For a typical guideline on starting a business, SBA.GOV has an excellent template for this process.

The steps are closely aligned with what is required in Florida.

You will need to register your business in Florida.

For all filing forms, instructions, and payment, you may do this directly on SUNBIZ.

For business licensing and permitting, please follow the proper industry directory for your business.

You may do this directly on Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

The State of Florida State Statute Chapter 205 governs local business taxes.

Follow the proper instructions for a Business Tax Receipt online at the Palm Beach County Tax Collector’s website.

For information on the City of West Palm Beach Business tax ordinance, please review City Code Chapter 82.

City of West Palm Beach Business tax application.

For free assistance with business planning, marketing, tools, and more visit Florida Atlantic University’s (FAU) Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

A. Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce

B. Business Development Board (BDB) of PBC

C. CareerSource Palm Beach County

Being a business-friendly community, we encourage small business entrepreneurs to consider becoming a certified Small Business Enterprise or a certified Minority-Women Business Enterprise. Small and MWBE businesses must be certified to participate in City contracts.

For more information, visit our Office of Small and Minority-Women Business Programs.