Step 1

There are many resources available to assist you in starting your own business. The City of Cocoa wants you to be successful in this endeavor. You are urged to contact one of the following organizations for assistance.

SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER
(funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration and most of their services are free)
Brevard Community College
3865 N. Wickham Road
Melbourne, FL 32925-2399
321-433-5570

CITY OF COCOA BUSINESS ASSISTANCE TEAM
(available to assist you in starting your business in Cocoa – services are free)
65 Stone Street, Cocoa, FL 32922
Mary Sharpe 321-433-8525

Step 2

Once you have determined the type of business you wish to open, contact Brevard County and the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulations to determine if you need a state license or certification of competency. There are more than 50 regulated professions requiring state licensing.

BREVARD COUNTY
321-633-2058
www.brevardcounty.us

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL REGULATIONS
850-486-1395
http://www.sunbiz.org/register.html

Step 3

Contact the City of Cocoa Planning & Zoning Division to make sure you can operate your business within the City limits of Cocoa and determine the type of zoning classification required. Sometimes zoning changes once a property changes ownership. ONLY Planning and Zoning can give you the correct zoning regulations. The regulations are different for home based businesses and Planning & Zoning can assist you in determining if you can operate your business out of your home.

CITY OF COCOA PLANNING & ZONING DIVISION
65 Stone Street, Cocoa, Florida
321-433-8530

Step 4

The City of Cocoa has Programs and Incentives for businesses that locate in designated areas or for targeted industries. Contact the Enterprise Zone Office at 321-433-8510.
Secure a location to operate your business that is properly zoned for your type of business. Obtain a letter of authorization from the property owner to operate your business from your preferred location. The form is available at the City of Cocoa Permit Office or on-line at www.cocoafl.org.

Step 5

Determine the legal structure of your business. The most common structures are Sole Proprietorships, General and Limited Partnerships, C and S Corporations and Limited Liability Companies. You are encouraged to research each thoroughly and consult a tax accountant and/or attorney prior to making your decision. If you incorporate or have employees, you will need to establish a Federal Employer Identification Number. Call (800) 829-3676 to obtain the number.

INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE
129 W. Hibiscus Blvd.
Melbourne, Fl. 32901
(321) 674-0047
www.irs.gov

Step 6

Register the name of your business. If your business will use any name other than the owner’s legal name or a properly registered corporate name, a fictitious name (also referred to as a DBA) must be registered with the state. The City of Cocoa also has the fictitious name form in the lobby at City Hall. To conduct a name search contact the:

FLORIDA SECRETARY OF STATE
State Capitol
Tallahassee, Florida
850-488-9000
www.sunbiz.org

Step 7

There are many types of licenses, both state and local, as well as professional, depending on the type of business you plan to operate. One license, which is required for all businesses, is a Business Tax Receipt. A Business Tax (paid annually) is levied on each business operated within the city limits. In some states, it is called an occupational license. The fee varies per city and per occupation but it is a requirement by most municipalities nationwide. There is one form for home based businesses and one form for non home based businesses at www.cocoafl.org.

CITY OF COCOA BUILDING & PERMITTING DIVISION
65 Stone Street
Cocoa, Florida
(321) 433-8501

Step 8

Once you have obtained a Cocoa Business Tax Receipt, you must obtain a Brevard County Business Tax Receipt. Complete the Business Tax Receipt/Zoning Use Permit application and submit it to the Brevard County Tax Collector. To minimize delays, contact the Brevard County Tax Collector's Office for pre-requisites applicable to your classification and location. A tax receipt may be issued upon application and presentation of required prerequisites and payments of applicable fees.

BREVARD COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR
2575 N. Courtenay Pkwy
Merritt Island, Florida
321-455-1413
www.brevardtaxcollector.com

Step 9

Other agencies you may need to contact. Contact Brevard County Environmental Health Services at 321-633-2100 if you have a business that could possibly pose a hazard to the public – eating/drinking establishments, use of chemicals, onsite disposal and treatment systems, including industrial manufacturing permits, For hazardous material disposal contact either the Office of NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT at 321-633-2017.

Step 10

You may be required to collect and remit taxes.

You may be subject to other licenses or inspections depending on your type of business. It is in your best interest to fully disclose your proposed operation so that you are in compliance. Disclosure after you have opened your business could result in a shut down or unforeseen expenditures to become compliant. You May Need To Be In Compliance With The Offices Listed Below:

CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY OR STATE OF FLORIDA CERTIFICATION (Contractors)
http://www.sunbiz.org/register.html • 1-850-487-1395

DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION, ALCOHOL, BEVERAGE AND TOBACCO DIVISION
http://www.sunbiz.org/register.html • 1-850-487-1395

CERTIFICATE AND /OR FIELD INSPECTION SHEET FROM FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE & CONSUMER SERVICES
www.doacs.state.fl.us • 1-850-488-3022

MOTOR VEHICLE REPAIR REGISTRATION FROM FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE & CONSUMER SERVICES
www.doacs.state.fl.us • 1-850-488-2221

SECOND HAND DEALERS LICENSE (Brevard County Sheriff Pawn Compliance) • 321-504-0950

IMPORTANT

The following organizations can provide assistance to start-up and existing businesses:

Brevard Community College
www.bcctraining.com

Brevard Job Link
www.brevardjoblink.org

Central Florida Community Development Corporation
www.cfcdc.com

Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of Commerce
www.cocoabeachchamber.com

Economic Development Corporation of Florida’s Spacecoast
www.spacecoastedc.org

Florida Small Business Development Centers at Brevard Community College
www.floridasbdc.com

Enterprise Florida
www.eflorida.com

Florida Manufacturing Extension Partnership
www.floridamep.org

Florida Minority Supplier Development Council
www.fmsdc.org

Florida High Tech Corridor
www.floridahightech.com

U.S. Small Business Administration
sba.gov

Disaster Loans
www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance/disasterpreparedness

Free online courses from:
www.sba.gov/services/training/onlinecourses

Congratulations and Best Wishes For A Successful Business!