To start a coffee shop in Florida, pick a compliant location—verify zoning, parking ratios, grease-trap capacity, ventilation/hood needs, and ADA path-of-travel—then secure a landlord letter supporting your DBPR plan review. Form your entity on Sunbiz (LLC or corp), file a Fictitious Name if needed, get an EIN, and register sales tax (DR-1) with the Florida Department of Revenue; account for 6% state tax plus county surtax on prepared beverages. Apply to DBPR Division of Hotels and Restaurants as a Public Food Service Establishment; submit construction plans, equipment specs (NSF sinks, handwash, mop sink), plumbing/elec loads for 220V espresso, milk refrigeration, and mop/service areas; expect 30–45 days plan review and a pre-opening inspection. Secure a local Business Tax Receipt and Certificate of Use, fire inspection, and building permits for build-out. Designate a Certified Food Manager and enroll staff in approved food-handler training (within 60 days). If offering beer/wine, obtain a 2COP license. Set up POS with Florida surtax by location; map menu items taxed vs exempt (e.g., whole beans to-go exempt). Budget for windstorm insurance and business interruption, and workers’ comp if 4+ employees. Implement E-Verify if you have 25+ employees. Negotiate TI, CAM caps, and HVAC tonnage in your lease.
