Starting a Business in Florida

If you are starting a business in Florida, either new or an expansion, and you’d like a little assistance, The Victoria Law Group is here to help with continually updated resources and information related to business startups.

IRS Information

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is the nation’s Federal tax collection agency and administers the Internal Revenue Code enacted by Congress.

Here are ways The Victoria Law Group can help you with the IRS:

Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Updating Incorrect Business Entity Information

Business Registration

Registering a business in Florida may require an entity to register not only at the State level but also with the local county government. Corporate entities are usually required to register with the Division of Corporations (www.Sunbiz.org), while many professions are required to register with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. County occupational licenses are usually obtained from the local county government.

Selecting a Location

Location can have a significant effect on the quality and quantity of services or products offered by a business. Access to major transportation routes and skilled people, or selecting a demographic area for your products or services can have a major impact on your company’s ability to conduct business within the State. The Victoria Law Group knows the geography of the areas in which we work, and have great relations with local realtors.

International Trade Information

International commerce is big business in Florida. Export-import intensive industries have found that Florida’s 18 Foreign Trade Zones, gives the state an ideal platform from which to engage in business. Due to the fact that Florida has some excellent deep water ports and air transportation facilities, it is able to support a very large volume of exports and imports.

Land Use and Permitting

Any business that affects the environment of Florida will more than likely be required to account for its impact. Issues such as surface and groundwater quality, wastewater treatment, solid and hazardous waste disposal, and natural resource habitat protection are just a few of the environmental concerns for which businesses are held accountable.

U.S. Small Business Administration – South Florida District Office

The South Florida District Office delivers a variety of SBA’s programs and services, such as startup and operational assistance through small business training and counseling, financial assistance for startups, operational and disaster help, business opportunities, such as government contracting, subcontracting, procurement, and much more.

Services Available

Over the years, the SBA has developed many small business loan and assistance programs, special outreach efforts and initiatives to aid and inform small businesses. The following describes briefly all the services and information available through this office:
Financial assistance for new or existing businesses through guaranteed loans made by area bank and non-bank lenders.
Assistance to businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals through the 8(a) Business Development Program.
Free consulting services through the network of Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs). SBDCs also conduct training events throughout the district – some require a nominal registration fee.
Free counseling, advice and information on starting a business through SCORE – Counselors to America’s Small Business. SCORE also conducts training events throughout the district – some require a nominal registration fee.
Free counseling and information on starting and managing a business through The Women’s Business Center (WBC). The WBC also conducts training events throughout the district – some require a nominal registration fee.

Business Advantages

Florida has become one of the most desirable states in the country in which to conduct business. The State consistently leads the nation in new business incorporations. With one of the largest supplies of business parks, an advantageous business tax system, transportation availability, 14 foreign trade zones, an abundance of electrical power, and a large population of skilled human resources, Florida provides everything that a business requires to function.

WHY FLORIDA

Competing in today’s global markets is challenging. Your business location should not be. That’s why Florida has developed a business-friendly environment where an entrepreneurial spirit, competitive costs and streamlined regulations are the drivers that enable businesses like yours to innovate and grow. Many leading companies are already benefiting from Florida’s business advantages. Florida understands your business needs and stands ready to welcome you with its creative workforce, global connectivity and high quality of life.

BUSINESS CLIMATE

capital investments will be working for your business. You can have this peace-of-mind in Florida, which ranks among the best states for business thanks to its pro-business state tax policies, competitive cost of doing business and streamlined regulatory environment. The state is proud of its welcoming business climate and competitive advantages.

Business-friendly Government: Florida’s government and economic development leaders work together to ensure that the state’s business climate remains favorable to companies of all sizes, including some of the nation’s leading corporations. Florida is working on legislative, fiscal and marketplace initiatives such as insurance tort reform, targeted industry incentives and others. A recent report notes the success in creating a competitive worker compensation market in the state. The state is also one of only a few right-to-work states in the U.S.

Competitive Cost of Doing Business: Florida offers a cost-efficient alternative to other competitive high-tech states. Put simply, land, labor, and capital are more affordable in Florida than in California or New York, for example. In addition, for businesses in certain targeted industries or specialized locations, the state offers additional financial incentives. Businesses looking for workforce training, road infrastructure or specialized locations, may also qualify for specific incentive programs.

Pro-Business Tax Structure: Business dollars go a lot farther here given Florida’s tax advantages, tax exemptions and no state personal income tax. Businesses thrive in this low-tax environment and employees enjoy the benefit of no personal income tax.

Expedited Permitting: Florida understands that businesses need certainty, predictability and efficiency in government regulations. The state’s regulatory agencies and local governments provide quicker, less costly and more predictable permitting processes for significant economic development projects without reducing environmental standards.

Available Resources: For entrepreneurs and growing businesses, Florida offers access to capital from private, state, federal and other sources. The state has implemented capital formation initiatives, such as the Florida Opportunity Fund, and economic gardening programs that help Florida businesses expand by offering specialized services such as market information, leadership development, and business management tools. Strategic support is also available to foster the strong entrepreneurial culture in the state.