Hialeah, FL Business License Guide

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The Ultimate Hialeah, Florida Business License Guide (2025)

Last updated: August 2025

This is a real-world, no-nonsense guide to getting fully licensed to do business in Hialeah, FL. It covers the city’s Certificate of Use and Local Business Tax Receipt, Miami-Dade County’s Local Business Tax, Florida state registrations, and sector-specific rules (like restaurants, contractors, retail, and home-based businesses). Every claim links to an official source. Where dollar amounts or rates are stated, they reference official pages. If an amount isn’t posted by an official source as of August 2025, this guide points you directly to where to verify it.

Quick help (read this first)

Reality check: Plan at least a few weeks if inspections are required, especially for build-outs or food establishments. Paperwork alone won’t open your doors—inspections and zoning clearance are crucial.

What you actually need to operate legally in Hialeah

Most brick-and-mortar and many home-based businesses in Hialeah will need to clear all three layers:

  • City of Hialeah requirements (Certificate of Use and City Local Business Tax Receipt)
  • Miami-Dade County Local Business Tax Receipt
  • State and federal registrations (as needed for your activity)

Here’s the overview.

Hialeah essentials at a glance

Layer What it is Why it matters Where to start
City of Hialeah Certificate of Use (CU) Confirms your location is allowed for your business type and ready for occupancy (zoning and safety). City of Hialeah — Official Website (see Departments/Services for Business/Permits)
City of Hialeah Local Business Tax Receipt (BTR) The city’s annual business tax to operate within Hialeah (formerly “occupational license”). City of Hialeah — Official Website
Miami-Dade County County Local Business Tax Receipt County-level annual business tax for businesses operating in Miami-Dade County. Miami-Dade County — Local Business Tax (official portal)
State of Florida Entity filing, Fictitious Name LLC/Corporation filing or a Fictitious Name (“DBA”) if you’re using a trade name. Florida Sunbiz — Official Division of Corporations
State of Florida Sales & Use Tax, Reemployment Tax If you sell taxable items/services or have employees in Florida. Florida DOR — Register a New Business (DR-1)
State of Florida Professional/industry license Restaurants, salons, contractors, alcohol, hotels, etc., need DBPR/DOH licenses. DBPR — Home, Florida Health — Licensing
Federal EIN and federal tax registration Needed for hiring, bank accounts, and federal tax filings. IRS — EIN

Sources:

  • Local business taxes in Florida are authorized by Chapter 205, Florida Statutes: Florida Statutes Ch. 205 (Local Business Tax).
  • Miami-Dade County and the City of Hialeah administer their own Local Business Tax Receipt programs (see their official portals linked above).
  • State licensing is handled by Florida DBPR/DOH (official portals linked above).

Step-by-step: From site selection to opening day

The single most important action: confirm your location and use are allowed before you sign a lease. Everything else depends on it.

Step 1: Verify zoning and use for your exact address

  • Use the City of Hialeah’s official website to find Planning & Zoning and Certificate of Use guidance: City of Hialeah — Official Website. If you can’t find the page quickly, call City Hall at 305-883-5800 and ask for Planning & Zoning/Certificate of Use.
  • Ask specifically:
    • Is my proposed business type allowed at this address?
    • Are there parking, signage, or occupancy limits?
    • Will I need a build-out permit or just inspections?
    • Are there special conditions (e.g., for restaurants, auto uses, childcare, industrial)?
  • If you’re signing a new lease, negotiate for time to complete the Certificate of Use and any required build-out.

Realities:

  • Hialeah is mostly built-out, with mixed industrial, retail, and residential blocks. Zoning can change mid-block. Do not assume an address works because a similar business is nearby.
  • If you’re home-based, Florida law protects many home-based businesses, but you still must comply with local rules on noise, traffic, and signage. See Florida Statute 559.955 — Home-based businesses. Always confirm with the City.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Ask Planning & Zoning about alternatives (a nearby address or a different zoning district).
  • Consider a shared commercial kitchen, coworking, or flexible industrial space to start.
  • If you believe the interpretation is wrong, ask about an administrative appeal process or variance and the realistic timeline.

