Founder's Guide

Part 1 of 27

The Short Version

If you only read one part, read this. The order matters.

  1. Prove someone will pay. Ten real customer conversations and one real offer before you file anything. (Sections 1 to 3)
  2. Find out whose rules apply. A Lake Wales mailing address is not the same as being inside the city limits. Look up the address at the Polk County Property Appraiser and read the Municipality line. (Section 5)
  3. Call before you sign a lease. Planning and Zoning: 863-676-5112. Fire Marshal: 863-678-4203. Ask whether your exact use is allowed at that exact address and what the building will need. (Section 5)
  4. Form the entity at Sunbiz. LLC $125. Corporation $70. Fictitious name $50. (Section 6)
  5. Get an EIN from the IRS. Free. (Section 8)
  6. Register with the Florida Department of Revenue if you sell anything taxable or will have employees. Free online. Sales tax in Polk County is 7%. (Section 9)
  7. Get the state license if your trade has one. (Section 10)
  8. Get the Polk County Local Business Tax Receipt. $39.38 or $72.19 a year for most businesses. The City wants a copy before it will process yours. (Section 11)
  9. File the City of Lake Wales Business Tax Receipt application with copies of everything above. Zoning review and fire approval are both required. Most small businesses pay the City $20 to $100 a year. (Section 12)
  10. Open, post both receipts, and calendar three dates. Tangible property return by April 1. Sunbiz annual report by May 1. Both tax receipts renewed by September 30.