EIN vs Florida Sunbiz Registration
1. Definition
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) and Florida Sunbiz Registration are two separate but essential steps in starting a business in Florida:
- EIN (Federal): A unique 9-digit number issued by the IRS to identify your business for tax purposes—like a Social Security Number for your company.
- Sunbiz Registration (State): The process of registering your business entity (LLC, Corporation, or Nonprofit) with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz) so it is legally recognized to operate in Florida.
Both are necessary but serve different legal and administrative purposes.
2. Florida Legal Context
Sunbiz Registration is required to form an entity under Florida law:
- Governed by Chapters 605 (LLCs), 607 (Corporations), and 617 (Nonprofits) of the Florida Statutes
- You must file Articles of Organization (LLCs) or Articles of Incorporation (Corporations/Nonprofits) with Sunbiz.org
EIN (IRS) is required under federal law for most businesses:
- Needed to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file taxes
- Filed directly with the IRS via Form SS-4 (online or by mail)
Order of operations:
- First, register your business with Sunbiz
- Then, apply for your EIN from the IRS
3. Real-World Application
Let’s say you’re forming a bakery in Tampa:
- You file your Articles of Organization with Sunbiz to create an LLC
- Then you apply for your EIN so you can open a business bank account, set up payroll, and handle taxes
Common mistake: Some new business owners get an EIN before confirming their entity name is available with Sunbiz, leading to conflicts or wasted filings.
4. Why It Matters for Business Owners
Understanding the distinction helps avoid confusion and costly delays:
| Purpose | EIN | Sunbiz Registration |
| Who Issues It | IRS (Federal) | Florida Division of Corporations |
| Required For | Hiring, banking, taxes | Legal recognition of your business in FL |
| When to File | After forming entity | First step to form entity |
| What It Does | Identifies your business to IRS | Makes your business legally valid in Florida |
Failing to complete either one means your business is incomplete and may face issues opening bank accounts, hiring employees, or entering contracts.
5. How Our Law Firm Can Help
We handle both state and federal filings to ensure your business is compliant from day one:
- File your Articles of Organization or Incorporation with Sunbiz
- Obtain your EIN directly from the IRS
- Match your EIN records with your Sunbiz registration to avoid inconsistencies
- Assist with banking setup, payroll enrollment, and license applications
Flat-Fee Retainers – Transparent pricing for startup compliance. 1-Hour Strategy Consultations – Map out all your first steps correctly. 3-Hour Master Strategy Sessions – Perfect for entrepreneurs forming multi-owner or multi-entity structures. BELAW Membership – Year-round support for filings, IRS notices, state renewals, and business planning.
6. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I get an EIN before registering my business with Sunbiz? A: You can, but it’s not recommended. If your desired business name isn’t available in Florida, your EIN may become tied to the wrong entity name.
Q: Does an EIN make my business legally active in Florida? A: No. Only registering with Sunbiz makes your business legally recognized by the state.
Q: Is an EIN the same as a business license? A: No. An EIN is a tax ID number. You may still need local business licenses, which we can help you obtain.
Q: Can I apply for an EIN myself? A: Yes, but using a legal professional helps ensure all business info matches between your state and federal filings.
Q: Do I need both for an online business in Florida? A: Yes. Even if you operate online, you must register with Sunbiz and obtain an EIN if you plan to open a bank account, hire help, or collect taxes.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.