Step 2: Get your Certificate of Use (CU)

  • The CU confirms your business type is permitted at the location and that the space meets applicable codes. It commonly triggers inspections (e.g., fire, building).
  • Where to start: City of Hialeah — Official Website. Ask for instructions/forms for a Certificate of Use. If in doubt, call 305-883-5800 and ask to be routed to the Certificate of Use desk.
  • Expect:
    • A filled application with business details and the exact use.
    • Lease or proof of ownership.
    • Floor plan or site plan (often needed), especially for restaurants and assembly spaces.
    • Inspections (fire and potentially building/electrical/mechanical/plumbing depending on your space and prior permits).
    • For restaurants or food prep, grease management requirements may apply; check Miami-Dade’s environmental arm (RER/DERM): Miami-Dade RER — Environmental Resources Management.

Timelines:

  • Inspections can add 1–4 weeks or more depending on readiness and whether you need to correct items. Plan ahead if equipment or build-out is required.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Ask the inspector for a written list of deficiencies and a re-inspection date.
  • For construction work, hire a licensed contractor familiar with Hialeah and Miami-Dade permitting.
  • If your use is not allowed at this address, return to Step 1 and consider a different space or a different business model (e.g., e-commerce with a compliant warehouse).

Step 3: Apply for the City of Hialeah Local Business Tax Receipt (BTR)

  • After your CU is approved (or in parallel if the City allows), apply for the City’s BTR.
  • Where to start: City of Hialeah — Official Website (find Business Tax/Business Licensing). Call City Hall 305-883-5800 if you need the direct office or a link to the application portal.
  • What you’ll typically provide:
    • CU approval/number (or evidence it’s in process if the City allows).
    • Business name/ownership info, federal EIN.
    • State registrations (Sunbiz entity or Fictitious Name record).
    • Professional license numbers (if your industry is licensed by DBPR/DOH).
    • For home-based: any home-business attestations required by the City.
  • Annual cycle: Florida local business tax receipts generally cover the period October 1 – September 30 and must be renewed annually. Under Florida law, late penalties apply after October 1. See Florida Statute 205.053 — Delinquent receipts; penalties.
  • Penalties under Florida law:
    • A delinquent penalty applies of 10% for October and an additional 5% for each subsequent month of delinquency until a maximum of 25%. Source: Florida Statute 205.053.
  • Display requirement: Local business tax receipts must be posted conspicuously at the business location. Requirements and enforcement derive from Chapter 205, Florida Statutes: Florida Statutes Ch. 205.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If your category or fee is unclear, ask the City for the fee schedule and category description that fits your NAICS or business activity.
  • If you’re stuck on state license prerequisites, skip to “State licensing” below to finish those steps first.

Step 4: Get the Miami-Dade County Local Business Tax Receipt (County BTR)

  • Separate from the City BTR, Miami-Dade County requires a County Local Business Tax Receipt for businesses operating in the county.
  • Where to start: Miami-Dade County — Local Business Tax (official portal). You can also reach Miami-Dade 311 at 311 or 305-468-5900 for direct assistance and hours.
  • You may be asked for:
    • City BTR or proof of city application (varies).
    • State registrations (Sunbiz, Fictitious Name if applicable).
    • Professional license numbers (DBPR/DOH).
    • FEIN, business address, mailing address.
  • Renewal cycle: Aligns with Florida law—generally due by September 30 for the period October 1 – September 30. Delinquency penalties are governed by Florida Statute 205.053 (see link above).

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If your application is held for missing prerequisites, finish the City BTR or state license step and resubmit.
  • Use Miami-Dade 311 to clarify what exactly is missing and how to provide it.

Step 5: State registrations you likely need

  • Entity filing or Fictitious Name (“DBA”):
  • Sales & Use Tax (and more):
  • Reemployment Tax (state unemployment insurance):
    • You generally must register if you pay $1,500 or more in wages in a calendar quarter or have one or more employees for any part of a day in 20 different weeks in a calendar year. Source: Florida DOR — Reemployment Tax.
    • New employers are typically assigned an initial rate of 2.7% on the first $7,000 of each employee’s wages. Source: Florida DOR — Reemployment Tax.
  • Corporate Income Tax (if applicable):
    • Florida’s corporate income/franchise tax rate is 5.5% of Florida taxable income for C‑corporations (check for current rate and exemptions). Source: Florida DOR — Corporate Income Tax.
  • Minimum Wage (for payroll planning):
    • Florida’s Constitution raises the minimum wage by 1∗∗eachyearonSeptember30untilitreaches∗∗1** each year on September 30 until it reaches **15 on September 30, 2026. Thus, the scheduled rate is $14 on September 30, 2025. See Florida Constitution, Article X, Section 24.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If DR‑1 registration errors persist, call DOR at 850-488-6800.
  • If your Sunbiz filing has a name conflict, use the Sunbiz name search to find an available name or file a Fictitious Name.

