Starting a new business in Panama City:

If you are going into business for the first time there are several agencies that you will need to contact for various permits prior to opening your business.

If your business will require the employment of individuals other than yourself and immediate family members you are required to obtain a Federal Identification Number from the Internal Revenue Service. The Internal Revenue Service is located at 651 West 14th Street, Suite F, Panama City, Florida. The office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The phone number is 785-9508.

Prior to opening your business you must obtain a Florida Sales and Use Tax Certificate. To obtain a certificate, contact the State of Florida Department of Revenue. The Panama City office is located at 703 W. 15th Street, Suite A. The office hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The phone number is 872-4165.

To register a fictitious name for your business, or file papers for a corporation for your business, please see the following web site www.sunbiz.org.

The following agencies should be contacted for information on specific licenses and permits needed for Panama City businesses within Panama City.

The Panama City Land Use and Code Enforcement Department reviews all applications for Occupational and Merchants Licenses to determine if the proposed business location and business activity complies with the City's Land Use Regulations. If your proposed location does not comply with the City's land use regulations, the Land Use and Code Enforcement Department will advise you of any zoning and or land use change that would be required before you could be issued a business license at the proposed location. The Land Use and Code Enforcement Department is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and is located on the 2nd floor of the City Hall building, 9 Harrison Avenue. For additional information please call the Land Use and Code Enforcement Department at 872-3025.

If the new business is a restaurant, you will need to contact the Florida Hotel and Restaurant division for your inspection at 1-800-749-6368. For bars, lounges, and establishments, contact the Bay County Health Department at (850) 872-4720 at 597 W. 11th Street. This will be required prior to the issuance of a City License.

If your business occupational profession requires a Florida State License, or to be registered with the State, we require a current copy of the license or registration. For information on obtaining your state license, contact the Dept of Business and Professional Regulation at (850) 487-1395. The customer contact center's hours of operation are Monday -Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm est. Or you can use the Dept's online service at www.myflorida.com web site. or e-mail: call center@dbpr.state.fl.us.

We hope all this has been helpful and want to congratulate you on your new business, and wish you much success