New Business

[ryh...@gmail.com]

Good Afternoon.

I would like to start my own shirt business. Currently I am trying to
find a name for my business. I already have a couple of quote from
Printing companies and I also have my work digitalized. I would like
to know how do I go about from here. How do I copyright my work, do I
have to copyright each drawing or go through the same process for each
drawing, and also I heard there was a business license? I would like
to know what are the benefits of having it and where it can be
obtained. Thank You!

[webmasterflo...@gmail.com]

Hi ryhn,

When you decide on a name for your business, you'll have to file a
fictitious name registration with the Florida Division of
Corporations. This is required of all businesses that use a name other
than their own full name. (It is not required, also, if you
incorporate your business.) For example, if your name is John Smith
and you want your business to be something like Smith Shirts, you have
to have a fictitious name registration. Here's a link to some
information and also a link to the Florida Division of Corporations.

http://www.floridatrend.com/small_biz_article.asp?aID=48919

https://efile.sunbiz.org/ficregintro.html

A business license is something that you will probably need from your
local city or county. It used to be called an occupational license. It
may also be called a business tax license. Check with your local city
or county tax collector for information.

For your drawings, I think you would want a trademark rather than a
copyright. Here's some general information on patents, trademarks and
copyrights.

http://www.floridatrend.com/small_biz_article.asp?aID=48918

or for more details on Florida state trademark information:

http://www.floridatrend.com/small_biz_article.asp?aID=48925

As you start your business, I would recommend that you attend a class
at one of the not-for-profit Florida Small Business Development
Centers around the state. There are branches at many Florida colleges
and universities. They offer free or inexpensive workshops and one-on-
one counseling.

http://www.floridatrend.com/small_biz_article.asp?aID=48933

Good luck with your business!

Barbara Miracle
Editor
FloridaSmallBusiness.com