Licenses and permits to open a grocery store in Orlando

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 Orlando business tax receipt and certificate of use

   City of Orlando, Permitting ServicesOrlando

   Businesses inside city limits apply online with the Sunbiz registration, EIN and any state license; the certificate of use confirms the zoning allows the business. Get it before the county receipt.

   Fee

   Varies

   Filed

   Filed online

   Takes

   A billing summary within 10 business days of processing; the receipt is mailed after payment.

   Renews

   Every year; receipts expire September 30.

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

5. 5

   Orange County (FL) local business tax receipt

   Orange County Tax CollectorOrlando

   Apply online or in person after the city receipt, uploading the city receipt, Sunbiz registration, any state license and the EIN.

   Fee

   Varies

   Filed

   Filed online

   Takes

   Orange County doesn't publish a processing time; Zoning must approve the business (and a CO is needed for new or altered space) before the Tax Collector issues the receipt.

   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 Orlando</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 Orlando business tax receipt and certificate of use (City of Orlando, Permitting Services)</li><li>Orange County (FL) local business tax receipt (Orange County Tax Collector)</li></ol><p>Source: <a href="https://placetta.com/guides/orlando/grocery-store.html">Placetta license guide</a></p></div>Copy the code

More on opening in Orlando

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

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 Orlando

• 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.