lawyer to figure out what licenses i need for my business

One option is to use a business license service to find out exactly what local, state and federal licenses you need. These services do charge a small fee to do their research. If you have a business attorney on retainer, you can ask them to do the research for you and apply for the required licenses.

Full Answer

How do I find out what business license I Need?

If you prefer to do the research yourself, start with your local City Hall, who can tell you what local licenses you need. You’ll need to contact your state’s Secretary of State office to find out what state licenses are required. For federal licenses, the Small Business Administration website has helpful information.

How do I choose a lawyer?

In most cases, a lawyer will be chosen based on the type of case, or practice area, and the location of the case. Lawyers can provide a wide range of services to their clients. Some lawyers handle many different types of cases. Some lawyers specialize in one or two types, such as family and divorce law.

What licenses do I need to start a small business?

If you want to operate your small company legally, you likely need some business licenses and permits. There are federal, state, and local licenses and permits you might have to apply for. It all depends on your business.

Do I need a professional license to work for my business?

Depending on your industry, you and your employees may need to have professional licenses before you can work for your business. Here are a few examples of professionals who need licenses: Your locality may require you to obtain building and/or zoning permits if you plan on building or making changes to a building.

How do I look up a local business license?

How to Verify Someone's Business LicenseBusiness-License Lookup Basics. ... Check a Federal Agency's Website. ... Check a State Agency's Website. ... Check a Local Agency's Website. ... Request It From the Company. ... Use a License-Verification Service.

How do I know if I need a local business license?

Contact the Office of the Clerk of your county to determine whether this is required in your county. In addition, most cities have local licensing requirements. Contact the Division of Commerce/Business License office to determine what local business license/permit(s) apply to your LLC.

What is a Florida state business license?

State of Florida Business Licensing The main state-level permit or license in Florida is the Annual Resale Certificate for Sales Tax, often called a seller's permit. You must obtain an Annual Resale Certificate for Sales Tax if you: Are engaged in business in Florida. Intend to sell taxable goods or services.

How much does a business license cost in Florida?

How much does a Florida business license cost? A Florida business license can cost anywhere from $0 to a few hundred dollars and may be charged only once or each year. This fee will vary depending on the locality you are licensing in and sometimes the type of business you are operating.

How do I get Llc?

How to Set Up an LLCDecide on a Business Name. ... Designate a Registered Agent. ... Get a Copy of Your State's LLC Article of Organization Form. ... Prepare the LLC Article of Organization Form. ... File the Articles of Organization. ... Create an Operating Agreement. ... Keep Your LLC Active.

Where can I get a business permit?

Go to the Business Permit and Licensing Office located within the premises of the city/municipal hall having jurisdiction over your business address. Secure and fill out the application form.

Does Florida require a business license?

Florida doesn't require or issue a state-wide business operating license. That means you don't have to have a license from the state of Florida just to run your business in the state.

Does a sole proprietor need a business license in Florida?

Unlike other business entities, you don't need to file anything or take any formal actions to form a sole proprietorship. It's the default business structure for any new entity in Florida. That said, you'll still need to obtain the necessary permits and licenses required by your jurisdiction and industry.

How much does an LLC cost in Florida?

$125The cost of setting up a Florida LLC online is $125. This filing fee is paid to the Florida Department of State when filing the LLC's Articles of Organization.

How much is a DBA in Florida?

$50Getting a DBA in Florida costs $50. This charge doesn't include additional fees, such as certificates, the cost of advertising your DBA in the local newspaper or having a law firm register your fictitious name on your behalf.

How do start my own business?

Conduct market research. Market research will tell you if there's an opportunity to turn your idea into a successful business. ... Write your business plan. ... Fund your business. ... Pick your business location. ... Choose a business structure. ... Choose your business name. ... Register your business. ... Get federal and state tax IDs.More items...

How do I license my brand?

How to license your brandProtect your intellectual property. Protecting your intellectual property (IP) is one of the most important factors behind licensing your brand. ... Do your research. Licensing your brand isn't a one-and-done process. ... Set terms and restrictions.

