Sales tax requirements
- Register with the Florida Department of Revenue for a free sales tax certificate before you start selling.
- Florida's state sales tax is 6%, plus county discretionary surtax based on where the item is delivered.
- Out-of-state sellers must collect Florida tax once they have more than $100,000 in taxable sales into Florida in the prior year. Marketplace sales don't count toward your threshold.
- Marketplaces like Amazon and Etsy collect Florida tax on sales made through them.
- Once your sales into other states pass their thresholds (often $100,000), you may need to collect their tax too.
Ecommerce platform
- No license is needed to use an ecommerce platform, but read its seller terms. Suspensions and payout holds are common risks.
- Your own website (Shopify, WooCommerce, etc.) makes you responsible for tax settings, policies, and accessibility.
- Marketplaces like Amazon and Etsy handle more of the tax collection but control the customer relationship and charge fees.
- Show your legal LLC name or registered assumed name (DBA) on the store.
- Confirm the platform can calculate your state's sales tax correctly, including local rates.
Payment processor
- Open processing in the LLC's name and EIN, with payouts to the business bank account.
- If you handle card data, follow the card industry's security rules (PCI DSS). Hosted checkouts reduce your burden.
- Payment platforms report your sales to the IRS on Form 1099-K.
- Expect reserves or payout holds on new accounts. Keep order and delivery records to fight chargebacks.
- Subscriptions need clear terms and an easy way to cancel.
Shipping
- Under the FTC Mail Order Rule, you must ship within the time you advertise — or within 30 days if you don't state a time.
- If you can't ship on time, you must tell the customer and offer to cancel with a full refund.
- Batteries, aerosols, and perfumes have carrier shipping restrictions.
- International orders need customs forms, and some products need import or export approval.
Returns policy
- Post a clear return policy before purchase — at checkout and in your site footer.
- State the time limit, item condition, who pays return shipping, and how refunds are given.
- Follow the policy you post. Warranties on consumer products must follow the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.
- Marketplaces have their own return rules that override yours.
Privacy policy
- Post a privacy policy explaining what data you collect, how you use it, and who you share it with.
- Florida's Digital Bill of Rights applies mainly to very large companies (over $1 billion in revenue).
- The Florida Information Protection Act requires you to protect customers' personal information and notify them of a data breach within 30 days.
- Florida's Telephone Solicitation Act requires prior express written consent for automated marketing calls and texts.
- Email marketing must follow the CAN-SPAM Act: honest subject lines, a physical address, and a working unsubscribe link.
- Marketing texts and automated calls need prior written consent under the federal TCPA.
These are Florida state and federal requirements. Cities and counties often add their own. Requirements and fees change — confirm with the agency before you apply. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.
Other Florida Business Types
Florida Construction & Trades: Licenses and Permits
Construction / Trades license, permit, tax, and insurance requirements for Florida LLCs, as bullet points with official links.
Florida Food Business: Licenses and Permits
Food Business license, permit, tax, and insurance requirements for Florida LLCs, as bullet points with official links.
Florida Transportation Business: Licenses and Permits
Transportation license, permit, tax, and insurance requirements for Florida LLCs, as bullet points with official links.
Florida Consulting & Freelance Business: Licenses and Permits
Consulting / Freelance license, permit, tax, and insurance requirements for Florida LLCs, as bullet points with official links.