute reference: F.S. Chapter 205.

Reality check: The County can’t issue your LBT if your city approvals aren’t in place yet. For home-based businesses, the County may ask for affidavits confirming compliance with state and local home-business conditions.

What to do if this doesn’t work: Use the “Contact” options on the County LBT page for help or call 311. If your jurisdiction is unclear, ask for routing to the Tax Collector’s Local Business Tax unit via the 311 directory.

Step 8 — Building, Fire, and Environmental Approvals (as applicable)

Depending on your space and industry, you may need:

Building permits (for build-outs, signage, change of use). City of Miami permits: City of Miami — Permits & Construction.
Fire Prevention permits/inspections (City of Miami Fire-Rescue or Miami-Dade Fire Rescue in the county). City of Miami Fire-Rescue Fire Prevention: City of Miami — Fire Prevention. County fire permits: Miami-Dade Fire Rescue — Permits & Inspections.
Environmental permits (grease traps, air, tanks, hazardous materials). Miami-Dade RER/DERM: Environmental Permitting.

Table: Common Physical Approvals

Scenario	Likely approvals	Where to start
New cafe with seating and cooking	Building permits, Fire inspection, DBPR restaurant license, grease trap (DERM), City CU/BTR + County LBT	City Permits, DERM, DBPR
Salon in existing retail bay	City CU, Fire inspection, possible minor permits (signage), DBPR salon establishment license	City CU, DBPR
Warehouse to gym	Change of use building permit, Fire occupancy load review, City CU	City Building, Fire
Home bakery (cottage food)	No local food permit if within cottage rules; still need City/County business tax receipts if required by city; follow HBB rules	FDACS Cottage Food, City/County BTR pages

What to do if this doesn’t work: If plan review is slow or confusing, schedule a pre-application meeting with the City/County, or hire a local architect/expediter. For environmental issues, DERM has case managers—start via the Environmental Permitting page.

Step 9 — Employer Rules: Workers’ Comp, E‑Verify, Labor Postings

Workers’ Compensation: Florida requires coverage in the construction industry with 1+ employees; in non-construction with 4+ employees; agricultural with 6+ regular or 12+ seasonal workers. See Florida CFO — Division of Workers’ Compensation, Employer Coverage Requirements.
E‑Verify: Florida law requires private employers with 25 or more employees to use E‑Verify for new hires. See FloridaCommerce — E‑Verify and federal E‑Verify.
Labor postings: Post current Florida and federal notices, including Florida Minimum Wage (rising to $14/hour on September 30, 2025). See FloridaCommerce and the U.S. Department of Labor for official posters.

Reality check: Insurance carriers ask detailed questions about job duties; misclassification is a top reason for audits. Keep payroll records clean and consistent.

What to do if this doesn’t work: For workers’ comp compliance questions, contact the Division of Workers’ Compensation via the website above. For E‑Verify setup help, use the official E‑Verify support pages.

Step 10 — Home-Based Businesses (HBB) in Miami

Florida law preempts cities/counties from banning compliant home businesses, but there are limits.

Must be secondary to residential use, with traffic, parking, signage, and noise similar to a residence.
No on-site retail unless consistent with residential character; no more employees on-site than allowed by statute.
Cities/counties can enforce nuisance, safety, building, and fire codes.
Statute: Florida Statutes 559.955 — Home-based businesses.

Reality check: Even if allowed by state law, the City or County can require a business tax receipt for recordkeeping and may ask for affidavits. Delivery trucks, storage, and noise are frequent sticking points.

What to do if this doesn’t work: If your activity doesn’t fit the statute (e.g., auto repair at home), look for a small commercial flex space zoned for your use. Ask SBDC at FIU about micro-commercial leasing options and cost planning.

Checklists, Costs, and Timelines

Table: Miami Setup Timeline (Typical)

Step	Typical timing	Notes
Sunbiz entity filing	1–3 business days online	Faster online than mail.
EIN	Same day online	Free.
BOI filing	Same day online	Deadline depends on formation date (see FinCEN).
State tax registration (DOR)	Same day to a few days	Depends on review.
State professional license	1–8+ weeks	Varies by board and completeness.
City CU (if no build-out)	1–3+ weeks	Inspections can extend timeline.
City BTR	After CU; often quick	Fees vary by category.
County LBT	After city approvals	Needed countywide.

