Step 1: Registering Your Business

The Florida Division of Corporations requires all business entities to be registered in order to do business in the state.  It also requires registration of fictitious names and trademarks. This registration is required prior to obtaining a city Business Tax Receipt (BTR) to do business in Maitland.  Registering with the State of Florida is an easy process and may be done online. For information regarding the registration of your business or to file with the state, visit www.sunbiz.org. 

Obtaining a State License

Some professions are required to be licensed by the state in order to do business.  They include, but are not limited to:

•         Contractors 

•         Hotels

•         Real Estate Agents

Some state licenses require a business location prior to approval.   Proceed to Step 2 to determine if your proposed location is appropriate for the type of business you wish to open. To see if your business requires state licensing, please contact the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation at (850) 487-1395 or visit www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr.

Obtaining a Correct Permit 

Any business engaging in food service, childcare, or health care services may be required to obtain a permit from the State Health Department at www.floridahealth.gov, the Department of Children and Families at www.myflfamilies.com, or the Department of Business and Professional Regulation at www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr.  

Workers’ Compensation

You may be required to provide Workers’ Compensation coverage to your employees.    For more information, please call the Florida Department of Financial Services at (850) 413-1609 or visit www.myfloridacfo.com. 

Sale of Alcoholic Beverages

Businesses wishing to sell alcohol must obtain a license from the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco at www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr. 

You must get approval from Maitland’s Community Development Department prior to making an appointment with the State for permit issuance. This process can take a minimum of 1-2 business days. Any establishment selling alcohol for on-premises consumption must be more than 750 feet from any other licensed establishment or more than 1,000 feet of any established school or church. This rule does not apply to restaurant uses within the Downtown Maitland (DM) zoning district.  Such restaurants must be able to show at least 51% of gross revenue from food and nonalcoholic beverages. In addition, no liquor can be sold after the hours of serving food have elapsed. For questions, contact us at (407) 539-6212.