What type of license do you need for a business?

Professional/occupational licenses. Specific types of businesses or businesses in particular industries may require special professional or occupational licenses. The types of businesses or industries will vary from state to state. For example, certain states may require child care businesses to obtain a special license.

What is a general business license?

General business license. Businesses generally require a general business license in order to operate a business in the city or county in which they are located. "Doing business as" license or permit.

What is a business permit?

Sales tax permit. If your business sells goods, whether online or offline, and your state requires you to collect sales tax, you may be required to obtain a business permit usually known as a sales tax permit or a seller's permit. Zoning permit. Local zoning regulations may regulate where certain types of businesses can and cannot operate.

What is a federal license?

A federal license or permit may be required if your business is involved in an activity which is regulated by a federal agency. Examples include the sale or manufacture of alcohol or firearms, commercial fishing and wildlife-related activities such as the import or export of wildlife.

What is a special state license?

Special state licenses. Many states require certain businesses, such as restaurants and establishments which serve alcohol, to obtain special licenses. In many cases these licenses serve to show that the business in question has met specific state-regulated standards. Special federal licenses and permits.

What is legal protection for a business license?

Everyone must pay their dues and that includes businesses. Business licenses are a way the government can regulate taxation on all entities conducting business.

Does Starbucks require a food handler permit?

Different states, counties and cities can have different regulations with requirements that vary depending on a number or factors. For example, Starbucks in Hawaii does not require its employees to have a food-handlers permit, which is to say that the State of Hawaii doesn’t require it.

Do you have to register your business name in your county?

Your county may require you at the least to register your business name. You will need to contend with federal laws if you want to sell liquor or firearms. There is a variety of other products and services regulated at the federal level.

Do I need a license to drive a car?

Just like you need a license to drive a car, you probably may a license to operate your business legally. And – to make matters confusing – you may need multiple licenses from different federal, state and local governments.

What is a business license?

What are business licenses and permits? Licenses and permits allow a business to operate in their locality or perform specific functions (e.g., license to collect sales tax). You must apply for and obtain the required licenses and permits before you can do the things they let you do.

Do you have to pay sales tax on a resale certificate?

Businesses with resale certificates are not required to pay sales tax when they purchase goods that are part of the products they sell. Resellers, retailers, and businesses with tax-exempt status might consider applying for this type of permit.

What type of license do I need to operate a business?

1. Local business operating license. The most basic type of business license you may need is a local business operating license, which, as the name suggests, essentially grants you the right to operate your business.

What do I need to start a business in a federally regulated industry?

If you’re starting a business in a federally regulated industry—firearms, commercial fishing, aviation, etc.—then you'll need to consult a specific list of business licenses to operate legally in your industry.

What industries need a special license?

Here’s a brief list of industries that will definitely need a special license to start their business. Agriculture: If your business involves importing or transporting animals, animal products, biotechnology, etc., you need to apply for a permit from the USDA to legally operate.

Do I need a business license at the federal level?

If you're finding that you'll need business licenses at the local and state level, you may be hesitant to ask: "Do I need a business license at the federal level?" Fortunately, not all small businesses have to worry about licenses at the federal level, but some in certain industries do. Therefore, just like at the local and state level, it's important to know which federal licenses you may need to start your business and get them if required—or you could be facing fines and penalties.

Do I need a license to operate a small business?

Virtually all small businesses will need some type of license or permit to legally operate. Unfortunately, knowing what type of license you need to operate in your state and in your specific industry isn't so simple. Depending on the kind of small business you run, you may need to obtain local, county, state, or federal small business licenses.

Can I operate a business in an area that is not zoned?

However, you can’t operate your business in an area if it’s not zoned for your type of business. In this case, you'll need to get a variance or conditional-use permit in order to operate in that area. You’ll need to present your case for business before your city’s planning committee to get the variance.

Do freelancers need a home occupation permit?

Consultants or freelancers might only need a Home Occupation Permit as their small business license. A Home Occupation Permit essentially just shows that by operating your business out of your home, you aren’t significantly adding traffic, noise, or harmful environmental conditions to your area.

