I run a small online store selling handmade jewelry out of my apartment in Miami. I already have my LLC set up. Do I need to get some kind of separate license just for the online store on top of the LLC? I've seen conflicting stuff online and want to avoid fines.
Licensing
Does a Miami LLC need a separate license for an online store?
Bruh, the LLC is just the legal structure. You still need a local business tax receipt (formerly occupational license) from the city/county. Online store doesn't magically exempt you.
Depends where you're actually operating. Miami-Dade has its own local business tax. If you're shipping from your apartment, your home address might need a zoning clearance too. Have you checked with the city?
I've had an online store for 3 years and never got a separate 'online store license.' I just have the LLC and pay sales tax. Maybe I'm screwed lol.
That's what I'm worried about. I don't want to find out later I owe back fees. CocoFrio, did you need a zoning thing for a home-based business? My lease says no commercial use but it's just me making bracelets.
Lease says no commercial use? That could be a problem if your landlord finds out. But zoning is separate from leasing. Miami has rules for home occupations—usually you can't have customers coming to your place.
Step 1: LLC. Step 2: ??? Step 3: Profit. Step 4: IRS audit.
Also don't forget the Florida sales tax registration. That's not a 'license' per se but you need it to collect tax on tangible goods. Jewelry is taxable.
Wait, so I might need a local business tax receipt even if I'm just online? I thought that was only for brick-and-mortar. This thread is making me nervous.
The city of Miami requires a local business tax receipt for any business operating in the city, including home-based. It's like $50-ish depending on category. Just call the tax collector office, they're actually helpful.
Thanks BrickellBum. I'll look into the local business tax receipt. Still unclear if I need a separate one for online vs. in-person, but I guess I'll just ask the city directly.
There's no such thing as an 'online store license' in Florida. You just need the standard local business tax receipt and sales tax cert. People overcomplicate it.