Start Your Business
in Florida

Before investing in packaging, labels, or a business name, verify that what you want to sell is allowed under Florida's cottage food law — shelf-stable, non-TCS, not in a prohibited category. This shapes everything downstream. See the What You Can Sell chapter for the full breakdown.

Decide between sole proprietorship (free, fastest, less protection) and LLC ($125 to form, liability shield, annual report). If you are testing a product under your own name, starting as a sole proprietor is reasonable. If you plan to scale, use a brand name, or sell at markets requiring insurance, an LLC from the start is the cleaner path. You can convert later, but setting up correctly now avoids future complications.

File your Articles of Organization at dos.fl.gov/sunbiz. The online form takes about 15 minutes. Search for name availability first. You need a business name, a registered agent (can be yourself at your home address or a registered agent service), and the $125 filing fee. Typically approved within 1–3 business days online.

If operating under any name other than your full legal name — a brand name, bakery name, or product line name — you must register it as a Fictitious Name with the Florida Division of Corporations. First publish a legal notice in a local county newspaper ($25–$150), then file on Sunbiz for $50. LLCs using their exact registered name don't need a separate DBA. Must renew every five years.

An Employer Identification Number is your federal business tax ID. Required for multi-member LLCs and any business opening a separate bank account. For sole proprietors and single-member LLCs it is optional but strongly recommended — it lets you use your EIN instead of your Social Security number when opening a business account or signing up for payment processors.

Florida has no statewide business license, but many counties require a local business tax receipt for home-based businesses. Call your county tax collector before your first sale. This is a single phone call that takes two minutes. Miami-Dade and Lee County are confirmed examples that require it. Don't skip this step — it is easier to handle upfront than retroactively.

Register for a sales and use tax account with FDOR — free online via Form DR-1. Most cottage food sales are tax-exempt, so you will likely file $0 returns. The Certificate of Registration you receive is a professional credential some markets and buyers may ask to see, and establishes your business with the state tax authority.

Not a legal requirement for sole proprietors, but one of the most important practical steps you can take. Keeping business income and expenses separate from personal finances makes tax filing far simpler, helps you understand whether your business is actually profitable, and looks more professional to buyers and market operators. Most banks offer free or low-cost business checking accounts.

Every product must be prepackaged with a compliant label before it changes hands. Florida requires seven label elements including the exact 10-point disclaimer. See the Label Requirements chapter for the full spec. SellFood's Label Creator is pre-loaded with Florida's required disclaimer and generates compliant, print-ready labels in six standard sizes.

Once your business is set up and labels are ready, create your free seller profile on SellFood.com. Add your products, connect your profile to your business name, and start reaching buyers across Florida who are actively looking for artisan and cottage food products.