Starting an eBay Business in Florida

I am in no way a legal expert or CPA.  Take this as just an outline.  I did not find it all that hard to do the research and find the info.  If you are anyway unsure consult a professional.   This list is in the order it needs to be done.

This guide is for setting up a Sole Proprietorship.

Registration of Fictitious Name - (DBA)

     This step is optional.  I chose to do this as it also allows me keep my business and personal finances a little more easily separated.  To register a DBA you need to go to the following website:

https://efile.sunbiz.org/ficregintro.html 

You will need to follow the instructions on the page and fill out the online application.  The filing with the state costs $50.
     The second part of this process requires you to list classified ad in the legal section of your local paper.  It must be the locality you intend on doing business.  My local paper charged me $59.04 for the ad.
    Registering a DBA does not mean someone else cannot also register it as well.  It is not a trademark.  It is just so you can operate a business under a name other than your own.

Employer Identification Number - (EIN)

     A EIN is just like a Social Security Number.  Basically you are creating a SSN for the business.  For a sole proprietorship it keeps your personal and business taxes somewhat separate.  To get an EIN you register online and is free from the IRS. Be warned the IRS computers take off the evening and weekends.  You can apply M-F 7am-10pm at the website below:

https://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Apply-for-an-Employer-Identification-Number-%28EIN%29-Online

 Florida Business Tax Application (DR-1)

 

     If you sell an item on eBay to someone in Florida you are required by law to collect sales tax.  DR-1 is the form you fill out to register with the state to collect these taxes.  This can be done online at this website:

http://dor.myflorida.com/dor/taxes/registration.html

Go down the page to "Register" and select "Start a new registration".  Follow the instruction and fill out the form.  Once the form has been filled out it will take 7-10 days to get the registration by mail.  You can goto the website in 3 days and get the registration number by using your confirmation number.  This filing does not cost anything.  Be sure to read the following PDF:

http://dor.myflorida.com/Forms_library/current/gt800013.pdf

This will give you an overview on how and when to pay the state their taxes.  You must file on time even if you don't have any Florida sales taxes collected.  If you don't it can result in a $50 penalty.

City Business Tax Receipt

     If you live in a city that is incorporated you probably have to file for  'City Tax Business Receipt'.  I live in the city of Cape Coral and this is a simple one page form.  Cost $56.25 and was needed before I could get a County Business Tax Receipt.

County Business Tax Receipt

     If you don't live in an incorporated city you at least do live in a county.  My county required me to have the City Business Tax Receipt before filing for the County.   The hardest part of this form was sitting in the waiting room.  Just bring all the above paperwork above, minus the DR-1.  They don't need that.  Cost in my county was $50.

Free Business Checking Account

     This is the last step.  You need a bank account.  Many banks have free business checking for small businesses.  Most I have seen you will need to bring your EIN, DBA and then sign a affidavit stating you are a business.  Google "Free business checking" and you will come up with many options.  There should be a link that lists these in all 50 states.  Pick the best bank that meets your needs.

Hopefully this should get you started and on your way to starting an online eBay business.  Even if you don't live in Florida this guide may be a good outline to help you find the information you need in your state.