How to Start a Business in Tampa, Florida
Starting A Tampa Business in 7 Steps
If you’re ready to form a business in Tampa, but you’re not quite sure where to start, we’ve got you covered.
Famous for its bustling metro center and white beaches, Tampa boasts a variety of business opportunities in industries like manufacturing, financial and information services, tourism, and maritime trade. The relatively low tax burden makes it appealing for entrepreneurs and small business owners.
We’ll go over business registration, how to get a City of Tampa business license, business tax, and more. Let’s get started.
1. File Formation Paperwork
So, you’ve got a brilliant idea, and you’re ready to start a business in Tampa—what do you do now?
If you don’t know already, you’ve got to decide what type of business you want to create and file formation paperwork with the Florida Division of Corporations. For small business owners, the choice is often a Florida LLC. An LLC offers the advantages of personal asset protection, pass-through taxation, and a flexible management structure. You can form an LLC by filing Articles of Organization through the Florida Department of Corporations website and paying the $125 fee.
You can review your options using the Division of Corporation’s explanation of types of business entities/structures.
If you form a sole proprietorship or general partnership, there’s no paperwork to file. However, you may still want to register a fictitious business name, aka a Florida DBA, to avoid the requirement to use your full legal name in your business name.
Can I form a business anonymously in Tampa?
Sadly, the Sunshine State doesn’t enable the formation of truly anonymous LLCs or corporations. However, you can protect your privacy with the Double (Private) LLC structure. With our Double LLC Package, we create two LLCs that manage each other and allow you to use our permanent business address so that you can keep both your name and address off the public record.
Do I need a Florida registered agent?
Florida’s a little funky when it comes to business registration and registered agents. All business entities except sole proprietorships must register with the state. However, while LLCS, corporations, and limited partnerships (LPs) are required to have a Florida registered agent, general partnerships and limited liability partnerships (LLPs) are not.
2. Apply for an EIN
A good next step is getting your Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, which you’ll need to file federal taxes. You’ll also often have to supply your EIN when applying for a business bank account and, sometimes, for licenses, permits, or local taxes.
While sole proprietors and single-member LLCs have the option to use their social security numbers, multi-member LLCs, corporations, and all businesses with employees must get an EIN.
How do I get an EIN?
You can get your EIN online fairly quickly and easily using the IRS’s EIN Assistant. However, if you’re starting a business in the U.S. as a non-U.S. resident, you’ll need to apply for your EIN by mail, fax, or phone.
3. Register DBAs (Fictitious Business Names)
A Florida DBA, or “doing business as” name, allows your company to conduct business under a name other than its legally registered name. Also known as a fictitious name or trade name, they’re a popular choice among many business owners, especially sole proprietors.
According to Florida state law, any sole proprietor doing business under a name that doesn’t include their full name must register a DBA. For example, John Lopez could operate a private chef business as John Lopez, Private Chef without a fictitious name. Doing business as Lopez Private Chef Services or Hourglass Personal Nutrition, though, would require a DBA.
LLCs and corporations often use a DBA to start a new business line, or to rebrand without having to register a whole new business. For example, with a DBA, Sunshine Party Planners LLC could branch out as Gasparilla Party Trolley.
To register one, you’ll need to make sure the name is available, publish a notice, and submit a filing:
1. Check name availability
You can check name availability using the Florida Fictitious Name Database.
2. Publish a notice of your intent to adopt a fictitious name
Before you can file your application for a DBA, you need to publish a legal notice of intent to use a fictitious name in a local newspaper. The publication can be online or in print as long as it meets the following requirements:
- At least 25% of the paper is written in English
- Issues are published at least weekly
- The paper is available as a periodical in Hillsborough County
- The paper has been established for at least one year
You won’t need to get proof of publication, only to certify that your notice has been published. Publication rates vary: La Gaceta charges $35 to publish a fictitious trade name legal notice, while placing an ad in the Tampa Bay Times for Hillsborough County may run you $57 or more (depending on how much space it takes up on the page).
3. File the Application for Registration of Assumed Name
You can submit a paper application or file your fictitious name registration online through Sunbiz. The filing fee is $50.
Prefer to spend your time actually running your business instead of chasing down paperwork? Our registered agent and company formation clients can order DBA filing service for just $125 + state and publication fees. We’ll publish your legal notice and file the state application so you don’t have to!
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4. Register for Florida State Taxes
Registering to pay your Florida state taxes is your next step, particularly if you’ll need to collect and pay sales tax. Most Tampa businesses that sell goods or services (including rental and repairs services) must pay a combined 7.5% sales tax—6% for the state and 1.5% for Hillsborough County.