Step 6: Industry licensing (DBPR/DOH) if your field requires it

Common examples:

Plan for:

  • License applications, background checks (for some trades), insurance, and inspections.
  • Food-related operations often need plan review before opening and routine inspections thereafter. DBPR publishes technical guidance on plan review timing and requirements: DBPR — Hotels & Restaurants Plan Review.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Use the DBPR call center 850-487-1395 and the “Verify a License” tool to match your business type to the right license: DBPR — Verify a License.
  • For food facilities hung up on plan review, ask DBPR about “expedited” review options or common rejection reasons.

Step 7: Federal tax and employer basics

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If the EIN site errors, file by mail or fax (forms and instructions on the IRS page).
  • Consider a payroll provider for compliance with federal/state employment taxes.

Real-world examples from Hialeah business scenarios

  • Retail clothing boutique on West 49th Street: Owner verified zoning with the City, secured a CU after a fire inspection, got the City BTR, then the Miami-Dade County BTR, and registered for sales tax (state rate 6% plus any applicable local surtax). Sources: City of Hialeah, Florida DOR — Sales Tax.
  • Food truck based in Hialeah: Owner obtained a commissary agreement, DBPR Mobile Food Dispensing Vehicle license, passed DBPR inspection, obtained a City CU for their commissary location (if in Hialeah), then City and County BTRs. Sources: DBPR — Mobile Food Licensing and Miami-Dade County.
  • Barber shop: Owner filed an LLC on Sunbiz, got DBPR Barbering establishment license, arranged the City CU and inspections, then City and County BTRs. Sources: Sunbiz, DBPR — Barbering.

The no-sweat checklist (with links you can actually use)

Task Where to do it Notes
Confirm zoning/use for your address City of Hialeah — Official Website Ask for Planning & Zoning and Certificate of Use info; call 305-883-5800 if needed.
Certificate of Use application City of Hialeah — Official Website Inspections may be required.
City Local Business Tax Receipt City of Hialeah — Official Website Annual renewal by September 30 (verify on City site).
County Local Business Tax Receipt Miami-Dade County — Local Business Tax Annual renewal by September 30 (per Ch. 205, F.S.).
Sunbiz filings (LLC, Corp, Fictitious Name) Florida Sunbiz Keep your filing and annual report deadlines (Sunbiz).
Sales Tax and Reemployment Tax Florida DOR — Register (DR‑1) State sales tax 6%, other rules apply.
Professional/industry license DBPR / Florida Health Restaurants, salons, contractors, medical, etc.
EIN and IRS setup IRS — EIN EIN is free; phone 800-829-4933.
Grease/Environmental (if food/industrial) Miami-Dade RER — Environmental Ask for DERM/grease trap requirements.
Sign permits and build-out City of Hialeah — Official Website Do not install signage before permits.

What it costs (and what to budget)

Important: City and County Local Business Tax fee schedules vary by business category and can change. Always verify the exact fee category and amount with the City of Hialeah and Miami-Dade County before paying. This section points you to official fee sources and lists state taxes and thresholds that are current as of August 2025.

Cost item Amount or rule (bolded) Source
Florida state sales tax 6% general state rate (local discretionary surtax may apply) Florida DOR — Sales & Use Tax
State tax on commercial rent 2.0% state rate since June 1, 2024, plus any county surtax Florida DOR — Tax Information Publications
Reemployment tax new employer rate 2.7% on first $7,000 wages per employee Florida DOR — Reemployment Tax
Corporate income tax (C‑corps) 5.5% of Florida taxable income Florida DOR — Corporate Income Tax
City of Hialeah — BTR Category-based; verify current schedule City of Hialeah — Official Website
Miami-Dade County — BTR Category-based; verify current schedule Miami-Dade County — Local Business Tax
DBPR/DOH industry licenses Varies by license type; verify DBPR, Florida Health
Sunbiz annual report for LLC/Corp Due by May 1; late fee may be $400 (check current) Sunbiz — Annual Report

Reality check:

  • Fees can look small individually but add up quickly when you include plan review, inspections, build-out permits, and professional licensing. Budget a buffer.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If you can’t find the City BTR fee for your category online, call City Hall 305-883-5800 and ask for the Business Tax office to read your exact category and fee from the schedule.
  • For County BTR fee specifics, contact Miami-Dade 311 (311 or 305-468-5900) to get the right Tax Collector office link.

