Drop-Shipping Legal Requirements in Florida

2. Florida Legal Context

Operating a drop-shipping business in Florida requires compliance with several laws and regulations:

• Business Formation: Register an LLC or corporation with Sunbiz (Florida Division of Corporations) under the Florida Revised LLC Act (Ch. 605, Fla. Stat.) or the Florida Business Corporation Act (Ch. 607, Fla. Stat.).
• Sales Tax: Under Florida Sales and Use Tax Law (Ch. 212, Fla. Stat.), drop-shippers must collect sales tax on taxable goods shipped to Florida customers.
• Consumer Protection: Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA, Ch. 501, Fla. Stat.) prohibits misleading advertising, false product claims, or unfair refund practices.
• Privacy & Data: Florida’s Information Protection Act (FIPA, §501.171) applies if you collect customer information such as addresses and payment data.
• Shipping & Fulfillment: Federal Trade Commission (FTC) “Mail, Internet, or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule” requires shipping within promised timelines or issuing refunds.

3. Real-World Application

Examples of Florida drop-shipping operations:

• A Tampa online boutique sells home décor items, forwarding orders to a California supplier who ships directly to Florida customers.
• A Miami e-commerce entrepreneur uses Shopify to run a drop-shipping store, collecting sales tax on all Florida orders.
• An Orlando fitness brand partners with an overseas manufacturer—contracts must address shipping delays, customs clearance, and refund responsibilities.

4. Why It Matters for Business Owners

Drop-shipping seems simple, but without legal protections, you risk financial loss and lawsuits.

Why it matters:

• Liability protection: Customers will hold your Florida business—not the supplier—responsible for defective products or delays.
• Sales tax compliance: Failure to collect and remit tax can result in penalties.
• Contract control: Supplier agreements must address quality, timelines, and indemnification.
• Reputation management: Refund and return policies affect trust and repeat business.

Common mistakes in Florida drop-shipping:

• Not registering for a Florida sales tax certificate.
• Using suppliers without written contracts or quality control measures.
• Misrepresenting shipping timelines, leading to FDUTPA violations.
• Copying product descriptions or photos, creating intellectual property risks.

5. Real-World Florida Examples

• A Sarasota drop-shipper faced fines when the supplier shipped counterfeit products, violating FDUTPA.
• A Jacksonville online seller avoided penalties by updating terms of service to comply with FTC shipping rules.
• A Fort Lauderdale business lost thousands to chargebacks because it failed to create a contract requiring the supplier to cover defective returns.

6. How Our Law Firm Can Help

At Black Rock Trial Lawyers, we help entrepreneurs structure drop-shipping businesses that are profitable and legally compliant. Our services include:

• Forming LLCs and corporations for liability protection
• Registering for Florida sales tax collection and advising on multi-state compliance
• Drafting supplier contracts with warranties, indemnification, and dispute resolution
• Preparing website Terms of Service and Privacy Policies to comply with FDUTPA and FIPA
• Advising on advertising and product claim compliance under Florida and FTC law
• Representing businesses in consumer or regulatory disputes

We make sure your drop-shipping business runs legally, efficiently, and with maximum protection.

7. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Do I need a business license to start drop-shipping in Florida?
A: Most drop-shipping businesses only need to register their entity with Sunbiz and obtain a Florida sales tax certificate. Some industries may require additional licenses.

Q: Do I have to collect Florida sales tax on drop-shipped orders?
A: Yes. If the customer is in Florida, sales tax applies regardless of where the supplier is located.

Q: Who is responsible if the supplier ships defective goods?
A: The customer holds the Florida seller responsible. Contracts with suppliers must include indemnification.

Q: Are refunds required in Florida?
A: Florida law does not mandate refunds, but FDUTPA requires clear disclosure of refund policies. If none is posted, refunds are presumed.

Q: Why should I hire a lawyer for a drop-shipping business?
A: A lawyer ensures compliance with Florida tax, consumer, and contract laws—protecting you from liability, fines, and disputes with suppliers or customers.

