If you operate a business in Florida that sells taxable products or services, you may need to obtain a Florida Sales Tax ID before collecting sales tax from customers.
The process is handled by the Florida Department of Revenue (DOR) and can generally be completed online.
What Is a Florida Sales Tax ID?
A Florida Sales Tax ID is the identification number associated with a business’s Florida sales and use tax account.
After registering with the Florida Department of Revenue, qualifying businesses receive a Certificate of Registration (Form DR-11).
The certificate confirms that the business is registered to collect and remit Florida sales and use tax.
A Florida Sales Tax ID should not be confused with an Employer Identification Number (EIN).
An EIN is issued by the Internal Revenue Service for federal tax purposes, while a Florida sales tax account is administered by the Florida Department of Revenue.
Who Needs a Sales Tax ID in Florida?
Businesses generally need to register for Florida sales and use tax if they sell taxable goods or provide certain taxable services.
This can include businesses such as:
- Retail stores
- Online stores
- Convenience stores
- Clothing retailers
- Collectibles and trading card stores
- Restaurants and certain food businesses
- Electronics retailers
- Businesses selling merchandise at events
- Other businesses making taxable retail sales
The exact requirements depend on what the business sells and how it operates.
How to Get a Florida Sales Tax ID
The primary way to obtain a Florida Sales Tax ID is by registering with the Florida Department of Revenue.
Businesses can complete the Florida Business Tax Application (Form DR-1).
The easiest option for many businesses is completing the registration online through the Florida Department of Revenue website.
During the application process, you may need to provide information including:
- Legal business name
- Doing-business-as (DBA) name, if applicable
- Federal EIN
- Business structure
- Business address
- Mailing address
- Owner or responsible-party information
- Description of business activities
- Date business operations began
- Types of products or services being sold
Make sure the information matches your official business records.
Where to Apply for a Florida Sales Tax ID
Florida businesses can register through the Florida Department of Revenue’s online business registration system.
Visit the Florida Department of Revenue website and look for Register a New Business or the Florida Business Tax Application (DR-1).
The online registration system walks businesses through the taxes and accounts that may apply to their operations.
What Happens After You Register?
Once your registration is processed, the Florida Department of Revenue can issue your Certificate of Registration (DR-11).
This document contains information associated with your Florida sales tax account.
Businesses that qualify may also receive an Annual Resale Certificate for Sales Tax (DR-13).
The resale certificate allows qualifying businesses to purchase inventory or other items intended for resale without paying sales tax at the time of purchase, provided Florida’s requirements are followed.
How to Find Your Florida Sales Tax ID If You’re Already Registered
If your business is already registered with the Florida Department of Revenue, you generally should not submit another registration simply because you cannot find your sales tax number.
First, check your:
- Florida Certificate of Registration
- Annual Resale Certificate
- Florida Department of Revenue correspondence
- Florida DOR online account
- Previously filed Florida sales tax returns
The Florida Department of Revenue also provides online services that can help businesses manage and verify their tax accounts.
Is a Florida Sales Tax ID the Same as an EIN?
No.
A Federal EIN is issued by the IRS and identifies a business for federal tax purposes.
A Florida Sales Tax ID or sales tax certificate number relates to the business’s registration with the Florida Department of Revenue for Florida sales and use tax purposes.
A business can therefore have both an EIN and a Florida sales tax certificate number.
Do You Need a Florida Resale Certificate?
If your business purchases products specifically for resale, you may also need Florida’s Annual Resale Certificate for Sales Tax.
For example, a retail store purchasing inventory from a wholesaler may provide its valid resale certificate to the supplier when purchasing qualifying merchandise for resale.
The resale certificate is different from simply having an EIN.
Can You Sell Products Before Getting a Florida Sales Tax ID?
Businesses that are required to collect Florida sales tax should register with the Florida Department of Revenue before beginning taxable business activity.
Collecting sales tax also creates ongoing responsibilities, including filing sales tax returns and sending collected taxes to the state according to the filing schedule assigned to the business.
How Much Does a Florida Sales Tax ID Cost?
Florida’s online business tax registration process generally does not require a registration fee for the Florida Business Tax Application itself.
However, businesses may have other registration, licensing, local business tax, or permitting requirements depending on their location and activities.
Florida Sales Tax ID FAQ
How long does it take to get a Florida Sales Tax ID?
Processing time can depend on the application method and whether additional information is required. Online registration is generally the fastest way to submit the required information.
Can I look up my Florida Sales Tax ID online?
If you have already registered, check your Florida Department of Revenue account and registration documents. Florida also provides online tax-account services and verification tools.
Do I need an EIN before applying?
The identification information required depends on your business structure. Businesses with a federal EIN should have it available when completing their Florida registration.
Is my resale certificate my Sales Tax ID?
They are related but are not the same document. The Certificate of Registration establishes the business’s Florida tax registration, while the Annual Resale Certificate is used for qualifying tax-exempt purchases of items intended for resale.
Do online businesses need a Florida Sales Tax ID?
An online business may need to register if it has an obligation to collect Florida sales tax. The requirements depend on the business’s activities, location, sales, and Florida’s applicable sales-tax rules.
Bottom Line
Getting a Sales Tax ID in Florida starts with registering your business with the Florida Department of Revenue through the Florida Business Tax Application.
Once registered, your business can receive a Florida Certificate of Registration and, when eligible, an Annual Resale Certificate.
If your business is already registered but you simply cannot find the number, check your Certificate of Registration, resale certificate, previous sales tax filings, or Florida Department of Revenue account before submitting a new registration.