Timelines you can actually plan around

Every business is different, but these are realistic ranges in Hialeah/Miami-Dade when inspections are involved.

Step Typical range What speeds it up
Zoning/CU pre-check 1–5 business days Have a clear description of your use and a floor plan sketch.
Certificate of Use inspections 1–4 weeks Space ready for inspection; correct deficiencies quickly.
City BTR issuance 1–7 business days (after CU sign-off) Submit complete docs; pay promptly.
County BTR issuance Same day to a few days Have City BTR/state licenses handy.
DBPR restaurant plan review Up to 30 days Submit complete plans; respond fast. Source: DBPR Plan Review.
Sunbiz filings Same day to a few days File online; avoid name conflicts.
Sales tax (DR‑1) registration Same day to a few days Register online; have FEIN.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Ask the specific office for your application status and what’s missing. Keep a written list.
  • If inspections are backed up, request the earliest available date and ask if partial approvals are possible (for non-food uses).

Sector-specific guides

Start with the most common Hialeah use-cases. Always confirm with the City and the relevant state agency.

Restaurants, cafes, caterers, and food trucks

Reality checks:

  • Food equipment changes often trigger building and fire requirements.
  • Plan review can take up to 30 days; inspections may require several passes. Source: DBPR Plan Review.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Consider a shared, DBPR-licensed commissary to start.
  • Ask DBPR about pre-opening consultations and common plan review errors.

Retail stores and e-commerce with a local warehouse

  • Zoning/CU for your store or warehouse.
  • Sales tax registration (Florida state sales tax 6%, plus county surtax on most goods): Florida DOR — Sales Tax.
  • City and County BTRs.
  • Alarm permits and sign permits may be required; check with Hialeah.

Reality checks:

  • Inventory storage and loading areas can affect your occupancy classification.
  • Commercial leases in Florida are subject to the state commercial rent tax (2.0% state rate plus any county surtax). Source: Florida DOR — Tax Information Publications.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Use a smaller footprint or flex space to reduce build-out and pass inspections faster.
  • If you’re e-commerce only, ask whether your registered office/home-based business qualifies and what limits apply.

Beauty salons, barbers, and spas

  • DBPR license for the establishment and practitioners: DBPR — Cosmetology & Barbering.
  • City CU and BTR; County BTR.
  • Sales tax registration for products (and some services if taxable) via DOR.

Reality checks:

  • Separate sinks, sanitation, and floor plan details matter at licensing time.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Ask DBPR for a pre-inspection checklist and the most common reasons for delays.

Contractors and trades

Reality checks:

  • Florida has preempted many local trade licenses; however, state licensure remains strict for most major trades. Always verify the current scope.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Work under a qualified licensed contractor while you complete your own licensing route.
  • Use DBPR’s “Verify a License” tool to confirm what’s required.

Child care and education services

  • State licensing generally through Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) for child care facilities; coordinate with Miami-Dade. Start: Florida DCF — Child Care Licensing.
  • City CU and BTR; County BTR.
  • Zoning suitability is critical due to traffic and drop-off patterns.

Reality checks:

  • Expect safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and specific facility standards.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Start with a small capacity or family child care home if allowed, then scale.

Home-based businesses in Hialeah

Florida law (Section 559.955) generally protects home-based businesses that meet specific conditions (e.g., activities are secondary to residential use, minimal traffic and noise, no external evidence beyond what’s typical). Source: Florida Statute 559.955 — Home-based businesses.

  • You may still need a City BTR, and the City can enforce reasonable rules related to health/safety, parking, traffic, and noise.
  • If you need a CU for your home-based business, the City will tell you how to apply (call 305-883-5800).

Reality checks:

  • Don’t assume any number of employees or customers on-site is allowed. The statute offers protections but doesn’t let you run a retail storefront out of a living room.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Consider a small office or coworking space in a commercial district.
  • For product businesses, use third-party fulfillment or a small compliant storage unit.

