OMAR SOLARI

Starting a business in Florida can be one of the smartest moves you make. With thousands of people moving to the state every month and millions of tourists year-round, opportunities are everywhere. Starting a Business in Florida, whether you’re launching with a shoestring budget or building something bigger, here’s how to get started.

Starting a Business in Florida

Step 1: Pick Your Business Structure (Quick)

Most small businesses in Florida choose an LLC for liability protection and flexibility, while others go with S-Corp or sole proprietorship. Starting a Business in Florida, since I’ve already written about LLCs and S-Corps in detail, let’s move straight to the setup process.

Step 2: Register Your Business in Florida

Here’s the basic checklist for getting legal:

1. Register Your Business Name & Entity: Do this at Sunbiz.org. LLC filing fee: $125.
2. Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number): Free from the IRS. Needed for taxes and banking.
3. Business License & Permits: Check county/city requirements. Restaurants, salons, and construction need extra permits.
4. Open a Business Bank Account: Keeps personal and business finances separate (and keeps you IRS-safe).
5. Insurance: General liability or industry-specific coverage (often $300–$600 yearly for small startups).

Step 3: Budget – How Much Do You Need?

The great thing about Florida is you can start lean. Starting a Business in Florida, many businesses launch with $1,000–$2,000.

Typical Startup Costs in Florida:

1. State Registration: $125
2. Bank Account Setup: $0–$100
3. Domain & Website: $50–$200
4. Marketing (social ads, flyers, branding): $200–$500+
5. Insurance: $300+ annually

With around $1,500, you can start most service-based or online businesses.

Step 4: Florida’s High-Demand Business Ideas

Florida’s booming population, tourism, and retiree community mean certain businesses thrive. Starting a Business in Florida, here are some trending ideas:

1. Home Services – cleaning, landscaping, pest control, pool service.
2. Health & Wellness – IV hydration, fitness training, healthy meal prep.
3. Tourism & Hospitality Services – Airbnb management, boat rentals, guided tours.
4. Real Estate Support Services – photography, staging, property management, moving services.
5. Digital & Online Businesses – e-commerce, consulting, social media marketing.

Read more: Choosing Between an LLC and S Corp in Florida

Step 5: Sample $1,500 Startup Plan (Florida-Friendly)

Here’s how you could realistically launch a business in Florida with just $1,500:

1. LLC Filing (Sunbiz.org): $125
2. EIN (IRS): Free
3. Business Bank Account: $50
4. Domain + Hosting + Website Builder (e.g., Squarespace, Wix, or WordPress): $150
5. Logo & Branding (Fiverr/Canva Pro): $100
6. Business Cards & Flyers: $75
7. Google Ads / Facebook Ads Starter Budget: $400
8. General Liability Insurance (first payment): $200
9. Basic Equipment or Supplies (depending on business type): $400

✅ Total: $1,500

This covers your legal foundation, brand identity, online presence, and initial marketing push—all while leaving enough to buy basic tools or supplies depending on your business idea.

Step 6: Florida Business Case Examples

To make this more real, here are three ways $1,500 could actually start a Florida business today:

1. Cleaning Service (Home Services)

• Supplies & Equipment: $400 (vacuum, mop, cleaning products, uniforms)
• LLC & Legal: $125
• Insurance: $200
• Website + Branding: $200
• Flyers & Online Ads: $400

✅ Launch Plan: Start solo or with one helper, target neighborhoods, apartments, and Airbnbs. With Florida’s huge rental and tourism market, just 5–6 recurring clients could quickly cover costs and grow into a full-time income.

2. Airbnb Property Management (Tourism Support)

• LLC & Legal: $125
• Website & Branding: $250
• Insurance/Business Coverage: $200
• Marketing (ads + networking with hosts): $500
• Miscellaneous (contracts, signage, cleaning supplies): $425

✅ Launch Plan: Offer to manage local Airbnbs for busy owners—handling cleaning, check-ins, and guest communication. Starting a Business in Florida, you can charge 10–20% of rental income. With just 3–4 properties, you could build $1,500–$2,000/month in recurring income.

3. Social Media Marketing Agency (Digital Business)

• LLC & Legal: $125
• Laptop/Software Tools (Canva Pro, scheduling tools): $300
• Website & Branding: $200
• Marketing (ads + outreach): $400
• Networking/Events: $200

✅ Launch Plan: Florida is packed with small businesses that don’t know how to advertise online. Offer packages like $500–$1,000/month for running their Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook ads. Land just 2 clients and you’re profitable.

Step 7: Marketing and Growth

1. Google Business Profile: Free, shows you on maps and local search.
2. Social Media Ads: Target by Florida cities and zip codes.
3. Networking: Join chambers of commerce or local entrepreneur meetups.
4. Launch Offers: Use discounts or free trials to get your first customers fast.

Final Thoughts

Starting a business in Florida doesn’t require a massive budget—just smart planning. With $1,500, you can legally set up, brand yourself, and land your first paying customers.

Whether you go for a hands-on service business, a tourism hustle, or an online agency, Florida’s booming economy gives you a chance to grow fast if you stay consistent and focus on customer demand. Follow me on instagram!