Licenses and permits to open a grocery store in Miami

1. 1

   Application for Employer Identification Number (EIN)

   Internal Revenue ServiceUS federal

   Owners with an SSN or ITIN apply online. A company whose responsible party has neither (most China-based owners) faxes or mails Form SS-4, or calls the IRS international line.

   Fee

   Free

   Filed

   Paper form, faxed or mailed

   Takes

   Fax: about 4 business days. Mail: about 4 to 5 weeks. Phone: issued on the call.

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

2. 2

   LLC formation

   Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz)FL

   Form the LLC or register a foreign company online.

   Fee

   $125

   Filed

   Filed online

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

3. 3

   Florida sales tax and reemployment tax registration

   Florida Department of RevenueFL

   Register online before you start doing business. The same application covers sales and use tax and reemployment tax, Florida's unemployment tax for employers.

   Fee

   Varies

   Filed

   Filed online

   Takes

   After registering online, the certificate number is available on the website after three business days.

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

4. 4

   City of Miami CU (use approval)

   City of Miami, Office of ZoningMiami

   For a business opening or moving in the city, applied for online only through MiamiBiz once construction is done (with the certificate of occupancy or completion for new or renovated space). After the $50 fee, pass the DERM, fire and code inspections, plus Health or DBPR for food, within 90 working days of starting the application.

   Fee

   Varies

   Filed

   Filed online

   Takes

   The city contacts you within five business days of applying and paying.

   Renews

   Every year; it runs to September 30, and the renewal invoice also covers the fire safety permit.

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

5. 5

   City of Miami business tax receipt

   City of MiamiMiami

   Every business operating in the city needs one, after its Certificate of Use. Apply online with the EIN and, for a restaurant, the state food service license; the city emails an invoice, and the interim receipt comes by email once it's paid. A Miami-Dade County receipt is needed as well.

   Fee

   Varies

   Filed

   Filed online

   Takes

   The city doesn't publish how long approval takes; the interim receipt is emailed after payment.

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

6. 6

   Miami-Dade County local business tax receipt

   Miami-Dade County Tax CollectorMiami

   Needed for each place of business in the county, and inside a city on top of the city's receipt. Apply online in BTExpress after completing the attestation that the business doesn't trade with Cuba in violation of federal law.

   Fee

   Varies

   Filed

   Filed online

   Takes

   Allow up to three business days after the attestation for the receipt to be ready to print.

   Renews

   Every year; receipts run October 1 to September 30.

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

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<div class="placetta-checklist"><p><strong>Licenses and permits to open a grocery store in Miami</strong></p><ol><li>Application for Employer Identification Number (EIN) (Internal Revenue Service)</li><li>LLC formation (Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz))</li><li>Florida sales tax and reemployment tax registration (Florida Department of Revenue)</li><li>City of Miami CU (use approval) (City of Miami, Office of Zoning)</li><li>City of Miami business tax receipt (City of Miami)</li><li>Miami-Dade County local business tax receipt (Miami-Dade County Tax Collector)</li></ol><p>Source: <a href="https://placetta.com/guides/miami/grocery-store.html">Placetta license guide</a></p></div>Copy the code

More on opening in Miami

• How much permits cost to open in Miami
• How long permits take in Miami
• Opening in Miami as a foreign company
• Importing goods into Miami
• Renewals and annual filings in Miami

Questions people ask

• How do I get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN?
• How long does it take to get an EIN?
• Does a foreign-owned single-member LLC have to file Form 5472?
• How do I become an importer of record in the US?
• How does a foreign owner get an ITIN?
• Does a single-member LLC with no employees need an EIN?

Other businesses in Miami

• Milk tea and bubble tea shops
• Coffee shops
• Restaurants
• Hot pot restaurants
• Bakeries
• Dessert shops
• Retail stores
• Cosmetics stores
• Toy stores
• Importers and online sellers
• Warehouses and 3PLs

Agency requirements change. Check each agency's page before you file.