Taxes and registrations: the Florida specifics

Tax/Registration Who needs it Where Notable numbers
Sales & Use Tax Selling taxable goods/services; rentals (incl. commercial leases) Florida DOR — Register (DR‑1) State sales tax 6%; commercial rent 2.0% state rate (+ any local surtax).
Reemployment Tax Employers paying wages Florida DOR — Reemployment Tax Threshold 1,500∗∗wagesinaquarteror∗∗20∗∗weeks;initialrate∗∗2.71,500** wages in a quarter or **20** weeks; initial rate **2.7%** on first **7,000 wages.
Corporate Income Tax C‑corps with Florida taxable income Florida DOR — Corporate Tax Rate 5.5%.
Federal EIN Most businesses, banks require IRS — EIN Free; phone 800-829-4933.
Annual Report (Sunbiz) Most entities (LLC, Corp) Sunbiz — Annual Report Due May 1; late fee may be $400 (check current).

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • For uncertainty about taxability of your product/service, call DOR at 850-488-6800 and ask for a written Technical Assistance Advisement reference or relevant TIP.
  • Hire a local CPA who works with Hialeah/Miami-Dade businesses.

Documents checklist

Situation Documents to have ready
Proving your business and name Sunbiz Articles (LLC/Corp) or Fictitious Name record; IRS EIN letter
Your space Lease or deed; floor plan; any prior certificates or permits
City CU Completed application; proof of use; fire/building inspections; any environmental clearances (if food/industrial)
City BTR CU approval; state licenses; FEIN; owner ID; entity docs
County BTR City BTR or proof; state licenses; FEIN; address verification
State licensing Industry-specific forms; insurance; background checks (if required); plan review documents (for food)
Taxes DR‑1 application info; bank account details; payroll setup (if hiring)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Ask each office for a “complete application” checklist so you don’t miss anything.

Renewals and compliance calendar

Item Deadline Where
City BTR renewal Typically by September 30 City of Hialeah — Official Website
Miami-Dade County BTR renewal Typically by September 30 Miami-Dade County — Local Business Tax
Sunbiz Annual Report May 1 each year Sunbiz — Annual Report
Sales tax filings Monthly/quarterly/annual as assigned Florida DOR — File and Pay
DBPR/DOH license renewals Cycles vary by profession DBPR, Florida Health

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If you miss a deadline, file and pay immediately to stop penalties from growing (see penalty rules linked above for BTR; Sunbiz late fees; DOR penalty/interest schedules).

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Signing a lease before confirming zoning and the Certificate of Use path for your exact business activity.
  • Skipping inspections or starting work without permits (especially kitchen build-outs and signage).
  • Assuming a home-based business can operate with unlimited client visits or employees on-site.
  • Forgetting that you need both City and County BTRs.
  • Missing the annual BTR renewal (penalties kick in after October 1, up to 25%). Source: Florida Statute 205.053.
  • Overlooking sales tax on commercial rent (2.0% state rate plus any local surtax). Source: Florida DOR — Tax Information Publications.
  • Not checking whether your industry needs a DBPR/DOH license before the City will issue your BTR.
  • Missing Sunbiz annual report by May 1 and getting hit with late fees (may be $400 for many entities; verify). Source: Sunbiz — Annual Report.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If you’ve already made one of these mistakes, stop and call the relevant office to get back on track. Document who you spoke with and when.

Inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility resources (Florida + Miami‑Dade)

These programs can help you win contracts, get certified, or find support. Most offer bilingual assistance (English/Spanish), which is key in Hialeah.

  • Florida Office of Supplier Diversity (OSD) — State certification for woman‑, minority‑, and veteran‑owned businesses; help with state contracting. Start here: Florida OSD — Official Portal. Phone (DMS main): 850-488-8440 (verify current on the site).
  • Miami‑Dade Small Business Development (SBD) — County SBE, DBE, CSBE programs; certification and bid opportunities. Start here: Miami‑Dade SBD — Small Business Programs. Use 311 (311 or 305-468-5900) to reach SBD.
  • SBA South Florida District — Federal certifications (8(a), WOSB, HUBZone), counseling via SBDC/Women’s Business Centers/VBOCs. Start here: SBA — South Florida District Office. Main SBA line: 800-827-5722.
  • Veteran-owned businesses — VA Verification Service for federal contracting (VET‑CERT): VA — Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert). SBA help: 800-827-5722.
  • Disability-owned enterprises — National certification via Disability:IN (private), plus ADA compliance help: ADA.gov — Small Business.
  • LGBTQ+‑owned — NGLCC national certification (private) can help with corporate supplier diversity. Info: NGLCC — Certification.
  • Immigrant entrepreneurs — USCIS resources for business immigration options: USCIS — Working in the U.S.. For day‑to‑day licensing, immigration status is separate from City/County BTR processes.
  • Language access — Miami‑Dade 311 provides services in English and Spanish and can connect you to bilingual staff. Miami-Dade 311. Many state sites offer Spanish content or translated forms.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If certification paths are unclear, schedule a consult with Miami‑Dade SBD or SBA resource partners (SBDC, WBC, SCORE) via the SBA South Florida District page.