Table: Florida Statewide Fees You Can Count On

Item	Fee	Source
LLC Articles of Organization	$125	Sunbiz — File LLC
Profit Corporation Articles	$70	Sunbiz — File Profit Corp
Fictitious Name registration	$50	Sunbiz — Fictitious Names
LLC Annual Report (due by May 1)	$138.75	Sunbiz — Annual Report
Profit Corporation Annual Report (due by May 1)	$150	Sunbiz — Annual Report
Late fee after May 1 (LLC/for-profit corp)	$400	Sunbiz — Annual Report
IRS EIN	$0	IRS — EIN
FinCEN BOI filing	$0	FinCEN — BOI

Table: Documents You’ll Typically Need

Task	Documents
City CU/BTR	Filed Sunbiz Articles; Sunbiz printout; EIN letter; lease or deed; floor plan/site plan; photos; state license (if applicable); IDs; affidavits (HBB)
County LBT	City CU/BTR (if in a municipality); Sunbiz docs; EIN; lease/deed; affidavits
DBPR/FDACS/DOH	Application forms; responsible party ID; floor plans (restaurants); level of service details; insurance (contractors); experience/education (licensed trades)
DOR taxes	EIN; NAICS; business activities; start date
Workers’ comp	Payroll estimates; class codes; FEIN; corporate officer info

Table: Where to Apply (Official Portals)

Need	Official link
City of Miami — Certificate of Use	City of Miami — CU
City of Miami — Business Tax Receipt	City of Miami — BTR
Miami-Dade — Local Business Tax	County — LBT
Miami-Dade — Certificate of Use (Unincorporated)	County — CU
Sunbiz — LLC/Corp filings	Sunbiz — File LLC / File Profit Corp
Fictitious Name (DBA)	Sunbiz — Fictitious Name
IRS EIN	IRS — Apply for EIN
FinCEN BOI	FinCEN — BOI
Florida DOR — Registration	DOR — Register
DBPR — Licensing Portal	DBPR — Main
FDACS — Food Permits	FDACS — Food

What to do if this doesn’t work: If a portal is down or unclear, use the “Contact” pages linked from each official site to reach the right office or schedule in-person help. Miami-Dade 311 can route you to the appropriate county unit.

Industry Reality Checks (Examples)

Quick-service restaurant in City of Miami: Expect DBPR restaurant plan review if you’re building a new kitchen; DERM grease trap review; City building permits for hood, electric, plumbing; Fire inspections; City CU/BTR; County LBT; DOR sales tax. This can easily take several weeks to a few months if you’re building out a shell space. Source agencies: DBPR, DERM, City Building/Fire.
Mobile beauty service: DBPR individual cosmetology license, possibly an establishment license if you operate from a fixed location; City/County BTRs for your home base (comply with HBB rules if working from home); DOR sales tax if selling products. Plan for proof of state license when applying for local BTR.
E-commerce warehouse: Zoning must allow warehousing; City CU may trigger Fire occupancy review; signage permits if adding signs; County LBT; DOR sales tax if you sell taxable items in Florida.

What to do if this doesn’t work: If timelines are slipping, separate tasks: get entity/EIN/BOI, then tax registration, then state license if needed, then local approvals. Work in parallel where possible (e.g., DOR registration while waiting on CU inspections). Consult the SBDC if you need a personalized sequence.

Ongoing Compliance (Renewals and Deadlines)

Sunbiz Annual Report: Due by May 1 every year for entities to remain active; late fee $400 after May 1 for LLCs/for-profit corps. Sunbiz — Annual Report.
Local Business Tax Receipts (City and County): Commonly due by September 30 each year (renewal windows vary). Check the City BTR and County LBT pages for exact dates/penalties: City of Miami — BTR, Miami-Dade — LBT. Legal reference: F.S. Ch. 205.
Sales/Use Tax: File by the due dates set in your DOR registration (monthly/quarterly). Florida DOR — Sales Tax.
Reemployment Tax: File RT-6 returns and pay by due dates. Florida DOR — Reemployment.
Minimum Wage Update: Increases to $14/hour on September 30, 2025; update posted notices. Florida Constitution Art. X §24.