You won’t have to worry about state income tax since Florida doesn’t collect it, but if you own a corporation, you will need to pay a 5.5% corporate tax on all your profits exceeding $50,000.
It’s also possible that you’ll have to pay additional taxes based on your industry. For example, dry cleaners must pay a 2% Florida Gross Receipts Tax on Dry-Cleaning Facilities.
How do I register to pay Florida state taxes?
Online tax registration is available through the Department of Revenue’s e-Services Enrollment portal. You can also find out what information you’ll need to collect before registering and what steps to take after, thanks to the Department’s account registration informational page.
How do I figure out what state taxes I have to pay?
One way to figure out which taxes you must pay is through the Department of Revenue’s Taxpayer Education guides and tutorials, which contain a New Business Startup Kit.
Another way is by using the Business Information Portal at OpenMyFloridaBusiness.gov. You can search or browse for your business type (for example, “publishing”). Under the information included about starting your business, there will be a list of the taxes you may be required to pay.
How do I know if I need to collect Florida sales tax?
If you’re not sure about whether or not you need to pay sales tax, you can check the complete list of qualifying businesses on the Department’s Florida Sales and Use Tax page. Additionally, if you’re an online retailer making more than $100,000 in annual remote sales, you must pay sales tax on that income.
Is there a Florida sales tax on remote sales?
When the remote sales exceed $100,000 annually, you may need to pay Florida sales tax. Remotes sales over $100,000 a year in Florida will typically require the retailer to register for taxes whether the retailer is based in Florida or not, or using a out-of-state marketplace. Consult a tax professional if you need help determining whether you’re required to pay.
5. Get a Local Business Tax Receipt
Hillsborough County requires all businesses operating within the county to obtain a Business Tax Receipt from the Hillsborough County Tax Collector.
You’ll also have to get a local Business Tax Receipt for the City of Tampa through the Business Tax Division.
How can I get a Business Tax Receipt?
You can apply for a Hillsborough Business Tax Receipt online using BTExpress. The portal will lead you through a series of questions to determine the documentation you’ll need to provide to get your receipt.
For Tampa Business Tax Receipts, you must apply through the Tampa government. You can get more information on the city’s Business Tax information page.
How much does a Business Tax Receipt cost?
The cost of your Business Tax Receipt will depend on the type of business you own. As an example, for Hillsborough receipts, contractors will pay $18 – $468.75 (based on how many employees they have), a pawnbroker will pay $337.50, and a hotel will pay $1.50 per room. Tampa taxes also vary. For instance, an advertising agency must pay $243.09, plus $17.35 for each worker, while a DJ must pay $115.76.
Does my Business Tax Receipt need to be renewed?
There are several Hillsborough Business Tax Receipt exemptions, such as for veterans of the US armed forces and qualifying seniors.
Are there any Business Tax Receipt exemptions?
To legally do business as a contractor in Hillsborough County, you need to get a contractor’s license. You’ll need to file an application and get that application approved by the licensing board, pay all required fees ($50 application initiation fee and $230 after application acceptance), and pass the state Experior Assessments Examination. You can review all the steps required to apply for a Hillsborough County Contractor License on the county’s website and submit your application online through the HillsGovHub portal.
What are other local taxes I’ll need to pay?
You may also be required to pay:
Tangible Personal Property (TPP) Tax: TPP is levied against the equipment, furniture, and other physical assets owned by your business.
Real Estate Tax: If your business owns a building or other property, you may need to pay real estate tax.
6. Obtain Required Licenses
There’s no general Florida business license, Hillsborough County business license, or City of Tampa business license.
However, depending on the type of work you do, you may need to obtain a professional or industry-specific license to remain in compliance with Florida law. All these licenses are issued through the state agencies, such as the Department of Health or Agriculture & Consumer Services. For instance, as an event caterer, you’d need a catering license and possibly a liquor license from the Department of Business & Professional Regulation.
There are also several Hillsborough County licenses required for select occupations and businesses, including contractors, childcare workers, and pain management clinics.
How do I find out which licenses my business needs?
To determine which licenses you may be required to get, you can refer to the Florida Business Information Portal.
Within the portal, you can search for specific business types (“Dentist” or “Attorney”) or browse business categories (“Transportation” or “Publishing, Movies, Television, Radio, Data, and Communications”) to find a checklist of requirements that applies to your business, including required licenses and where to get them.
How do I get a professional or industry license/permit in Florida?
