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Georgia company doing business in Florida

Asked by: Jennifer Warren  — 2 July, 2012

I have a fence company incorporated in Georgia. Currently, we hired Florida employees in Florida, doing a job in Florida. Do I need to get foreign qualification or a Florida tax # to pay my Florida employees for tax purposes. What do I need for operating in Florida?

Answered by: admin  — 2 July, 2012

Dear Jennifer,

In Florida, foreign corporations must “foreign qualify” or obtain a “certificate of authority” if they “transact business” in the state.

The definition of “transacting business” is a legal definition and includes many different factors. Businesses generally need to foreign qualify if they:

1) hire and maintain W2 employees in the state,
2) hold special licensing in the state,
3) hold any real property in the state,
4) have a brick and mortal location in the state, or
5) will be shipping any product from with in the state.

Since you have employees living and working in Florida, you likely meet the “transacting business” threshold and will have to register with the Florida Secretary of State.

Your business will also have to set up tax account for withholding and unemployment tax. Finally, Florida imposes a Corporate Income Tax on all corporations that conduct business, or earn or receive income in Florida. Your business will have to register for this tax with the Florida Department of Revenue and file a Florida corporate income tax return.

Many Florida cities and counties impose business licenses on any business operating in their jurisdiction. We can help you obtain all the licenses and registrations you need, as well as research any that have not been identified.

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