Business Links
The City of Longwood prides itself on providing a favorable atmosphere to the development and enhancement of commercial and industrial uses. There are approximately 465 acres devoted to commercial use and approximately 355 acres for industrial purposes within the City. Developers are always welcome by City staff to meet and review their location/development needs and discuss all aspects of permitting activities and approvals. Please call the Community Development Department at (407) 260-3462 with any questions.
Below is a list of links to organizations that local business owners may find helpful:
- Click Here for a listing of the contact information to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations offered by Seminole County
- Better Business Bureau
- Seminole County Regional Chamber of Commerce
- Seminole County Economic Development Office
- Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission
- Seminole Advisory Board Council
- Seminole County Library Small Business Resources
- Seminole County Port Authority
- Small Business Development Center
- Florida First Capital Finance Corporation
- Enterprise Florida
- U.S. Small Business Administration - Programs and services to help you start grow and succeed.
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Florida Black Business Investment Board
- Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
- Florida State Programs - Office of Supplier Diversity
- Minority/Women Business Enterprise Alliance, Inc.
- Florida Trend's Small Business Magazine
- SBA Small Business Guides
- AcademicInfo: Online Business Degree Programs, Schools & Resources
- Businesses that sell or serve food or food products must be inspected by either the Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (1-800-435-7352) or by the Division of Hotel & Restaurant Commission (407-623-1240) PRIOR to obtaining an Occupational License. The Division of Hotel & Restaurant Commission is located at 940 W. Morse Blvd., Suite 290, Winter Park, FL.
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You must file a Fictitious Name Registration with the State of Florida as per Florida Statute section 865.09. This applies to anyone conducting a business and using a business name that does not fall under the State of Florida exemption guidelines. For further information, contact the State of Florida Fictitious Name Department at (850) 245-6058.
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Corporations are filed with the Secretary of State. Call (850) 245-6052 for further information. Out-of-state corporations must register with the Secretary of State if they intend to use their corporate name. Call (850) 245-6051 for information.
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State Sales Tax numbers are issued by the Florida Department of Revenue. Their local office is located at 5420 Diplomat Circle, Orlando 32810 (407) 623-1141.
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Federal I.D. numbers are issued by the Internal Revenue Service. For information on how to obtain the I.D. number call 1-800-829-1040.
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State licensing requirements can be obtained by calling the Consumer Services Department at 1-800-435-7352.
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Workman's Compensation information can be obtained by calling the Orlando office of the Department of Labor at (407)245-0758.
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Front Porch Microcredit Loan Program - As part of Florida’s Front Porch Initiative, a Microcredit Loan Program was established to increase access to capital that will seed money to stimulate minority small business entrepreneurship. Through this fund, small amounts (up to $15,000) will be loaned to people who might not otherwise qualify for conventional lending. This money will be used for start-ups of cottage industries and micro-enterprises. The program consists of both a technical training component and a loan component. Borrowers will be matched with a business advisor who will provide guidance and education about business start-ups. More information can be obtained by contacting: Tallahassee - 850.878.5125