You can get professional and industry-specific licenses/permits through the state agency that regulates your field. For example, to become a Certified Pest Control Operator, you’ll have to get licensed through the Department of Agriculture & Consumers Services’ Division of Agricultural Environmental Services ($300 plus $10 for an ID).
The three main licensing agencies in Florida are:
- The Department of Business & Professional Regulation
- The Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services
- The Department of Health
To explore the agencies within these departments, you can also refer to the Department of State’s list of state agency homepages.
How do I get a Hillsborough County business license?
You can apply for a county-level license through the county government agency that oversees your industry, as listed on the Hillsborough County Business Licensing & Regulation site.
How do I get a contractor’s license in Hillsborough County?
To legally do business as a contractor in Hillsborough County, you need to get a contractor’s license. You’ll need to file an application and get that application approved by the licensing board, pay all required fees ($50 application initiation fee and $230 after application acceptance), and pass the state Experior Assessments Examination. You can review all the steps required to apply for a Hillsborough County Contractor License on the county’s website and submit your application online through the HillsGovHub portal.
Do I need a City of Tampa business license?
Tampa doesn’t issue a general City of Tampa business license. However, if you plan on selling fireworks within Tampa city limits, you will need to get a City Occupational License from the Fire Marshal.
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7. Get Required Zoning Permits
One more thing you’ll need to do before opening shop is make sure that you obey zoning laws and obtain all necessary zoning permits. For instance, if you operate a bed and breakfast located in a residential zone, you’ll probably need to apply for a Conditional Use Permit ($428.12).
If you’re constructing a new building or making changes to an existing building, you’ll have to get both county- and city-level permits, which can run up into the thousands of dollars.
How do I find out which zoning permits I need?
Hillsborough County provides Zoning Information & Counseling, including access to the Hillsborough County Map Viewer, Permit Fees, and dedicated zoning counselors. You can submit a Zoning Information Request online or by phone.
In the City of Tampa, you can contact Construction Services about Commercial Permits, generally required for new constructions, additions, or alterations. Construction Services’ Permit Fee Estimator can also help you figure out the cost.
How do I obtain zoning permits?
For Hillsborough County permits, you can apply online using the PGM Store. You can find downloadable applications using the county’s list of Zoning Applications & Forms.
Tampa permit applications must be submitted through Tampa Construction Services.The cost of your Business Tax Receipt will depend on the type of business you own. As an example, for Hillsborough receipts, contractors will pay $18 – $468.75 (based on how many employees they have), a pawnbroker will pay $337.50, and a hotel will pay $1.50 per room. Tampa taxes also vary. For instance, an advertising agency must pay $243.09, plus $17.35 for each worker, while a DJ must pay $115.76.
Do I need a permit for my home-based business?
Generally, home-based businesses do not need to obtain any zoning permits. You’ll only need a permit if Conditional or Special Use permit is required by the nature of your business—for example, running a dog kennel on your property.
Tampa Business Resources
Prepare yourself to do business with valuable business resources based in the City of Tampa and Hillsborough County.
Getting your business started:
- Hillsborough County Resources & Training:
The Hillsborough County government Resources & Training page lists a number of learning and consulting opportunities for small business owners and entrepreneurs, including a Startup Business Checklist and Hillsborough County Business Workshops and Training Calendar. - Florida Small Business Development Center (FSBDC) at Hillsborough:
The FSBDC at Hillsborough County offers free business consulting and workshops on topics like creating a business plan, getting business insurance, and marketing. You can register for FSBDC business consulting online. - Entrepreneur Collaborative Center (ECC):
The ECC provides training and learning resources along with conference rooms, meeting space, and technology for entrepreneurs to use as they build their businesses.
Resources for growth:
- Business and Entrepreneur Resources at the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative:
Research tools and databases, plus meeting space and equipment. - Economic Development Innovation Initiative (EDI2):
EDI2 provides grant funding, mentors, and other support for entrepreneurs. - Minorities, Women, & Small Business:
The county provides certification and business development programs, vendor outreach, and a directory for minority- and women-run businesses, along with small businesses. - Veterans in Agriculture:
Growth opportunities for veterans in the growing agriculture industry. - Manufacturing Alliance of Hillsborough County:
Manufacturing is in high demand—find connections and ways to expand through the Manufacturing Alliance. - South Tampa Chamber:
Network with other local business owners and get the word out about yours.
Getting work with Hillsborough County or the City of Tampa:
- Doing Business with Hillsborough:
Learn about vendor registration and information for working with the county. - Doing Business with Tampa:
Find out how to get a contract with the city, which awards over $200 million in contracts each year.
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