Business Resources

While corporations must register with the Secretary of State, if you engage in business using any name other than your own, it must be registered under the Fictitious Name Act. It protects both business and the public. The Fictitious Name must be advertised one time in a newspaper in the county where the applicant's principal place of business will be located and proof of publication need not be submitted.

You may obtain forms for registering your fictitious name from a local newspaper or Fictitious Name Department at 850-245-6058, or visit the Sunbiz website. Corporation information is also available at the Sunbiz website.

Contact Information

All business which buy for resale or offer for sale or lease tangible personal property, or which offer real property for rent must register with the Department of Revenue and be issued a Sales Tax number. You may obtain your sales tax number at:
Sales Tax Information
800-352-3671
Florida Department of Revenue Website

Once you apply for a City of Hollywood Business Tax Receipt, it may be necessary for you to obtain a business tax receipt from Broward County. Contact:
Broward County Local Business Tax Receipt Department
115 S. Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale
954-765-4697
Broward County Local Business Tax Receipt Department Website

Restaurants are required to have a Hotel & Restaurant License. Contact:
Hotel & Restaurant Commission
850-487-1395
Hotel & Restaurant Commission Website

A Hotel & Restaurant License is required for apartments and rental units if there are five or more units under one roof, rented on an annual basis. If the owner lives in one of the five units, he does not need a Hotel & Restaurant License. All units rented on a weekly, monthly or "transient" basis are required to obtain a Hotel & Restaurant License regardless of the number of units.

To sell alcoholic beverages, you must first obtain an Alcoholic Beverage License. Contact:
State of Florida Beverage Department
5080 Coconut Creek Parkway, Suite C
Margate, FL 33063
954-917-1346 (Enforcement)
954-917-1350 (License)