Photography Business Permit Requirements in Miami, FL

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Sole proprietors with no employees may use their Social Security Number but often prefer an EIN for banking and tax purposes. Apply free through the IRS website and receive your EIN immediately.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

2. FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (Drone Photography)

   Required for any commercial aerial photography or videography using unmanned aircraft (drones). Must pass the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test at an approved testing center. Certificate must be renewed every 24 calendar months via an online recurrent training course. Applies to photographers offering drone photography services in Miami.

   Official government source

   $175 (exam fee)·2–4 weeks

   $175 (exam fee)

   2–4 weeks

1. Florida Department of Revenue — Sales Tax Registration

   Florida photographers must register with the Florida Department of Revenue to collect sales tax on tangible personal property sold, including prints, albums, frames, and physical storage media such as USB drives. Photography services (session fees) are generally not subject to Florida sales tax unless bundled with taxable products. Miami-Dade County adds a 1% discretionary surtax on top of the 6% state rate. Digital image delivery via email or cloud is not taxable.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online registration)

   Free

   Immediate (online registration)

2. Florida Division of Corporations — Business Entity Registration or Fictitious Name

   If operating as an LLC or corporation, register your photography business with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz). Sole proprietors operating under a trade name other than their legal name must file a Fictitious Name (DBA) registration. Fictitious Name registrations cost $50 and are valid until December 31 of the fifth year following filing.

   Official government source

   $125 (LLC); $50 (Fictitious Name/DBA)·3–5 business days (online)

   $125 (LLC); $50 (Fictitious Name/DBA)

   3–5 business days (online)

1. City of Miami Local Business Tax Receipt (BTR)

   Any business operating within City of Miami limits must obtain a Local Business Tax Receipt from the Miami Finance Department. Photography studios and freelance photographers operating from a Miami address need this annual permit. A valid Certificate of Use from the City of Miami Planning and Zoning Department must be obtained before a BTR is issued for a commercial location. Renewed annually by September 30.

   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) 416-2087·1–2 weeks

   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) 416-2087

   1–2 weeks

2. Miami-Dade County Local Business Tax Receipt

   In addition to the City of Miami BTR, businesses must also obtain a County-level Local Business Tax Receipt from the Miami-Dade County Tax Collector. Photographers who conduct business in unincorporated Miami-Dade County or within a municipality require both a city and county receipt. Apply online via the county's BTExpress portal.

   Official government source

   Varies by business category and number of employees/seats/units; confirm via the Miami-Dade Tax Collector's BTExpress portal or (305) 375-5448·1–2 weeks

   Varies by business category and number of employees/seats/units; confirm via the Miami-Dade Tax Collector's BTExpress portal or (305) 375-5448

   1–2 weeks

3. City of Miami Certificate of Use

   Required before operating a photography studio from a commercial location in the City of Miami: the Certificate of Use confirms the use is permitted under the Miami 21 zoning code, with DERM, Fire and Code inspections, and precedes the Business Tax Receipt. Apply online via MiamiBiz. Home-based photography businesses apply for an Accessory Use instead.

   Official government source

   $50 non-refundable application fee, plus inspection/service fees per the City of Miami CU fee schedule (commercial: $313 for the first 2,000 sq ft + $63 per additional 1,000 sq ft)·2–4 weeks

   $50 non-refundable application fee, plus inspection/service fees per the City of Miami CU fee schedule (commercial: $313 for the first 2,000 sq ft + $63 per additional 1,000 sq ft)

   2–4 weeks

4. Miami-Dade County Film/Photography Permit (for shoots on public property)

   Commercial photography and film shoots on Miami-Dade County public property (county parks, beaches, rights-of-way) require a permit through the Miami-Dade County Office of Film & Entertainment (filmiami.org one-stop permit center), with liability insurance. Shoots on City of Miami property require the City of Miami film permit instead (miami.gov, Filming and Events).

   Official government source

   Permit and location fees vary by jurisdiction, location and production size; insurance is required — see the Miami-Dade Office of Film & Entertainment permit guide·3–10 business days

   Permit and location fees vary by jurisdiction, location and production size; insurance is required — see the Miami-Dade Office of Film & Entertainment permit guide

   3–10 business days

Official Sources

• City of Miami — Get a Business Tax Receipt (BTR)
• Miami-Dade County Tax Collector — Local Business Tax Receipt
• Florida Department of Revenue — Sales Tax
• Florida Division of Corporations — Start a Business
• FAA — Become a Drone Pilot (Part 107)

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