We are delighted that you have chosen the City of Miami to open or launch your business. Here’s a few steps you may need to take before engaging with the city’s planning and zoning departments.
Step One
Decide what legal structure you would like to have: A) Sole Proprietor, B) Partnership C) Corporation (C or S) d) LLC (Limited Liability Company). Lawyers and doctors may form a Professional Association (PA). For your convenience, all forms can be found on-line at www.sunbiz.org.
Step Two
If you choose to use a name other than your own or that of a corporation (if you choose to create one), then you must obtain a Fictitious Name Certification (DBA). It is NOT necessary to obtain a Fictitious Name. You may also trade mark the name in the State of Florida, nationally and/or internationally. The action applies to all forms of ownerships: corporations, LLC's, sole proprietorships and partnerships.
Step Three
Check the zoning, parking and other regulations with the City of Miami Planning and Zoning Department before signing a contract with the leasing agent. For businesses moving into an existing space that are planning interior remodelling be sure to check with the building department for a building permit. You may also be required to obtain additional licenses and permits from Miami-Dade Fire and DERM (Department of Environmental Resources).
Step Four
You may be required to obtain special permits or licenses. As a new business, you may be required by the City to obtain additional permits from the State or other entities. To determine the appropriate licensing department for your new business visit www.myflorida.com/dbpr. In an effort to help businesses begin construction work sooner and accelerate the plan review process, the City of Miami Building Department offers Early Start Permitting and Fire/DERM Concurrent Plan Reviews. For more information, please visit the City's web site under the Building Department section or contact the Building Department.
Step Five
Every business needs to obtain a Business Tax Receipt (Occupational License) and a Certificate of Use regardless of how small and even if it is in your home (except street peddlers). Also check out additional items that are needed to apply for your BTR and CU. Every business is also required to obtain a Miami-Dade County Occupational License. These requirements are enforced by the City of Miami Code Compliance Department.
You may apply online for various permits using our MiamiBiz application. Once you have entered your general business information including contacts, you will be given the opportunity to apply for various permits. Please note that your permit application will be sent to you via email. You must complete any additional information required, print it out and bring it to one of our processing locations. You will receive full details along with the email once you have completed the online application.
Click here to apply for a Certificate of Use, Business Tax Receipt, or other types of permits, excluding building and alarm systems.
Although you do not need an attorney to start a business, it is recommended to seek counsel if needed.