Start a Business in Orlando

Permits, costs, timeline, and step-by-step requirements.

✔ 4 permits⏱ 2-6 weeks💰 $50–$200

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Overview

Starting a business in Orlando requires a Business Tax Receipt + Certificate of Use through the City of Orlando Permitting Services Division. Base fee: $50–$200. No state business license. No state income tax. Local Business Tax Receipt required by most cities/counties.

Required Permits

✓Federal: EIN from IRS (free, instant online)

✓State: LLC/Corp filing + seller's permit/sales tax registration

✓County: health department permit + fire inspection

✓City: business licence/tax certificate

Step-by-Step Process

Federal: EIN from IRS (free, instant online)

State: LLC/Corp filing + seller's permit/sales tax registration

County: health department permit + fire inspection

City: business licence/tax certificate

Costs

Estimated total: $50–$200 depending on permits and inspections.

General Business$50–$200

Restaurant$100–$500

Contact

City of Orlando Permitting Services Division

Phone: 407-246-2204

City Hall, 400 South Orange Avenue, 1st Floor, Orlando, FL 32801

Apply Online →

Common Mistakes

⚠ DUAL BTR: City of Orlando AND Orange County Tax Collector required

⚠ Certificate of Use required alongside BTR

⚠ Prorated fees: Jan 10%, Feb 20%, Mar 30% etc. — timing matters

⚠ Home occupation requires separate application with floor plan sketch

⚠ Delinquency penalties: Oct 10%, Nov 15%, Dec 20%, Jan 25% + $250 after Feb 1

⚠ Fertilizer businesses need Green Industries BMP Certification for renewal

Choose Your Business Type

Restaurant Food Truck Barber Shop Retail Store Coffee Shop Bar / Nightclub Gym / Fitness Studio Nail Salon Cannabis Dispensary Dog Grooming Bakery Cleaning Service Daycare Center Auto Repair Shop

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