Licenses and permits to open a retail 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

   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

5. 5

   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 retail 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>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/retail-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?
• How does a foreign owner get an ITIN?
• Does a single-member LLC with no employees need an EIN?

Other businesses in Tampa

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

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