Frequently asked questions (Florida/Hialeah-specific)

  • Do I need both the City of Hialeah and the Miami-Dade County BTR?
    Yes, most businesses operating in Hialeah need both. City covers municipal requirements, County covers countywide business tax. See City of Hialeah and Miami-Dade County — Local Business Tax. Florida authorizes local business taxes under Ch. 205, F.S..
  • When do BTRs renew?
    Typically by September 30 for the next October 1 – September 30 period. Late penalties apply starting October 1 (up to 25%). Source: Florida Statute 205.053.
  • Do I need a Certificate of Use for a home-based business?
    Ask the City. Florida law protects many home-based businesses (see F.S. 559.955), but the City can enforce rules on noise, traffic, and safety. Start at City of Hialeah.
  • I only sell online. Do I need a City BTR?
    If you base the business in Hialeah (home or office/warehouse), you typically need local BTRs. Verify with City of Hialeah and Miami-Dade County.
  • How long will this take?
    Zoning/CU checks in a few days; inspections 1–4 weeks; BTRs from same day to a few days; DBPR restaurant plan review up to 30 days. Sources: DBPR — Plan Review, City/County portals linked above.
  • What if I installed a sign without a permit?
    Stop work and contact the City permitting office to legalize or remove it. Unpermitted work can delay your CU and BTR.
  • Is commercial rent taxed in Florida?
    Yes. Florida imposes sales tax on commercial leases. The state rate is 2.0% (effective June 1, 2024) and local surtax may apply. Source: Florida DOR — Tax Information Publications.
  • Do salons, barbers, and restaurants need state licenses beyond the City?
    Yes. Salons/barbers via DBPR boards; restaurants via DBPR Hotels & Restaurants. Links: DBPR — Professions, DBPR — Hotels & Restaurants.
  • When is the Sunbiz annual report due?
    By May 1 for most entities. Late fees can be steep (may be $400; verify). Source: Sunbiz — Annual Report.
  • Where can I get one-on-one help?
  • Miami-Dade 311 (311 or 305-468-5900) for county services and routing.
  • City of Hialeah City Hall main line 305-883-5800 for City business tax/licensing guidance.
  • DBPR 850-487-1395 for state licensing.
  • Florida DOR 850-488-6800 for sales/payroll taxes.
  • SBA resource partners (Miami-Dade area) via SBA South Florida District.

Practical add-ons (signs, alarms, and build-outs)

  • Signs: Most exterior signage requires a permit. Never install a sign before your permit is issued. Start at the City of Hialeah — Official Website and ask for sign permit requirements.
  • Alarms: Burglar/fire alarm installations often require permits and inspections. Coordinate with your alarm contractor and the City.
  • Build-outs: Any electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or structural changes require permits and inspections before you open.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Hire a licensed contractor familiar with Hialeah and Miami-Dade permitting. Ask for references and permit numbers for similar jobs.

Contact directory (verified official portals and numbers)

Office How they help Contact
City of Hialeah City CU/BTR, permits, inspections City of Hialeah — Official Website • Main line 305-883-5800
Miami-Dade County (311) County BTR, routing to departments Miami-Dade 311 • 311 / 305-468-5900
Florida DBPR State professional/industry licensing DBPR — Home • 850-487-1395
Florida Department of Revenue Sales tax, reemployment tax, registration Florida DOR — Taxes • 850-488-6800
Florida Sunbiz (Division of Corporations) LLC/Corp filings, Fictitious Name, Annual Reports Sunbiz — Official Site
IRS EIN, federal taxes IRS — EIN • 800-829-4933
Miami-Dade RER/DERM Environmental/grease (food/industrial) Miami-Dade — RER/Environmental

Tip: If a deep link changes, use the homepage search on each official portal. The main sites above are stable and maintained.

