Orlando is one of the fastest-growing business markets in the United States. With 75 million visitors a year, a booming aerospace and defense sector, a rapidly expanding tech corridor anchored by UCF’s Creative Village campus, and a business-friendly state environment with no personal income tax, Central Florida gives entrepreneurs a rare combination of market size, talent, and tax advantages. This guide walks you through every step required to start a business in Orlando the right way.

Step 1: Choose Your Business Structure

Before you register anything, decide how your business will be organized legally. Most Orlando entrepreneurs choose one of three structures:

• Sole Proprietorship: The simplest option, but it offers no liability protection. Your personal assets are exposed if the business is sued.
• LLC (Limited Liability Company): The most popular choice for small business owners in Florida. An LLC limits your personal liability, allows flexible tax treatment, and is straightforward to maintain.
• Corporation (S-Corp or C-Corp): Better suited for businesses planning to raise outside investment or issue stock. More administrative overhead, but important for scaling.

For most new business owners in Orlando, forming a Florida LLC is the right starting point. It protects your personal assets, is simple to operate, and qualifies for pass-through taxation.

Step 2: Register Your Florida LLC via SunBiz.org

Florida business registrations are handled by the Florida Division of Corporations through SunBiz.org. The process is entirely online and takes about 15 minutes.

• Filing fee: $125 for a standard LLC (Articles of Organization)
• Annual report fee: $138.75 (due between January 1 and May 1 each year)
• Processing time: typically 1 to 3 business days for online filings

You will need to designate a registered agent in Florida. This can be yourself, a trusted individual, or a registered agent service. The registered agent must have a physical Florida address and be available during business hours to receive legal documents.

Once your LLC is approved, you will receive a Florida document number. Keep this on file; you will need it for business banking and licensing.

Step 3: Obtain Your Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)

An EIN is your business’s federal tax identification number. You need one to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file business taxes. Apply for free directly through the IRS at IRS.gov. The EIN is issued immediately after completing the online application. There is no cost and no waiting period.

Step 4: Get Your Orange County Business Tax Receipt

In Florida, what was formerly called an “occupational license” is now called a Business Tax Receipt (BTR). If your business operates in unincorporated Orange County, you need a BTR from Orange County. The application is submitted through the Orange County Tax Collector’s office. Fees vary by business type, starting around $45 for most service-based businesses.

If your business is located inside the city limits of Orlando (rather than unincorporated Orange County), you may need both a City of Orlando Business Tax Receipt from the City’s Office of Business Development and an Orange County BTR. The City of Orlando permit portal can be found at Orlando.gov. Check your address carefully; the jurisdictional boundary matters for which licenses you need.

Certain businesses in Florida also require state-level licenses in addition to local BTRs. Contractors, health professionals, food service operators, real estate agents, and childcare providers are among those requiring additional state licensing through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

Step 5: Open a Business Bank Account

Mixing personal and business finances is one of the most common early mistakes. Keeping them separate protects your LLC’s liability shield and makes accounting and tax filing significantly cleaner. CFE Federal Credit Union, based in Orange County, is a strong local option with small business accounts and business lending programs designed for Central Florida entrepreneurs. National banks including Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo all have strong Orlando presences with business banking services. For more options, see our guide to banks in Orlando for business owners.

Step 6: Understand Your Florida Tax Obligations

Florida’s business tax environment is one of the most favorable in the country. There is no state personal income tax, which benefits sole proprietors and LLC members whose business income passes through to personal returns. Florida does have a 5.5% corporate income tax that applies to C-corporations (LLCs and S-corps are generally exempt at the state level). Florida also collects a 6% state sales tax, with Orange County adding a 0.5% surtax for a combined 6.5% rate on taxable goods and services. If your business sells tangible goods or certain services, you must register with the Florida Department of Revenue for a sales tax permit. Working with a CPA who understands Florida tax law is worth the investment. See our guide to Orlando tax and financial services for vetted local professionals.

Step 7: Access Orlando’s Startup Support Ecosystem

Orlando has a robust network of organizations dedicated to helping new businesses succeed:

Florida SBDC at UCF

The Florida Small Business Development Center at the University of Central Florida provides free business consulting, market research, financial analysis, and business plan development. Their consultants work with businesses across all industries and at all stages. Services are free and confidential. The UCF SBDC covers the eight-county Central Florida region including Orange, Seminole, Osceola, and Brevard counties.

SCORE Orlando

SCORE is a nonprofit network of volunteer mentors with executive and entrepreneurial experience. The Orlando SCORE chapter offers free one-on-one mentoring, workshops, and online resources. If you need a mentor who has built a business in your industry, SCORE is usually the fastest way to find one.

UCF Business Incubation Program

For tech-oriented and high-growth startups, the UCF Business Incubation Program offers affordable space, shared resources, and access to UCF’s research capabilities and talent pipeline. Multiple locations across Central Florida serve different stages of company growth.

Orlando Economic Partnership

The Orlando Economic Partnership is the region’s primary economic development organization. They provide site selection assistance, incentive navigation, and connections to regional workforce programs. Their resources are particularly valuable if you are considering a multi-employee operation or a business that may qualify for state or local incentives.

Tourism-Adjacent Business Considerations

Orlando’s tourism economy creates unique opportunities for businesses that serve visitors, hospitality operators, or the thousands of workers employed in the theme park and hotel sectors. If your business will operate near the International Drive corridor, in the Disney Springs area, or anywhere on U.S. 192, understand that foot traffic patterns are highly seasonal and tied to theme park calendars. Lease negotiations in tourist-heavy corridors should account for variable occupancy. Businesses that supply hotels, restaurants, or attractions often find Orlando’s sheer scale gives them access to volume contracts unavailable in smaller markets.

For funding resources to support your launch, see our guide to small business funding in Orlando. For legal structure and contract questions, connect with an attorney through our directory of Orlando business lawyers.

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