What is a DBA license?

A Doing Business As (DBA) License gives you the opportunity to operate your online business under a name other than your own—for example, you may wish to operate your business as “Austin Homemade Candle Company” instead of “Jane Smith.” A DBA is not mandatory, but since it fulfills some requirements for opening a business bank account and enforcing any necessary contracts, it’s definitely something to consider getting. If you would like to register for a DBA, you must file with your county or state.

What is a business operation license?

A Business Operation License allows your ecommerce business to conduct business in your city, county, or state. Virtually every online business will need a version of this license to operate legally. The regulations surrounding these licenses and how to register for them vary by location, so contact your local City Hall or check your state's ...

What is a seller's permit?

Seller’s Permit. A Seller's Permit (or Seller's License) is required for most businesses that sell goods or services online. Nearly all states require a Seller's Permit to legally sell products online, but the requirements, fees, and other details vary by state. Check with your state’s Licensing Office or Department of Revenue to make sure you get ...

Is a DBA required for a business?

A DBA is not mandatory, but since it fulfills some requirements for opening a business bank account and enforcing any necessary contracts, it’s definitely something to consider getting. If you would like to register for a DBA, you must file with your county or state.

Do accountants need an occupational license?

If you’re an accountant, for example, you will need an Occupational License to conduct business and establish credibility. Tools like the National Occupational Licensing Database can help you determine whether you need an Occupational License. If your business requires special training, education, or licensing to operate legally, ...

What businesses require licenses?

Businesses that require licenses or permits include restaurants/bars, hair salons, construction, security, engineering, health care, gun shops, insurance, debt collection, and so on. You may also have to apply for additional licenses for things such as resaling, collecting state sales tax, and collecting employment taxes.

Why is it important to choose a unique name for your business?

The choice of name is important because it will be difficult to change it once you've got your business started.

What is a lawyer?

A lawyer is an individual who is licensed to practice law in a state. Lawyers are also known as attorneys or an attorney at law. Some lawyers are licensed in multiple states. Some lawyers are admitted to practice at the Federal level as well.

Why do you need a lawyer for a contract?

Even in transactional civil matters, such as drafting a contract, a lawyer can be very helpful. A lawyer can make sure contracts are drafted correctly and avoid problems at a later date. A real estate purchase, business purchase, and/or creation of a trademark or copyright will most likely involve a lawyer.

What kind of services do lawyers provide?

Lawyers can provide a wide range of services to their clients. Some lawyers handle many different types of cases. Some lawyers specialize in one or two types, such as family and divorce law.

Why is it important to have a family lawyer?

It is important in divorce cases for an individual to have a family lawyer representing them to ensure their rights are protected.

What is criminal law?

Criminal law is the body of laws that pertain to crimes. Crimes are actions or behaviors prohibited by state or federal laws. Crimes are punishable by fines, probation, and/or imprisonment. Usually, crimes are categorized as misdemeanors or felonies.

Do lawyers handle different types of cases?

There are many different types of lawyers that handle many different types of cases. Some cases may even overlap practice areas. Most lawyers have experience with a variety of cases and will be able to help you with your needs. Despite the prevalence of “lawyer jokes”, lawyers are service oriented and look out for the best interest of their clients.

Can a lawyer work in a law firm?

Lawyers can work in a law firm with other lawyers, with a partner, or practice by themselves in a solo practice. In most cases, a lawyer will be chosen based on the type of case, or practice area, and the location of the case. Lawyers can provide a wide range of services to their clients. Some lawyers handle many different types of cases.

What Is A Business License?

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How Do I Know If I Need A Business License?

Licenses Per Industry

Licenses and Permits by State

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Who Needs A License?

What Kinds of License?

Where Is The Location?

Why Do I Need A License?

So What Licenses Do I Need?

• As noted above, there isn’t a simple answer to this, since it depends on the type of business you operate and the municipality in which your business operates. One option is to use a business license serviceto find out exactly what local, state and federal licenses you need. These services do charge a small fee to do their research. If you have a b...

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