Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation is responsible for licensing and inspecting all retail food businesses in Lakeland.
These 4 Licenses have to be completed before you can apply for a Business Tax License:
- Fictitious Name Registration - If you do not use your full name (first & last) in your business name, the State of Florida requires you to register your Fictitious Name. To register, contact the Department of State Division of Corporations at 850.245.6058 or register online . We also have registration packets available at the Business Tax Office.
- State Sales Tax Number - Contact the Florida Department of Revenue | Lakeland Office: 115 S Missouri Av #202 (2nd floor), Lakeland, FL 33801 | 863.499.2260
- Social Security Number or Federal Employer ID - Contact the IRS | Lakeland Office: 2133 Harden Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33803 | 863.904.3399
- State Licensure- Learn about different license types and apply here.
Acquiring Your Business Tax License: After you have completed the 4 steps listed above, you are required to obtain a Vendor’s License through the Business Tax Office located on the first floor of City Hall.
Obtaining a Liquor License (If applicable): If your restaurant will be serving alcoholic beverages, you must obtain a liquor license from the Florida DBPR.
Hiring a Consultant: Your consultant will likely have significant experience with the Building Code and permissible designs, required safety, elements, and experience on submitting compliant plans, and the other required permit documentation to the Building Inspection Division and other departments.