TALLAHASSEE, Fla — The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) unveiled the state’s new Business Information Portal, designed to help Floridians set up and run a business in the Sunshine State. Using the new site (www.OpenMyFloridaBusiness.gov, prospective business owners are taken step-by-step through everything from licensing a new food truck to opening the doors at a new salon or barbershop. The new site, which launched on Friday, June 30, also helps with state tax registration, licensure applications and other documentation.
Governor Rick Scott said, “Florida is the best place in the world to start a business, and DBPR’s new Business Information Portal makes it easier than ever for businesses to start and grow. The Business Information Portal gives every Floridian the guidance they need to start their company at the click of a button, empowering every entrepreneur to become a successful job creator. Over the past six years, we have worked every day to make Florida the most business-friendly state in the nation. I am proud that, working with our agencies and DBPR, we’ve been able to eliminate more than 4,800 burdensome regulations and help Florida’s business owners succeed.”
DBPR Secretary Jonathan Zachem said, “This new Business Information Portal will give prospective entrepreneurs an easy checklist for crafting their business, meeting licensing requirements and then opening the doors to their new venture. The information and assistance needed to get a business up and running in Florida is now a click away. There’s never been a better time to start your business in the Sunshine State.”
By entering a search term, the portal generates a step-by-step checklist to help prospective business owners understand local, state and federal requirements for the selected business category. The portal also features an eGuide that provides a basic overview to all the tools, tips and resources needed to open a business in Florida. The first section of the eGuide includes best practices and general information regarding different aspects of starting and operating a business in Florida. A quick reference guide is also included to walk you through the state requirements that fit most businesses. The final section contains information about state regulatory agencies and provides additional resources for entrepreneurs.
Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Director Cissy Proctor said, “Florida is making it easier for businesses to succeed and grow in our state by cutting taxes, reducing regulations and enhancing our business-friendly climate. The Business Information Portal is another great resource that proves our commitment to Florida businesses and the hardworking people who are investing in our communities.”
DBPR worked closely with the following state agencies and stakeholders to develop the Florida Business Information Portal: Agency for Health Care Administration, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Department of Children and Family Services, Department of Citrus, Department of Economic Opportunity, Department of Elder Affairs, Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Financial Services, Department of Health, Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Department of Management Services, Department of Revenue, Department of State, Division of Emergency Management, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida Lottery, Office of Financial Regulation, Office of Insurance Regulation, and Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network.
The new portal can be reached at www.OpenMyFloridaBusiness.gov.