8. How to Retain Our Law Firm

We offer multiple access points tailored to your needs:

• Flat-Fee Retainers: Set pricing based on project scope (quoted after your consultation)
• 1-Hour Strategy Consultations: A high-impact session to assess your issues, answer questions, and develop a legal roadmap. Pricing starts at $500.00.
• 3-Hour Master Strategy Sessions: A deep dive analysis with detailed, actionable solutions tailored to your business challenges
• Flagship Product: BELAW – Business + Entrepreneurship Law Advisor Program (Read below)

All services are available in-person, by phone, or virtually.

9. Flagship Product: BELAW – Business + Entrepreneurship Law Advisor Program

Our flagship service is the BELAW Membership – Business & Entrepreneurship Law Advisor Program. This is an exclusive, members-only, 12-month ON-DEMAND legal and business support program at a predictable flat monthly fee, tailored to each business client—regardless of company size.

BELAW is open to business owners, entrepreneurs, for-profit companies, non-profits, and foreign investors. Our members range from startups and nonprofits to established businesses.

At the core of BELAW is our P.O.N.C.E. methodology, developed by Attorney Gil Sanchez, to help businesses not just stay protected—but grow strategically.

What you get with BELAW:

• On demand strategic legal consultations with Attorney Gil Sanchez
• Document review and compliance audits
• Guidance on contracts, leasing, employment, and liability
• Drafting Collection Notices, Cease & Desist Letters and Confidentiality Agreements
• Proactive legal support to mitigate lawsuits and reduce risk exposure
• Strategic input on revenue-generating decisions like expansion, licensing, and joint ventures
• Entrepreneur coaching and a growing library of business education resources
• Litigation retainer and hourly rate discounts

We’re available when you need us—on demand, without hourly billing.

We make it easy to get started:

• Call or text us at (813) 254-1777
• Or fill out the secure contact form below

A member of our team will respond promptly to schedule your consultation.

10. How to Contact Our Law Firm to Retain

We make it easy for you to retain us:

• Call or text: (813) 254-1777
• Email: info@blackrocklaw.com
• Or submit your request using the form below

Our team will promptly follow up to confirm availability and next steps.

11. Who You Are Hiring

When you hire our firm, you’re not just hiring a lawyer — you’re securing the insight, grit, and expertise of Attorney Gil Sanchez.

A proud double Gator, Gil earned both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Florida — one of the top public universities in the country. Since 2004, he has built a reputation as a formidable business and trial attorney, successfully trying cases before juries in both Florida state and federal courts.

Gil’s legal practice is deeply informed by real-life experience. He launched his first business at age 13 and has continued to build, lead, and advise companies ever since. He’s a licensed business broker (since 2007), an adjunct professor of entrepreneurship at St. Petersburg College, and a trusted advisor to entrepreneurs, professionals, and business owners across Florida.

He’s also an inventor, author, and public speaker — holding a U.S. utility patent and federal trademark. His invention was featured in TIME Magazine’s Best Inventions of 2023, and his legal insights have appeared on CNN, ABC’s 20/20, and other national platforms. Raised by Colombian parents in West Virginia and fluent in Spanish, Gil brings cultural fluency, resilience, and a fighter’s mindset to every client matter.

Above all, Gil is a devoted family man — happily married and the proud father of three beautiful children. His commitment to family shapes the way he practices law: with empathy, integrity, and a relentless drive to protect what matters most.

At Black Rock Trial Lawyers, you’re not just getting a legal technician — you’re hiring a battle-tested strategist who understands both the courtroom and the real world. That’s who’s fighting for you.

12. The Law Firm’s Geographical Reach

We proudly represent businesses across all counties in Florida. With the power of virtual consultations, online filings, and remote court access, we can support your legal needs anywhere in Florida—without compromising service quality.

Our main office is in South Tampa, Florida, with a satellite office in South Florida – Miramar, Florida.

From Miami to Jacksonville, Pensacola to Key West—Black Rock Trial Lawyers is here to help Florida businesses thrive.

13. Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as, legal advice. Every individual and business matter involves unique facts and circumstances that must be carefully evaluated. Additionally, Florida laws, including statutes and case law, are subject to frequent changes, and the information presented here may not reflect the most current legal developments. For a formal legal opinion or advice specific to your situation, you must consult directly with an attorney at our firm. No attorney-client relationship is formed by viewing this site or by contacting our office through this website.