What to do if this doesn’t work: If you miss a deadline, pay as soon as possible to limit penalties. For Sunbiz, late filings after May 1 incur the $400 penalty. For local BTR/LBT, penalties escalate—check the City/County page for exact amounts and reinstatement steps.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Signing a lease before confirming zoning and Certificate of Use requirements.
Assuming a home business needs no local approvals.
Skipping the County LBT because you got the City BTR (you often need both).
Missing Sunbiz Annual Report by May 1 and getting hit with a $400 late fee.
Forgetting BOI filing with FinCEN within the 30-day or 90-day window.
Not registering for Florida sales tax when selling taxable items.
Starting build-out without permits; failing fire and DERM requirements later.
Not maintaining workers’ comp when required (audit risk).
Buying signage before verifying sign code and permit rules.
Quoting alcohol service before you know if a quota or SRX license is available for your location/use.

What to do if this doesn’t work: If you’ve made one of these mistakes, pause, document where you are, and contact the appropriate agency using the links above. Consider a quick consult with a local architect (for build-outs), a CPA (for tax registrations), or SBDC at FIU (for free triage and planning).

Inclusivity, Diversity, and Accessibility (Miami and Florida Resources)

Women-, Minority-, and Small Business Certifications (State of Florida). The Office of Supplier Diversity certifies woman-, veteran-, and minority-owned businesses for state procurement. Start: Florida DMS — Office of Supplier Diversity.
Service‑Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (SDVBE) Certification (State). Also through OSD. See the DMS OSD page above for eligibility and application.
Miami‑Dade County Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Programs. Certification for county contracting (construction, goods & services, A&E). Start: Miami-Dade County — Small Business Development.
Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) — Miami Center. Business advisory and capital readiness for minority-owned firms. Start: MBDA — Miami Business Center.
LGBTQ+ Business Certification. National LGBT Chamber of Commerce certifies LGBTBE businesses (widely recognized by corporates). Start: NGLCC — Certification.
Disability-Owned Business Enterprises. Disability:IN offers DOBE certification recognized by many corporates. Start: Disability:IN — Certification.
Immigrant and Multilingual Support. City and County websites provide Spanish and Haitian Creole resources; call 311 for language access routing. For SBA counseling in Spanish, ask the Florida SBDC Network to match you with a bilingual consultant.
Accessibility and ADA. Review the ADA small business guide for entrances, counters, restrooms, and website accessibility basics: ADA.gov — Small Business.

What to do if this doesn’t work: If you’re unsure which certification helps your goals (corporate vs. government contracts), schedule a free intake with the SBDC or MBDA Miami. They’ll map certifications to your sales targets and timelines.

Frequently Asked Questions (Florida- and Miami‑Specific)

Do I need both City of Miami and Miami-Dade County business tax receipts?
Yes—if your address is inside a municipality like the City of Miami, you generally need that city’s BTR and the County’s LBT. See City of Miami — BTR and Miami-Dade — LBT.
How long does a City of Miami Certificate of Use take?
If no build-out and you pass inspections quickly, some approvals finish in 1–3+ weeks. Build-outs or corrections add time. See City of Miami — CU.
What is the Florida sales tax rate in Miami-Dade?
State rate is 6% plus a county discretionary surtax. Check Miami-Dade’s current surtax in the official chart DR-15DSS. See DOR — Sales Tax.
Do I need a Florida fictitious name (DBA)?
If you operate as a sole proprietor/partnership under a trade name or your entity uses a different name than filed, yes. File online: Sunbiz — Fictitious Name. Fee is $50. Statute: F.S. 865.09.
When are Florida annual reports due?
Due by May 1 each year. Late fee is $400 for LLCs and for-profit corporations after May 1. See Sunbiz — Annual Report.
Do I need a state license to sell food?
Restaurants and seating areas are regulated by DBPR. Many retail food operations without seating are regulated by FDACS. See DBPR — H&R and FDACS — Food.
Can I run my business from home?
Yes, if you meet the Home-Based Business law requirements in F.S. 559.955. You may still need City/County business tax receipts.
What wage and hiring rules apply in Florida now?
Minimum wage rises to $14/hour on September 30, 2025. Employers with 25+ employees must use E‑Verify for new hires. See Florida Constitution Art. X §24 and FloridaCommerce — E‑Verify.
Do I need workers’ comp?
Construction: 1+ employees. Non-construction: 4+ employees. Agricultural: 6+ regular or 12+ seasonal. See Florida CFO — Workers’ Comp.
Where can I get free help with licensing and permits?
Start with Miami-Dade 311 for routing and the Florida SBDC Network for free consulting. Minority-owned firms can also contact MBDA Miami.