What to do if you hit a wall (Plan B options)

  • Ask for a “pre-application” or “pre-inspection” meeting with the City to identify issues early.
  • Use a different space or business model to meet zoning (e.g., commissary kitchens, coworking, flex warehousing).
  • Start with an online or mobile model while you finish tenant improvements.
  • Work with a permit expediter or local architect/engineer who regularly works in Hialeah.
  • For state licenses, call DBPR early (850-487-1395) and ask for a checklist and common rejection reasons.
  • For tax registrations, call DOR (850-488-6800) to resolve errors quickly.

Tables you can screenshot

Table: City vs. County vs. State — who handles what

Layer You’ll need Who issues it When
City of Hialeah Certificate of Use City Before opening/operating
City of Hialeah Local Business Tax Receipt City Before operating; renew by Sep 30
Miami-Dade County Local Business Tax Receipt County Before operating; renew by Sep 30
State of Florida Sales tax & other tax registration (DR‑1) Florida DOR Before first taxable sale/payroll
State of Florida Professional/industry license DBPR/DOH Before opening if your field requires it
Federal EIN IRS Before hiring/opening bank accounts

Table: Hialeah licensing timeline at a glance

Week Action Result
Week 0 Zoning/use check Green light to apply for CU
Weeks 1–2 CU application + inspections CU approval
Weeks 2–3 City BTR application City BTR issued
Weeks 2–3 County BTR application County BTR issued
Parallel Sunbiz + DR‑1 + DBPR/DOH (if needed) State compliance

Table: Taxes you can’t ignore

Activity Registration Filing cadence Notes
Selling taxable goods Sales & Use Tax (DOR) Monthly/Quarterly/Annual (assigned) State 6% + any local surtax
Leasing commercial space Sales tax on rent Monthly State 2.0% + any surtax
Having employees Reemployment Tax (DOR) Quarterly Threshold $1,500 wages in quarter or 20 weeks

Table: Renewal checklist calendar

Month Task Notes
January–March Check Sunbiz Annual Report window Due May 1
July–September City/County BTR renewal window Pay by September 30
September 30 Florida minimum wage annual step increase (through 2026) See Florida Constitution Art. X, Sec. 24
Year-round DBPR/DOH renewals as scheduled Cycles vary

Table: Who to call (fast)

Need First call Backup
City CU/BTR status City of Hialeah 305-883-5800 Department link via City site
County BTR Miami-Dade 311 311 / 305-468-5900 County Tax Collector via 311
Sales tax registration Florida DOR 850-488-6800 DOR — Registration
Restaurant licensing DBPR 850-487-1395 DBPR — Hotels & Restaurants
EIN IRS 800-829-4933 IRS — EIN

Reality checks, warnings, and pro tips

  • Don’t “soft open” before your CU and BTRs are issued. Operating without them exposes you to penalties and shutdowns.
  • If your lease says “tenant responsible for permits,” assume build-out and inspections are on you.
  • Keep copies of everything—leases, floor plans, inspection reports, permits, receipts—and carry a binder or digital folder for inspectors.
  • For bilingual operations, set your signage, contracts, and postings in the languages your staff and customers use. Miami-Dade 311 provides bilingual support.
  • If you rent commercial space, budget the extra monthly cost of sales tax on rent (state 2.0% plus any local surtax).

What to do if you’re on a tight budget or timeline

  • Start with a home-based or shared space model if allowed, then scale to a storefront.
  • Choose a “turnkey” space that previously housed a similar use to minimize build-out.
  • Use used/NSF-approved equipment (for restaurants) that meets DBPR standards.
  • Phase your concept (e.g., catering → food truck → brick-and-mortar).

About This Guide

  • Purpose: Provide a practical, source-backed path to get licensed to do business in Hialeah, FL.
  • Scope: City Certificate of Use; City and County Local Business Tax Receipts; Florida state registrations; selected industry licensing; taxes; timelines; mistakes to avoid; inclusive resources.
  • Sources: This guide cites only official government and well-established sources. Key portals: City of Hialeah, Miami-Dade County, Florida DOR, Florida Sunbiz, Florida DBPR, Florida Health, Florida Statutes, IRS.
  • Editorial standards: People-first, link-rich, no fluff, and transparent about uncertainties. Dollar amounts and rates are only included where official sources support them as of August 2025.

Disclaimer

Program rules, fees, deadlines, forms, and processes change. City of Hialeah, Miami-Dade County, Florida DOR/DBPR/DOH, and the IRS update websites and procedures regularly. Always verify current requirements, amounts, and timelines with the relevant agency using the official links in this guide or by calling their published phone numbers. This guide is for general information and is not legal, tax, or professional advice.