What is a Florida Sales and Use Tax Registration?
1. Definition
Florida Sales and Use Tax Registration is the process of registering your business with the Florida Department of Revenue (DOR) so you can legally collect and remit sales tax on taxable goods and services—and pay use tax on untaxed out-of-state purchases.
If your business sells products, certain services, or rents/leases property in Florida, you’re likely required by law to register and collect sales tax.
2. Florida Legal Context
Florida’s sales and use tax rules are governed by Chapter 212 of the Florida Statutes.
You must register for sales and use tax with the Florida Department of Revenue before you begin:
- Selling taxable goods (e.g., clothing, electronics, furniture)
- Leasing or renting property (e.g., commercial space, equipment)
- Providing taxable services (e.g., commercial cleaning, security services)
- Selling products or services online to Florida customers (economic nexus)
The main registration form is the DR-1 Florida Business Tax Application, which can be completed online.
Once registered, the DOR issues a Certificate of Registration and a Sales Tax Certificate (also known as a resale certificate).
3. Real-World Application
Common examples of when sales tax registration is required in Florida:
- A Tampa boutique sells clothing and accessories
- A Miami contractor installs commercial air conditioning units
- An Orlando-based e-commerce site sells goods to customers across Florida
- A landlord rents commercial office space in Jacksonville
Even businesses located outside Florida may need to register if they have economic nexus—e.g., more than $100,000 in sales to Florida customers.
4. Why It Matters for Business Owners
Failure to register can lead to fines, penalties, audits, and personal liability for unpaid taxes.
Benefits of registering properly:
- Legal compliance with state tax laws
- Avoids penalties and interest for uncollected sales tax
- Allows you to issue resale certificates when buying inventory tax-free
- Enables online and in-store businesses to operate lawfully
Risks of ignoring registration:
- State audits and collections actions
- Personal liability for officers and owners
- Loss of business license or tax-exempt status
5. How Our Law Firm Can Help
We help you stay compliant and avoid costly mistakes:
- Prepare and file your Florida DR-1 Business Tax Application
- Advise whether your products/services are taxable under Florida law
- Set up proper sales tax collection and reporting systems
- Handle registration for e-commerce and remote sellers
- Respond to audits or notices from the Florida Department of Revenue
Flat-Fee Retainers – Get registered without hidden costs. 1-Hour Strategy Consultations – Clarify your tax responsibilities. 3-Hour Master Strategy Sessions – Full tax compliance setup for growing or multi-location businesses. BELAW Membership – Includes ongoing compliance advice and support for DOR filings, audits, and tax questions.
6. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Do all businesses in Florida need to register for sales tax? A: No. Only those that sell taxable goods, lease property, or offer taxable services must register. We can help determine if your business qualifies.
Q: Is there a penalty for not registering? A: Yes. Florida imposes penalties and interest on uncollected sales tax. You may also face audits or personal liability.
Q: Do I need a new registration for each business location? A: No, but you must list all locations when applying. Each will receive a separate certificate.
Q: What is use tax? A: Use tax applies to taxable items purchased out of state without sales tax, then brought into Florida for use. You must self-report and pay this tax.
Q: How often do I file sales tax returns? A: Filing frequency (monthly, quarterly, annually) depends on your business volume and is assigned by the DOR upon registration.
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.