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Before you begin

Confirm the rules before you pay anything.

Fees, deadlines and requirements change. Use the official links below and check amounts on the official site before you pay. This checklist is general guidance, not legal or tax advice.

Phase 1 · Plan

Define the business.

• Write a one-page plan. What you sell, who buys it, what it costs, and what you need to start. The U.S. Small Business Administration has a free business plan guide at sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business.
• Pick a business name. Search the Florida business registry at sunbiz.org to confirm the name is not already taken. Also search Google and the USPTO trademark database (uspto.gov/trademarks).
• Choose your legal structure. Sole proprietor (no filing) or LLC (filed with the state). An attorney or CPA can help you decide.
• Check industry licenses. Some trades and professions need a state license. Look up your license type on the Florida DBPR portal at myfloridalicense.com.

Phase 2 · Legal

Make it official.

• File Articles of Organization for your LLC on Sunbiz at sunbiz.org. The state filing fee is about $125 at the time of writing, so confirm the current amount on the site.
• Register a fictitious name (DBA) if you will operate under a name different from your legal name. File on Sunbiz; check the fee there.
• Write an operating agreement. Florida does not require you to file one, but it sets the rules for owners and money. Have a professional draft or review it.
• Name a registered agent with a Florida street address to receive legal notices. Your Sunbiz filing asks for this.

Phase 3 · Tax and banking

Get your numbers and permits.

• Get your EIN (Employer Identification Number). It is free from the IRS. Apply only through irs.gov. Avoid sites that charge for an EIN.
• Open a business bank account. Bring your Articles of Organization or DBA filing and your EIN confirmation. Keep business and personal money separate from day one.
• Register for Florida sales tax if you sell taxable goods or services. Use the Florida Department of Revenue at floridarevenue.com and register for a Certificate of Registration.
• Apply for a Local Business Tax Receipt. Most businesses in Miami-Dade County need one from the county Tax Collector at mdctaxcollector.gov. Businesses inside a city may also need a city receipt. Renew it on schedule.
• Get business insurance. Ask an insurance agent about general liability coverage, and about any extra coverage your trade requires.

Phase 4 · Brand

Look the part.

• Create your logo, colors and fonts. Keep them consistent everywhere. Save the files in PNG and SVG.
• Order business cards, invoice and quote templates, and a simple email signature.
• Buy a custom domain that matches your business name, and set up email on that domain.
• Build a simple website. Include what you do, where you work, your phone and email, and answers to the questions customers ask most.

Phase 5 · Get found

Show up where customers look.

• Claim your Google Business Profile at google.com/business. Add your hours, services, photos and a verified address or service area.
• Create an Apple Business Connect listing at businesses.apple.com so you appear on Apple Maps.
• Ask your first five customers for a Google review. Send them a direct link to your review form, and reply to every review.
• Set up your social profiles with the same name, logo and description, and post consistently.

Phase 6 · Keep it running

Stay in good standing.

• File your Florida LLC annual report every year by May 1 on Sunbiz. The fee was $138.75 for 2026. Late filings add a penalty.
• Renew your Local Business Tax Receipt before its expiration date. Check the Tax Collector for the current deadline.
• File sales tax returns on schedule if you collect sales tax, and keep every receipt.
• Keep clean books from day one. Separate accounts, save receipts, and review your numbers monthly.

Want help with the steps?

We'll take the steps with you.

Our startup kits cover formation, branding, your website and getting found online, with one partner from start to finish. Email info@elevatedvision.today or call 305-771-3335.