Deep-Dive Steps with How-To and Plan B

A. Choose and verify your location (zoning first)

Use the City’s or County’s zoning map to confirm your use is permitted at the address.
Ask about Certificate of Use and whether prior tenants had similar uses (can reduce surprises).
If building out, ask for a pre-application meeting with Building, Fire, and Zoning.

What to do if this doesn’t work: If your use isn’t permitted, search for a zone that lists your use as “by right.” Use a commercial broker who understands Miami 21 and County zoning, or consult City/County planners via the links above.

B. Form the entity and file DBA (if needed)

File LLC or corporation at Sunbiz online for speed. Keep your registered agent info handy.
If using a trade name, file the DBA and attest to newspaper advertising per F.S. 865.09.
Set a reminder for the May 1 Annual Report deadline to avoid the $400 late fee.

What to do if this doesn’t work: If your name is taken, tweak it and re-search. If you need rush advice, many registered agent companies offer chat support for Sunbiz forms; SBDC can also help review your filing choices (they don’t give legal advice).

C. Federal EIN and BOI

Apply for EIN free online. Save the IRS confirmation letter (PDF) immediately.
File BOI with FinCEN within your deadline window (see above). Keep your confirmation.

What to do if this doesn’t work: If the IRS EIN system is down, try early morning or late evening. For BOI identity document issues, ensure file sizes and formats meet FinCEN specs.

D. State taxes (Sales, Reemployment) and Resale Certificate

Register with DOR. If you’re wholesale/retail, download the DR-13 resale certificate when available.
Set up e-file and e-pay in the DOR portal. Put due dates on your calendar.

What to do if this doesn’t work: Visit a DOR service center (see locations on DOR site) or call through the DOR contact pages for guided help.

E. State professional license (DBPR/DOH/FDACS)

Identify your category and study the checklist before applying.
Submit complete applications to avoid back-and-forth. For DBPR restaurants, plan reviews can be concurrent with building permits if your drawings are complete.

What to do if this doesn’t work: Use the regulator’s help lines and FAQs, or hire a license specialist familiar with Florida boards (common for salons, contractors, restaurants, and alcohol).

F. City of Miami CU and BTR; County LBT

Apply for the City CU, schedule inspections, fix any deficiencies, then apply for the City BTR.
Apply for the County LBT once city approvals are in place.
Renew before September 30 each year (verify windows and penalties on the City/County sites).

What to do if this doesn’t work: Contact the City’s business tax or zoning office via the pages linked above and ask for a case review. For County LBT holds, use the contact links on the LBT page or call 311.

Special Topics That Trip Up Miami Businesses

Sign permits: Even window graphics can need approval. Apply before printing and installing signs. See City of Miami permitting.
Outdoor seating: Sidewalk café permits may be needed depending on jurisdiction.
Alcohol: SRX (special restaurant) licenses require specific seating, square footage, and sales mix; verify eligibility with ABT before designing your space.
Contractor licensing changes: Florida law has been preempting local specialty licenses; verify with DBPR and Miami-Dade RER how your trade is licensed in 2025 before bidding jobs.
Environmental: DERM grease trap specs and hauling logs are enforced; plan ahead.
ADA: Door widths, restrooms, counters, and accessible routes affect final approvals. Review ADA.gov — Small Business.

What to do if this doesn’t work: Schedule a pre-application huddle with the City or County. Bring drawings, a straw menu or equipment list, and your questions about alcohol, outdoor seating, and grease.

Costs You’ll Encounter (and How to Plan)

Local CU/BTR/LBT fees vary by category, size, and use. Rather than guessing, use the official fee schedules and calculators on the City/County sites. For budgeting, list:

State filing fees (see the table above with solid statewide amounts).
Professional license fees (check your license category page on DBPR, DOH, or FDACS).
City CU/BTR and County LBT fees (see City/County pages—rates vary by classification).
Plan review and permit fees (City Building/Fire; DERM if applicable).
Inspection fees (if re-inspections are required).

Reality check: Build-outs and permits typically cost more and take longer than first estimates. Include a contingency line in your budget for design revisions and re-inspections.

What to do if this doesn’t work: If you can’t find a specific fee, use the contact buttons on the City BTR and County LBT pages to request a quote for your NAICS/use, or ask your architect/expediter.

“What If I’m Opening Outside the City of Miami?”

If you’re in another city (Miami Beach, Hialeah, Doral, Coral Gables, etc.), use that city’s zoning/CU/BTR portals plus the County LBT. Find your city: Miami-Dade — Municipalities.
The same state steps (Sunbiz, EIN, BOI, DOR, DBPR/FDACS/DOH) still apply.

