Seller’s Permit Florida: How to Apply, Requirements & Compliance

If you’re thinking about starting a business in Florida, one of the first things you’ll come across is something called a Seller’s Permit. It might sound complicated, but it’s simply the license that lets you collect sales tax on the products or services you sell.

If you’re running a shop, selling online or offering taxable services, this permit keeps you on the right side of Florida’s tax rules. The good news is, getting one isn’t as overwhelming as it may seem.

In this article, we’ll walk through what a Seller’s Permit is, why you need it and how to get started.

What Is a Seller’s Permit in Florida and Why Does It Matter for Your Business

A Seller’s Permit Florida (also called a Sales and Use Tax Permit or Sales Tax License) is required for any business that sells taxable goods or certain services. It authorizes you to collect sales tax from your customers and to remit it to the state. If you sell tangible personal property, lease or rent certain items, or offer taxable services (for example, repairs or alterations of property), you’ll generally need one.

The permit makes the state aware of your business activities involving taxable transactions, helps you legally collect sales tax rather than being liable for uncollected taxes, and makes sure you're compliant with Florida’s regulations. LegalZoom notes that Florida takes a broad view of what activities require a seller’s permit, beyond just retail sales, even to rentals, repairs and services.¹

Without a permit, a business could face penalties or back taxes. Having the permit also allows you to purchase resale items without paying tax if you're buying items to resell. So, a Seller’s Permit in Florida is central to conducting business legally when your business involves anything taxable. TaxJar provides a detailed list of taxable business activities so you’re clear whether your operations fall under Florida’s rules.²

Seller’s Permit Florida Application: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Confirm whether you need a permit

If your business sells taxable goods or taxable services in Florida, you generally must register for a seller’s permit to legally collect sales tax.¹

Step 2: Gather required information

Collect your EIN (or owner SSN), legal business name, mailing/physical addresses, NAICS code, business start date and ownership details before starting the application.²

Step 3: Create a Florida DOR online profile

Create a user profile on Florida’s Registration & Account Maintenance portal, then begin the Florida Business Tax Application (the interactive online wizard).³

Step 4: Complete Form DR-1 (if you choose paper)

If you prefer paper filing, complete and mail Form DR-1 (Florida Business Tax Application); the Department of Revenue recommends online filing for speed.⁴

Step 5: Note fees and processing details

Online registration is usually free, but if you choose to mail your application, you will need to pay a $5 fee.⁵ After processing, you’ll receive a BP or registration number. We recommend saving it for filings.⁵

Step 6: Start collecting and remitting sales tax

Once registered, collect sales tax on taxable sales, file returns on your assigned schedule and remit payments to the Florida Department of Revenue as required.⁴

Step 7: Keep records and maintain compliance

Retain sales records and resale certificates, update your registration if you move, close or change ownership, and respond promptly to DOR notices to stay compliant.⁴

Wise Business Could Help Your Company Save on Global Payments

Do I Need a Seller’s Permit in Florida to Collect and Pay Sales Tax?

Yes, if your business sells items or provides services that Florida considers taxable, you will need a Seller’s Permit in Florida. The state mandates this for businesses engaged in retail sales of Tangible personal property, or those providing taxable services, renting or leasing items or property, or repairs/alterations of tangible goods. TaxJar gives a long list of activities that trigger the requirement: sales at retail, repairs, rentals, leases, licenses to use property, some membership clubs, recreation admission, etc.²

Florida requires all businesses engaged with activities associated with a tax or fee to acquire a seller’s permit.¹ If your business has an inventory location or delivery operations in Florida, that may require a permit. 

Even if you sell online but ship into Florida or store inventory there, you’ll want to check. Once you have the permit, you collect sales tax, file returns, and pay sales tax to the state as required. Failure to have a permit when needed can expose you to penalties and liabilities.²

Selling Tangible Personal Property in Florida: Staying Compliant to Conduct Business

If your business deals in Tangible personal property, goods that can be physically touched, moved, and sold, then you are squarely in the territory where a Seller’s Permit Florida is required. Examples include clothing, furniture, electronics, repair items, goods for resale, etc. Florida officials specify that the sale, repair or wholesale/retail of tangible personal property in Florida mandates seller’s permit registration.¹

On top of that, leases or rentals of tangible property often are taxable in Florida. This includes the repair or alteration of tangible personal property and the rental or lease of personal property as taxable business activities, thereby requiring a permit.² When you have the permit, you must collect sales tax on those sales, keep accurate records, file sales tax returns on schedule and pay sales tax to the state.

This makes sure your business is operating legally. If you fail to comply, e.g., selling but not collecting tax, or collecting but not remitting, you risk audits, fines, or even having your permit revoked. Operating with a valid permit lets you legally conduct business under Florida law in these categories. Having a seller’s permit also lets you issue resale certificates (if you are purchasing goods for resale) and purchase wholesale without paying tax at that stage.⁵

Save Time and Money On Overseas Payments With Wise Business

Wise Business can help you save big time on international payments.

Wise is not a bank, but a Money Services Business (MSB) provider and a smart alternative to banks. The Wise Business account is designed with international business in mind, and makes it easy to send, hold, and manage business funds in currencies.

Signing up to Wise Business allows access to BatchTransfer which you can use to pay up to 1000 invoices in one go. This is perfect for small businesses that are managing a global team, saving a ton of time and hassle when making payments.

Some key features of Wise Business include:

• Mid-market rate: Get the mid-market exchange rate with no hidden fees on international transfers

• Global Account: Send money to countries and hold multiple currencies, all in one place. You can also get major currency account details for a one-off fee to receive overseas payments like a local

• Access to BatchTransfer: Pay up to 1000 invoices in one click. Save time, money, and stress when you make 1000 payments in one click with BatchTransfer payments. Access to BatchTransfer is free with a Wise Business account

• Auto-conversions: Don't like the current currency exchange rate? Set your desired rate, and Wise sends the transfer the moment the rate is met

• Free invoicing tool: Generate and send professional invoices

• No minimum balance requirements or monthly fees: US-based businesses can open an account for free. Learn more about fees here

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Final Thoughts

Getting a Seller’s Permit in Florida is an important step for any business selling taxable goods or services in the state. It allows you to legally collect sales tax, pay sales tax and stay compliant while you conduct business. The process is straightforward, especially online and once approved, you can operate confidently knowing your business is aligned with Florida’s tax laws. Simply put, securing your seller’s permit sets the foundation for running a legitimate, thriving business in the Sunshine State.

Sources:

1. Seller’s Permits for Florida Businesses | LegalZoom
2. How to Register for a Sales Tax Permit in Florida | The Tax Valet
3. Seller’s Permit: Everything You Need to Know | Shopify
4. How to Register for a Sales Tax Permit in Florida | TaxJar
5. Florida Seller’s Permit | FastFilings