Photography Business Permit Requirements in Orlando, FL

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Apply free and instantly online through the IRS website. Sole proprietors without employees may use their Social Security Number but an EIN is recommended for separating business finances.

   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 using drones in the Orlando area. Orlando is near multiple Class B and C airspace zones (MCO airport), making drone operations subject to FAA authorization requirements in addition to the Part 107 certification. Passes the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test to obtain the certificate.

   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 DOR to collect and remit sales tax on tangible personal property: prints, albums, frames, and physical media such as USB drives. Photography session fees are generally not taxable in Florida unless bundled with a taxable product sale. Orange County adds a 0.5% discretionary surtax on top of the 6% state rate. Digital 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 or Fictitious Name Registration

   Photographers operating as an LLC or corporation must register the entity with the Florida Division of Corporations. Sole proprietors operating under any name other than their legal name must file a Fictitious Name (DBA) registration. Registration is done online at Sunbiz.org.

   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 Orlando Business Tax Receipt

   All businesses operating within Orlando city limits must obtain a Business Tax Receipt (BTR) from the City of Orlando's Permitting Services Division. For photography businesses, the fee is based on variables such as number of employees and square footage of commercial space. Home-based photography studios also require a BTR. Submit an application through the city's online portal or in person at City Hall.

   Official government source

   $20–$150 depending on business size and location·1–2 weeks

   $20–$150 depending on business size and location

   1–2 weeks

2. Orange County Business Tax Receipt

   In addition to the city BTR, photographers operating in Orange County (including Orlando) must also obtain a county-level Business Tax Receipt from the Orange County Tax Collector. Businesses located within Orlando city limits require both city and county receipts. Apply online via the Orange County Tax Collector's website.

   Official government source

   $30–$80 (varies by business type)·1–2 weeks

   $30–$80 (varies by business type)

   1–2 weeks

3. City of Orlando Certificate of Occupancy (for studio space)

   If operating a photography studio from a commercial or retail space in Orlando, a Certificate of Occupancy confirming the space meets zoning and building code requirements for photographic studio use is required before clients may enter. Applications are submitted through the city's permitting portal.

   Official government source

   $50–$200 (varies by space size and scope)·2–4 weeks

   $50–$200 (varies by space size and scope)

   2–4 weeks

Official Sources

• City of Orlando — Get a Business Tax Receipt
• Orange County Tax Collector — New 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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