Bookkeeping Permit Requirements in Miami, FL

Complete permit and license guide for starting a bookkeeping in Miami, Miami-Dade County, Florida.

Verified 2026-08-28 6 stops $75–$250 est. 1–3 weeks to register business and obtain all required licenses
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

Federal — start here

2 stops

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS, obtained instantly online. Sole proprietors without employees may use their SSN, but an EIN is recommended for privacy and professional credibility.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

  2. IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN)

    Required for any paid preparer who prepares or assists in preparing federal tax returns for clients. If your bookkeeping practice includes any federal tax return preparation, you must obtain and renew your PTIN annually. Bookkeeping-only services (no tax return preparation) do not require a PTIN.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online at IRS.gov)

State of Florida

2 stops

  1. Florida Business Registration

    Bookkeeping and accounting service businesses structured as an LLC, corporation, or partnership must register with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz). Sole proprietors operating under a name other than their legal name must file a Fictitious Name registration ($50) with the Division of Corporations under ch. 865.09, F.S. — Florida does not use county-clerk DBA filings. An LLC is commonly used for liability protection.

    Official government source

    $125 (LLC); $70 (profit corporation); $50 (fictitious name)1–5 business days (online filing)

  2. Florida Sales/Use Tax Registration (if applicable)

    Bookkeeping and accounting services are not subject to Florida sales tax; they are not among the enumerated taxable services in chapter 212, F.S. If the business also sells tangible goods (e.g., software on physical media, printed materials), it must register with the Florida Department of Revenue and collect sales tax on those sales.

    Official government source

    Free (online); $5 by mailImmediate–1 week (online)

City of Miami / Miami-Dade County

2 stops

  1. Miami General Business License

    All businesses operating within City of Miami limits must obtain a Business Tax Receipt (the city's business license, formerly Occupational License), renewed annually. A bookkeeping service needs no specialized local certification beyond this. A Miami-Dade County Local Business Tax Receipt is also required. Home-based bookkeepers apply for an Accessory Use instead of a full Certificate of Use.

    Official government source

    Varies by business classification under the City of Miami fee schedule; no citywide fee range is published on the official BTR page — confirm with the City of Miami at (305) 416-20871–2 weeks

  2. City of Miami Accessory Use (home-based business)

    A bookkeeping business run from a Miami residence applies for an Accessory Use (AU) — the home-office counterpart of the Certificate of Use — through the MiamiBiz portal, then obtains the Business Tax Receipt. Note that Florida law (§559.955) limits how local governments may regulate home-based businesses: they may not be licensed or restricted differently from other businesses, and are subject only to local business taxes under ch. 205.

    Official government source

    $50 CU/AU application fee plus applicable inspection fees; confirm via MiamiBiz1–3 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $75–$250 · 1–3 weeks to register business and obtain all required licenses

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