Starting a Business in Bay
Thinking about starting a new business? Congratulations! Below are the key steps, local requirements, and helpful resources to get your business up and running in Bay County!
Business registration and licensing requirements depend on your location. Here’s the breakdown:
- Panama City – A local business tax receipt (license) is required. Visit: City of Panama City Business Services
- Panama City Beach – A local business tax receipt (license) is required. Visit: City of Panama City Beach Business License
- Unincorporated Bay County – No license or local business registration is required, and there are no fees charged for operating in unincorporated areas.
All businesses operating in Florida must be registered with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz). This includes LLCs, corporations, partnerships, and fictitious names (DBAs).
Register or search your business at Sunbiz.org
Depending on your business type, you may need to register to collect or pay Florida taxes. Visit the Florida Department of Revenue for guidance on sales tax, reemployment tax, and more: Florida Department of Revenue – New Business Startup
These Florida-specific tools provide additional guidance, checklists, and FAQs to help you get started:
The Florida SBDC at the University of West Florida provides powerful tools, training, and resources to help small businesses in Northwest Florida grow and succeed. Learn more: Florida SBDC
Once you complete these steps, we would love the opportunity to speak with you about joining our Beach Chamber Family to help promote your new business!