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call 311 and say, “I need the business tax/certificate of use page for [municipality].” They’ll route you to that city’s business licensing office.

Real-World Mini Case Studies

City of Miami coffee shop (new build-out): Owner forms an LLC ( $125 * *), g e t s E I N (* *$ 0) and BOI ($0). Architect submits building plans; owner applies for City CU, coordinates Fire and DERM grease trap review. In parallel, owner registers with DOR for sales tax and applies for County LBT after City approvals. DBPR restaurant license is issued after final inspections.
Home-based online boutique in Little Havana: Sole proprietor registers a fictitious name ($50) and attests to single-time newspaper ad. They apply for City BTR and County LBT (home-based affidavits), and register with DOR for sales tax to sell in Florida. They comply with HBB limits on storage, noise, and traffic.
Mobile barber: Obtains DBPR barber license and mobile/establishment compliance, City/County BTRs for home base, and DOR registration if retailing products. Scheduling and recordkeeping are critical to show compliance.

Each used the official links in this guide and avoided the two biggest pitfalls: signing a lease before zoning verification and delaying the CU application until after build-out.

What to Do If You Hit a Wall (Escalation Playbook)

Start with Miami-Dade 311 and ask for the unit that owns your application (City CU, County LBT, DERM, Fire, Building).
Use the “Contact” pages of the agency that has your file (links above) to request a status check or supervisor review.
Book a pre-application or correction meeting (virtual or in-person) to reduce back-and-forth.
Bring in a local architect/expediter familiar with Miami 21 and agency staff.
Ask the Florida SBDC at FIU for free project management help through the licensing steps: Florida SBDC — Miami-Dade.

Source List (Verified and Official)

City of Miami — Business Tax Receipt: City of Miami — BTR overview.
City of Miami — Certificate of Use: City of Miami — CU.
Miami-Dade County — Local Business Tax: County — LBT.
Miami-Dade County — Certificate of Use (Unincorporated): County — CU.
Florida Sunbiz — LLC and Corporation filings: File LLC, File Profit Corp; Annual Reports: Sunbiz — Annual Report.
Florida Fictitious Names and Statute: Sunbiz — Fictitious Name; F.S. 865.09.
IRS — EIN: IRS — Apply for EIN.
FinCEN — BOI: FinCEN — BOI Reporting and BOI FAQs.
Florida DOR — Registration, Sales Tax, Surtax Chart, Reemployment Tax: Register, Sales Tax, DR-15DSS Surtax Rates, Reemployment Tax.
Florida Constitution — Minimum Wage: Art. X §24.
DBPR — Main Licensing: DBPR; Hotels & Restaurants: DBPR H&R; ABT: DBPR ABT.
FDACS — Food Permits and Cottage Food: FDACS Food, Cottage Foods, Statute F.S. 500.80.
Florida Workers’ Comp Requirements: Florida CFO — Workers’ Comp Employer Coverage.
E‑Verify (FloridaCommerce + Federal): FloridaCommerce — E‑Verify, USCIS — E‑Verify.
ADA Guidance: ADA.gov — Small Business.
Miami-Dade 311: 311 Contact Center.
City of Miami Zoning: Miami 21 Code, Interactive Zoning Map.
Miami-Dade Environmental (DERM): Environmental Permits.

Each link goes to an official or well-established resource. Always review the current page notes for updated fees and forms.

About This Guide

Purpose: Give Miami entrepreneurs a single, trustworthy hub with clear steps, official links, and realistic timelines.
Scope: Focuses on the City of Miami and Miami-Dade County processes plus Florida-wide requirements. Other municipalities will have parallel processes.
Sources and dates: This guide cites official state and local websites and statutes. Figures that are statutory (e.g., Sunbiz fees, wage schedule, reemployment tax base/rate) are current to the best of our knowledge and cited. Where local fees vary or change, we link directly to the official fee schedules or application portals.
Limits: Local fee amounts for City BTR, City CU, and County LBT vary by classification and can change. Check the official pages linked herein for exact current amounts and renewal windows.

Disclaimer

Regulations, fees, forms, and deadlines change. This guide is for general information and is not legal, tax, or engineering advice. Always verify details with the relevant agency using the official links in this guide before you apply or pay. If you have complex questions, consult a qualified attorney, CPA, or architect licensed in Florida.