If you're a Florida resident and have ever dreamed of opening your own business, it can seem like a daunting task. But starting a business is not impossible, it just requires some planning. The food-vending license requirements may vary a little bit depending on your location in Florida.
Instructions
get a vending license for the state of Florida
1. Check with your local occupational license department, zoning department and building department for information on opening a new business. Each Florida county may have different requirements, so get all the details you need before committing to a location.
2. Register for a sales tax number. A sales tax number allows you to collect and report tax for your business. To register, you must contact the Sales Tax Division of the Florida Department of Revenue. An employee can guide you through the necessary steps specific to your business' needs.
3. Get a federal employer identification number. Obtain an EIN by contacting the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, and follow its instructions. You can apply online, by telephone, by FAX or by mail.
4. Submit your facility's plans and specifications to Florida's Department of Business and Professional Regulation for review. You can find the required plan review forms and guidelines on the department's website. Once you have submitted your review, a plan reviewer will notify you of your review's status within 30 days, the department says.
5. Fill out the public food-service license application packet and the application for public food-service establishment license. Both forms are available on the DBPR website, and a $50 application fee is required. You can either apply online or print the forms and mail them.
6. Pay the required license fees for your business. How much you pay will depend on when you submit your application, so check the food-service license fee schedule available on the DBPR website. There is also a plan review fee, variance fees and a hospitality-education program fee.
7. Once you have paid the appropriate fees and your plan review has been approved, your license will be issued. But before your business has its grand opening, you must first contact the DBPR department to schedule a required safety and sanitation inspection. If you pass that, your dream business is finally ready to open.
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