Starting a Business

The "Starting a Business in Florida” section contains information and resources to help entrepreneurs get a business idea. Go through these important steps to find tips on complying with business license and permit requirements, creating a business plan, choosing a business name, financing your venture, and much more.

Start-up Guides

Florida Small Business Resources
A guide to starting and growing a small business in the state of Florida

Doing Business in Kissimmee
Includes guides by the Kissimmee Development Services Department on how to start a business in Kissimmee

Start-up Kit for New Business Owners
Florida Department of Revenue’s directory of forms and publications for new businesses.

Small Business Resource Center
Covers all major areas of starting, operating and maintaining a business.

Registering Your Business

Department of Business and Professional Regulation
Apply, renew or search for licenses, and general business information.
Phone: 850.488.1830

Division of Corporations
Search and access filed information for corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, general partnerships, trade marks, fictitious name registrations and liens.
Phone: 850.487.6012

Florida Department of Revenue
Taxation issues, such as sales and use taxes, forms and e-services for business owners.
Phone: 800.352.3671
Fax: 850.245.5990

State of Florida business links
Detailed links across State of Florida’s web site for business owners, including taxes, workers’ compensation, inspections and more.

Taxes and Finances

Florida Department of Revenue
Taxation issues, such as sales and use taxes, forms and e-services for business owners.
Phone: 800.352.3671
Fax: 850.245.5990

Internal Revenue Service
Research tax laws, download tax forms, file and pay taxes and more. Use this assistance to apply for and obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN).
850 Trafalgar Court
Maitland, FL 32751
Phone: 407.660.5830

Grants.gov
Searchable online listing of government grants which may aid in the financing of business ventures.

Local Assistance

Osceola County Economic Development Department
3 Courthouse Square Suite 208
Kissimmee, FL 34741
Phone: 407.343.4050
Fax: 407.343.4060

Score Orlando
Provides business counseling and training seminars for small businesses
315 E Robinson Street, One Landmark Center Building Suite 100,
Orlando, FL 32801
Phone: 407.420.4844

Kissimmee Chamber of Commerce
Includes local chapter of Small Business Development Center.
1425 East Vine Street
Kissimmee, FL 34744
Phone: 407.847.3174

Research and Statistics

Disney Entrepreneur Center
The Disney Entrepreneur Center (E-Center) was founded in 2003 through the collaboration of the University of Central Florida, The U.S. Small Business Administration, Orange County Government and The Walt Disney World Company to stimulate economic development in Central Florida.
Orlando Fashion Square Mall
3201 E. Colonial Drive
Suite A-20 Orlando, FL 32803
Phone: 407.420.4848
Fax: 407.420.4849

UCF's Small Business Development Center
Located in the Disney Entrepreneur Center, the SBDC provides business seminars and free one-on-one counseling for small business owners.
315 East Robinson Street, Suite 100
Orlando, FL 32801
Phone: 407.420.4850
Fax: 407.420.4862

Osceola County Economic Development Department
3 Courthouse Square Suite 208
Kissimmee, FL 34741
Phone: 407.343.4050
Fax: 407.343.4060

US Small Business Administration
Official business link to the United States government.

Demographics Now
Provides entrepreneurs, business owners and students valuable data on the community.

Explore Tutorials and How-To’s

Online Courses for Starting Your Business from SBA

Florida Department of Revenue – How to e-File and e-Pay Sales and use tax

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