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. New developers are always welcome by City staff to meet and review their location/development needs and discuss all aspects of permitting activities and approvals.

 

Click Here for a listing of the contact information to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations offered by Seminole County.

 

Below is a list of links to organizations that local business owners may find helpful:

 

Better Business Bureau - Better Business Bureaus can alert you to complaints against companies in your area.

 

Seminole County Regional Chamber of Commerce - a not for profit organization representing a broad-based coalition of businesses from throughout Central Florida.

 

Seminole County Economic Development Office - Everything your growing business needs.

 

Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission - An Organization that helps businesses.

 

Seminole Advisory Board Council - Providing expert advise to help grow your business.

 

Seminole County Library Small Business Resources - Portal to quality business resources and helpful business services.

 

Seminole County Port Authority - Assisting small businesses lease commercial warehouse property.

 

Small Business Development Center - Serving the entrepreneurs of Seminole County since 1993.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

State licensing requirements can be obtained by calling the Consumer Services Department at 1-800-435-7352.

 

Workman's Compensation information can be obtained by calling the Orlando office of the Department of Labor at (407)245-0758.

 

Florida First Capital Finance Corporation -  Promotes and assists the growth and development of small businesses.

 

Enterprise Florida - Public-private partnership responsible for leading Florida's statewide economic development efforts.

 

U.S. Small Business Administration - Programs and services to help you start grow and succeed.

 

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

 

Florida Black Business Investment Board - financing for black-owned businesses

 

Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) - agency specifically created to encourage the creation, growth and expansion of minority-owned businesses in the United States. Orlando Minority Business Opportunity Committee - 407.245.6062

 

Florida State Programs - Office of Supplier Diversity - Improves business and economic opportunities for Florida’s women-owned and minority-owned businesses.

 

Minority/Women Business Enterprise Alliance, Inc. - Dedicated to supporting our clients through entrepreneurial and business development, seminars and workshops, access to capital, management and technical assistance, individual consulting, contract matchmaking, program management, construction services, community advocacy and through our partnerships with other technical assistance providers on local, state and federal levels.

 

Florida Trend's Small Business Magazine

 

SBA Small Business Guides