Licenses and permits to open a cosmetics store in Tampa

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

   Create/Update Importer Identity Form

   U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionUS federal

   Sent to CBP (usually through your customs broker), or created in the ACE portal. Needed before your first entry as importer of record.

   Fee

   Free

   Filed

   Paper form, mailed

   Takes

   Up to 5 business days.

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

5. 5

   Customs Bond

   U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionUS federal

   Bought from a CBP-approved surety, usually through your customs broker, who files it electronically. A continuous bond covers a year of entries.

   Fee

   Varies

   Filed

   Filed on the agency's portal

   Takes

   At least 5 business days for review.

   Renews

   Continuous bonds renew yearly.

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

6. 6

   Cosmetic product facility registration (MoCRA)

   U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationUS federal

   Filed online in Cosmetics Direct by the facility that makes or processes the cosmetics.

   Fee

   Free

   Filed

   Filed online

   Renews

   Every two years.

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

7. 7

   Cosmetic product listing (MoCRA)

   U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationUS federal

   Filed online in Cosmetics Direct by the brand (the responsible person on the label), one listing per product.

   Fee

   Free

   Filed

   Filed online

   Renews

   Update every year.

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

8. 8

   Product safety certificate, filed electronically at entry

   U.S. Consumer Product Safety CommissionUS federal

   The importer issues the certificate itself (there is no government form) and, under the eFiling rule, files the certificate data with CBP at entry.

   Fee

   Free

   Filed

   Filed online

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

9. 9

   Hillsborough County local business tax receipt

   Hillsborough County Tax CollectorTampa

   Get it before you start trading: apply online in BTExpress in one sitting, with the business name, SSN or EIN, a physical county address and any state or county license the business needs.

   Fee

   Varies

   Filed

   Filed online

   Takes

   Reviewed in 3 to 5 business days, then paid and printed online.

   Renews

   Every year; all receipts expire September 30, with renewal from July 1.

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

10. 10

    City of Tampa business tax receipt

    City of Tampa Business TaxTampa

    A business inside Tampa city limits files the new business application online; the city may inspect the site.

    Fee

    Varies

    Filed

    Filed online

    Takes

    Tampa doesn't publish a processing time for a new business tax receipt; applications are made online or by appointment.

    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 cosmetics store in Tampa</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>Create/Update Importer Identity Form (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)</li><li>Customs Bond (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)</li><li>Cosmetic product facility registration (MoCRA) (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)</li><li>Cosmetic product listing (MoCRA) (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)</li><li>Product safety certificate, filed electronically at entry (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)</li><li>Hillsborough County local business tax receipt (Hillsborough County Tax Collector)</li><li>City of Tampa business tax receipt (City of Tampa Business Tax)</li></ol><p>Source: <a href="https://placetta.com/guides/tampa/cosmetics-store.html">Placetta license guide</a></p></div>Copy the code

More on opening in Tampa

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

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?
• Do I need to register cosmetics with the FDA?
• Do imported consumer products need a certificate of conformity?

Other businesses in Tampa

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

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