What do I need to start a business in Miami?

Short Answer

Starting a business in Miami usually requires choosing and registering the appropriate entity, documenting ownership and control, obtaining tax registrations, confirming that the location and intended use are permitted, securing applicable state, county, and municipal licenses, and putting key contracts in place. The sequence matters. A filing with Florida's Division of Corporations creates the entity record, but it does not resolve tax treatment, owner rights, lease risk, licensing, or industry regulation. Review those issues before accepting money, signing a lease, or making promises in the company's name.

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When This Becomes Urgent

• A lease, loan, investment, or major vendor agreement is ready for signature
• Two or more owners are contributing money, labor, property, or relationships
• The opening date depends on zoning, a Certificate of Use, or an industry license

What Usually Goes Wrong

• Filing an entity before deciding who controls it
• Signing a location before confirming the intended use
• Using handshake promises for ownership, compensation, or repayment

What to Have Ready

• Business plan and ownership percentages
• Proposed name, address, and activity
• Draft leases, letters of intent, financing, and investor terms
• Target opening date and required licenses

What Typically Happens Next

1. Identify the business objective, current commitments, and decision deadline.
2. Review the entity records, contracts, approvals, and facts that control the issue.
3. Coordinate tax, licensing, employment, immigration, or other specialized advice where needed.
4. Document the chosen structure and complete filings, consents, and agreements in the correct sequence.

The appropriate sequence and documents depend on the entity, transaction, location, and people involved. This overview is not a prediction of process or outcome.

Related Questions

• Should I form an LLC or corporation for a Florida business?
• Do I need a Florida business entity before signing a Miami lease?
• Can a nonresident own a business in Florida?

Also review Start a Business in Miami, the Starting or Relocating a Business to Miami hub, and the Ask Aaron hub.

Disclaimer

This is general information, not legal advice. Reading this page or contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. Requirements and deadlines depend on the facts. If your matter is time sensitive, call the firm.

Source Record

1. Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, official entity filing and form guidance.
2. Governing municipality and Miami Dade County, official location, use, and local business tax guidance where applicable.
3. Applicable Florida licensing agency for any regulated profession or activity.

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