CNBC 2025 · #3 of 50
Florida
Very favourableRank: #3 of 50
Year-over-year movement
Category breakdown
All 10 CNBC categories — score out of category max, rank among 50 states.
CNBC methodology — 10 categories, 2,500 points max
Founder Snapshot
Lite operational context for Florida — what to know before operating here. Sourced public facts, separate from CNBC scores.
Tax posture
Florida has no personal income tax. C-corporations pay 5.5% corporate income tax (with $50,000 exemption). Sales tax is 6% plus local surtax in many counties.
Source: Florida Department of Revenue
Business registration
Register entities through Sunbiz (Florida Division of Corporations).
Source: Florida Sunbiz
Compliance calendar
Annual reports are due May 1 for most entities; late fees apply. Corporate income tax returns follow separate DOR deadlines.
Source: Florida Sunbiz — Annual Report
Multi-state heads-up
If you operate outside Florida or hire remotely — informational, not legal advice.
Remote sales & economic nexus
Remote sellers and marketplace facilitators must collect Florida sales tax once economic nexus thresholds are met.
Source: Florida DOR — Remote Seller
Remote employees & payroll
Employers with Florida workers register for reemployment (unemployment) tax and new hire reporting.
Source: Florida DOR — Reemployment Tax
Also applies across state lines
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If you are incorporated elsewhere but transact business here, you may need to foreign-qualify with the Secretary of State.
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Multi-state operations often trigger registration, withholding, or nexus rules — confirm with official state agencies.
Source: IRS — State government websites
Regulatory Pulse
Recent regulatory changes in Florida — sourced public updates for founders operating here.
Florida Digital Bill of Rights (scaled)
Privacy rights for consumers against large tech platforms; scope narrowed from original proposal — verify applicability thresholds.
Source: Florida Senate — CS/HB 3 (2024)
Florida Telemarketing Act compliance
Telephone solicitation rules require licensing, calling-hour limits, and Do Not Call compliance for covered sellers.
Source: Florida Attorney General
Property insurance market reforms
Legislative packages address assignment of benefits, litigation costs, and Citizens Property Insurance eligibility.
Marketplace facilitator sales tax collection
Marketplace providers must collect and remit Florida sales tax on facilitated sales.
Source: Florida Department of Revenue
Florida corporate income tax economic nexus
Out-of-state corporations with substantial Florida sales may owe corporate income tax even without physical presence.
Source: Florida Department of Revenue