Interested in starting a new business

[vgon...@yahoo.com]

I am currently a collector and a skiptracer and want to open up my own
skiptracing business. I am trying my hardest to find out all the costs
i will have to pay in order to start the business and what measures i
have to take..my concerns are as followed:

1) about how much does it cost to start my own business...like, to
have a corporation?

2) What will I NEED to have in order to start my own business?

3) Do I need to have a degree in order to start this business?

Please help!

Thanks,
Vanessa

[webmasterflo...@gmail.com]

Hi Vanessa,

What an interesting business idea!

The actual filing fees to set up a corporation are pretty low
($78.75). Check out the Florida Department of State, Division of
Corporation's Sunbiz website for the forms to register as a
corporation.

http://sunbiz.org/downloads.html

Before you do anything, though, read a bit about the different types
of legal structures -- sole proprietorship, partnership, limited
liability company and corporation.

http://www.floridatrend.com/small_biz_article.asp?aID=46806

You might want to discuss the tax implications of each with an
accountant or a counselor at the Florida Small Business Develoopment
Center nearest you.

http://www.floridatrend.com/small_biz_article.asp?aID=46835

As for what you will NEED to start the business, I'm assuming you mean
what you'll need in terms of documents. One thing you will need is a
business tax license (previously called an occupational license).
Check with your city or county tax collector to register. If you do
not register as a corporation and decide to use a name for the
business other than your own name, you will need to file a fictitious
name registration with the Florida Department of State, Division of
Corporations (sunbiz.org). Also, check with the IRS on obtaining a
Federal Employer Identifcation Number, or EIN. (Some sole
proprietorships do not need this number). Here's a summary of this
information.

http://www.floridatrend.com/small_biz_article.asp?aID=46816

You asked if you need a degree to start the business. I am not
familiar enough with the skiptracing profession to give you a definite
answer, but I doubt that you need a degree. For many professions, a
license is required. I don't know of a state licensing requirement for
skiptracing, but you might want to call the Florida Department of
Business and Professional Regulation in Tallahassee to be sure
(850-487-1395).

http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/index.html
http://www.myflorida.com/taxonomy/business/business%20licenses,%20permits%20and%20regulation/

I hope this helps. Good luck!

Barbara Miracle
Editor
FloridaSmallBusiness.com