Florida Business Taxes at a Glance
Florida does not have a personal income tax, which draws both people and companies to the state. But Florida does tax corporate income, it collects sales tax with county surtaxes, it taxes short-term rentals at several levels, and it imposes documentary stamp tax on many transactions. BOMCAS helps Florida businesses and residents understand these taxes and keep filings with the Florida Department of Revenue current.
Corporate Income Tax
Florida's corporate income tax applies to C corporations and other entities taxed as corporations that do business or earn income in Florida. An exemption applies to the first part of taxable income, so smaller corporations may owe little or nothing, but they still generally need to file.
Pass-through entities are treated differently. LLCs taxed as partnerships and most S corporations do not owe Florida corporate income tax on their ordinary income, though partnerships with corporate partners may have filing duties. Florida starts from federal taxable income and makes its own additions and subtractions, including for differences in depreciation rules. We prepare the Florida return, apportion income for multistate corporations, and keep track of state-only adjustments.
Sales and Use Tax and County Surtax
Florida imposes a state sales and use tax on goods and certain services, and most counties add a discretionary sales surtax. The surtax generally depends on where the goods are delivered, and it applies only to the first part of a single sale of tangible personal property. Florida taxes a few services that other states do not, including some commercial pest control, cleaning, and nonresidential building services.
Since October 1, 2025, Florida no longer charges state sales tax or surtax on commercial real property rentals for rental periods beginning on or after that date. Businesses that collected this tax as landlords, or paid it as tenants, need to update their invoices and accounting for the change. Rent from earlier periods remains subject to the old rules.
Short-Term and Vacation Rentals
Florida's tourism economy makes transient rental taxes a large part of our work. Rentals of six months or less are generally subject to state sales tax and county surtax. Most counties also impose a tourist development tax, and some counties collect it themselves instead of through the Department of Revenue. Online platforms may collect some of these taxes for hosts, but not always all of them.
We help vacation rental owners and property managers register with the correct authorities, determine what the platform already collects, file the remaining returns, and keep rental income and expenses organized for federal reporting.
Documentary Stamp Tax
Florida's documentary stamp tax applies to deeds and other documents that transfer an interest in Florida real property, and to notes and other written obligations to pay money. Businesses that regularly sign promissory notes or financing agreements may need to register and report the tax themselves. There is also a nonrecurring intangible tax on mortgages recorded in Florida. Real estate and lending clients often need this tracked in their books.
Annual Reports and Property Tax Returns
Florida corporations and LLCs file an annual report with the Division of Corporations every year, with a filing window that opens January 1 and late fees after the deadline. This is not a tax return, but missing it can lead to administrative dissolution.
Businesses that own furniture, equipment, and other tangible personal property generally file a tangible personal property tax return with the county property appraiser each spring. An exemption applies to a portion of the assessed value, but the return is usually still required to claim it. We keep a fixed asset register that supports both federal depreciation and this return.
Payroll and Reemployment Tax
Florida has no state income tax withholding. Employers register with the Department of Revenue for reemployment tax, Florida's name for state unemployment tax, and file quarterly reports. Federal withholding, FICA, and FUTA apply as usual. Seasonal hospitality and construction employers need careful tracking of wages and quarterly filings. We run payroll and reconcile reemployment tax reports to the books.
Moving to Florida
Many people move to Florida from New York, New Jersey, Illinois, and other states that tax income. Florida offers a Declaration of Domicile filed with the county clerk and a homestead exemption for a primary residence. These help show your intent, but the state you are leaving decides for itself whether you are still a resident.
We help new residents:
- Record a clear timeline of the move
- Prepare the final part-year return in the former state
- Track income that may still be taxed there, such as wages for work done in that state or income from a business that stays behind
- Organize records that would support the change if the former state reviews it
Hospitality, Real Estate, and Relocated Companies
- Hospitality and tourism: transient rental tax, tip reporting, and seasonal payroll
- Real estate and construction: documentary stamp tax, job costing, and property records
- Professional services and relocated businesses: corporate tax planning, entity structure after a move, and multistate apportionment
- Trade and logistics: sales tax on imports and exports, resale documentation, and inventory accounting
Bookkeeping for Florida Businesses
Monthly bookkeeping for a Florida business should separate taxable sales by county, track rental income by period, and record notes and deeds that may trigger documentary stamp tax. We provide reconciliations and financial statements set up to support Florida's returns and your federal return.
Next Steps in Florida
Vacation rental owners, landlords adjusting to the end of the commercial rent tax, corporations filing Florida returns, and new residents finishing a move can contact BOMCAS for a remote review. City-level pages for Florida, organized by service, will be published under this section. Return to the BOMCAS home page or explore our United States services. This page summarizes Florida rules in general terms and is not advice for your business or residency.
Talk to BOMCAS About Your Florida Taxes
Have a question about your Florida filings, payroll or bookkeeping? Contact BOMCAS or use the contact form below, and we will get back to you as soon as possible. You can also browse all United States services.