Printable Lake Wales Business Startup Checklist

Fees are as of October 2026. Verify current requirements before filing.

Validate

• ☐ Define the customer and the problem
• ☐ Hold at least 10 customer conversations
• ☐ Test an offer, prototype or minimum viable product
• ☐ Have evidence that somebody will pay

Location

• ☐ Look up the address: inside Lake Wales city limits or unincorporated Polk County?
• ☐ Call Planning and Zoning (863-676-5112): is this use allowed at this address?
• ☐ Call the Fire Marshal (863-678-4203): what will the building need?
• ☐ Ask about change of use, parking, impact fees and sign permits
• ☐ Sign the lease only after you have the answers in writing

Formation

• ☐ Choose the legal structure
• ☐ Search the business name
• ☐ File the LLC ($125) or corporation ($70) at Sunbiz
• ☐ Register a fictitious name if needed ($50)
• ☐ Get the EIN from the IRS (free)
• ☐ Open a business bank account

Florida

• ☐ Register with the Department of Revenue for sales tax and reemployment tax if they apply (free online)
• ☐ Get the state license for your trade if it has one

Polk County

• ☐ Get the Polk County Local Business Tax Receipt ($39.38 or $72.19 for most businesses)

City of Lake Wales

• ☐ Assemble copies: lease, EIN, Sunbiz or fictitious name filing, state license, County receipt
• ☐ Add the floor plan and zoning details for your business type
• ☐ Submit the Business Tax Receipt application to Development Services
• ☐ Pass zoning review and fire approval
• ☐ Pull permits for any build-out or sign
• ☐ Open utility accounts
• ☐ Pay the City tax and post the receipt before opening

After you open

• ☐ Business insurance in place, and workers' compensation if required
• ☐ Bookkeeping and sales tax filings running
• ☐ April 1: tangible personal property return to the Polk County Property Appraiser
• ☐ May 1: Sunbiz annual report
• ☐ September 30: renew the City and County receipts

Numbers to keep