Starting a Business in the City
The City of New Port Richey supports and facilitates the creation and expansion of all business—large and small. If you need additional assistance navigating the City’s application and review processes or have questions, please call the City's Development Department at (727) 853-1050. We wish you all the best!
Business Startup
Startup is an exciting phase in the life of a business, but it can also bring much frustration and hardship without considerable planning, research, and attention to detail.
It is wise to take advantage of free informational resources that can help you avoid many of the common mistakes made by new business owners. Check out 10 Steps to Starting a Business by the U.S. Small Business Administration and contact local business support organizations (see Business Resources below) to learn about business programs that might benefit your venture.
While the services of an attorney are not required to start a business, you might want to seek legal counsel to guide you on some of your new business decision making.
Completing the steps below will help you to get your business started in the City of New Port Richey.
Step One: Legal Structure
Decide what legal structure you would like to have for your business: sole proprietor, partnership, corporation (C or S), or limited liability company (LLC). Lawyers and doctors may form a professional association (PA). All related forms can be found on-line on the Florida Department of State Division of Corporations website.
Step Two: Business Name
If you choose to use a name other than your own or that of a corporation (if you choose to create one), you will need to register a Fictitious Name Registration (“Doing Business As”) with the Florida Department of State Division of Corporations. You may also trade mark the business name in the State of Florida, nationally, and/or internationally.
Step Three: Employer Identification Number
All businesses except sole proprietorship with no employees must register for a federal identification number. To learn more, contact the Internal Revenue Service at (850) 942-8995 or toll free at (800) 829-4933.
Step Four: Zoning and Other City Regulations
Before leasing or buying property where the business will operate, business owners must make sure that the business type is allowed under the City’s Zoning District Regulations. To learn more, contact the Development Department Planning and Zoning Division at (727) 853-1050. If you are locating your business into an existing building and are planning interior remodeling, be sure to check with the Building Services Division at (727) 853-1047 about building permit requirements.
Step Five: State Licensing and Certificates
From barbers to real estate agents, there are more than 50 regulated professions that the State of Florida requires to obtain special licenses or certificates. To learn more, contact the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation at (850) 487-1395. Various businesses are licensed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, so also check with this agency if you are starting a business.
Step Six: Business Tax Receipts
Every business in the city needs to obtain a Business Tax Receiptopens in a new window regardless of how small and even if it is in your home. To learn more, contact the City of New Port Richey Business Tax Office at (727) 853-1061. Every business is also required to obtain a Pasco County Business Tax Receipt.
Other Information Important to Your Florida Business
Sales Tax Certificates
The State of Florida requires retail stores and some other businesses to collect sales tax. Businesses must apply for a sales tax certificate. To learn more, contact the Florida Department of Revenue at (800) 352-3671.
Corporate Income Tax
Corporations in Florida must pay the State corporate income tax. For more information, contact the Florida Department of Revenue at 1-800-352-3671.
Tangible Personal Property Tax
Pasco County taxes the personal property of businesses (e.g., business equipment). To learn more, contact all the Pasco County Tax Collector at (727) 847-8151.
Federal Income Tax Withholding and Social Security Tax
Employers must withhold from salaries of their employees for federal tax purposes. They also must pay Social Security taxes. To learn more, contact the Internal Revenue Service at (850) 942-8995 or toll free at (800) 829-4933.
Federal Unemployment Tax
Most businesses with one or more employees must contribute to a federal fund that pays unemployment insurance to workers that have been laid off. To learn more, contact the Internal Revenue Service at (850) 942-8995 or toll free at (800) 829-4933.
State Reemployment Tax
Businesses must pay into a state fund that pays unemployment compensation. To learn more, contact the Florida Department of Revenue at (800) 352-3671.
Workers' Compensation
Companies with four or more employees must pay into a state fund that compensates workers who are injured on the job. In construction businesses, the rules that apply are stricter. For more information, contact the Florida Department of Financial Services Division of Workers' Compensation at (850) 413-1601.