Starting an Online Business in Florida

2. Florida Legal Context

Even though your business is online, Florida law still applies. Key requirements include:

• Entity Formation: Most online businesses register as LLCs or corporations under the Florida Revised LLC Act (Ch. 605, Fla. Stat.) or Florida Business Corporation Act (Ch. 607, Fla. Stat.).
• Registration: File with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz) to make your entity official.
• Taxes: Online businesses must collect Florida sales tax on taxable goods and certain digital products if selling to Florida customers.
• Licenses: Some industries (healthcare, financial services, food, etc.) require state or local licenses—even online.
• Consumer Protection: Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA) prohibits misleading online ads, false claims, or unfair billing practices.

Privacy & Data: Federal laws (like COPPA for children’s data) and Florida data breach laws apply if you collect customer information.

3. Real-World Application

Examples:

• A Tampa entrepreneur registers an LLC before launching an e-commerce shop selling handmade jewelry nationwide.
• An Orlando software developer forms a corporation to attract investors for a new app.
• A Miami fitness coach creates an online subscription business for virtual training sessions and ensures contracts include disclaimers and terms of service.

4. Why It Matters for Business Owners

Even small online ventures face legal risks if not properly set up.

Why it matters:

• Liability protection: Forming an LLC or corporation shields your personal assets.
• Tax compliance: Avoid penalties by registering for Florida sales tax where required.
• Contracts: Terms of service and privacy policies protect against disputes.
• Credibility: A properly formed business appears professional to customers and investors.

Common mistakes in Florida online startups:

• Operating as a sole proprietor without liability protection.
• Ignoring sales tax collection on online orders shipped to Florida addresses.
• Using copied or incomplete website terms and privacy policies.
• Not checking if business activities require a state license.

5. Real-World Florida Examples

• A Sarasota online boutique faced penalties for not collecting Florida sales tax on local deliveries.
• A Jacksonville digital marketing startup avoided a costly lawsuit by having a lawyer draft a clear service contract and website terms.
• A Fort Lauderdale app developer attracted angel investors because the company was properly incorporated and had solid governance documents.

6. How Our Law Firm Can Help

At Black Rock Trial Lawyers, we help entrepreneurs build strong legal foundations for their online businesses. Our services include:

• Advising on the best entity type (LLC vs. corporation)
• Filing formation documents with Sunbiz and drafting Operating Agreements or Bylaws
• Drafting website Terms of Service and Privacy Policies tailored to Florida law
• Reviewing contracts for vendors, affiliates, and customers
• Ensuring sales tax, licensing, and consumer protection compliance
• Protecting intellectual property (trademarks, copyrights) for your brand and products

We make sure your online business starts right—and stays legally protected.

7. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Do I need to register an online business with the State of Florida?
A: Yes. Even if you operate entirely online, you must register your LLC or corporation with Sunbiz.

Q: Do I have to collect sales tax for online sales?
A: Yes, if selling taxable goods or certain digital products to Florida customers. Out-of-state sales depend on where your buyers are located.

Q: Do I need a business license for an online business in Florida?
A: Many online businesses only need to register with Sunbiz and the Florida Department of Revenue. However, regulated industries (healthcare, food, financial services) may require additional licenses.

Q: Should I create Terms of Service for my website?
A: Absolutely. Terms of Service and Privacy Policies protect your business and build customer trust.

Q: Why hire a lawyer to set up an online business?
A: A lawyer ensures compliance with Florida law, drafts enforceable contracts, and protects you from hidden risks that generic templates can’t cover.

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.