Research and Development Special programs and agencies exist to promote research and development in the state. A partial list includes: The State University system has more than 200 special research and services institutes available for technical assistance and research. Firms may build facilities to access university resources and expertise within several university-related research parks. State and local entrepreneurship and venture finance networks are available. Technology transfer centers assist small and medium-sized companies in adapting to technological advances. Enterprise Zones Beginning July 1, 1995, Florida's Enterprise zone program will offer substantial tax/area incentives to businesses that locate or expand their business in designated areas targeted for economic revitalization or employ zone residents and other targeted employees. Location and more information can be obtained by contacting the Florida Department of Community Development at (904) 488-7541 or the local enterprise zone authority.

Transportation Florida offers a variety of options for transporting services including highways, rail, water, air and space. A firm located in Florida is guaranteed an integrated system with an assortment of capabilities for reaching both national and world markets. As a result of the state's deregulation of the trucking industry, Florida producers benefits by more competitive intrastate freight rates and services, and by additional options in shipping. Also, the fact that more rail and truck freight enters the state than leaves it gives Florida shippers an added advantage in rate negotiations because there is an excess of empty cars and trucks departing Florida. Scheduled air carrier service is available at 22 airports while commuter service is available at over 131 additional public-use airports. More than 2 million passengers and 723,000 tons of domestic and international freight were enplaned in Florida in 1991. Florida's largest ports are in Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Miami and Tampa with regular sailing to domestic and foreign destinations. Most of the state's 27 ports are connected by the inter-coastal and inland waterway system which facilitate both intrastate and interstate shipments. A public corporation, the Florida Spaceport Authority was created to develop and operate commercial space launch centers as well as to foster the development of the commercial space industry. Trough this entity, the state offers numerous incentives for locating and expanding space-related business and projects.

Sales tax incentives for manufacturers Manufacturing machinery and equipment for new businesses are exempt from the sales and use tax as long as purchases are made before production begins and delivery is taken within 12 months of that date. Sales and use tax on manufacturing machinery and equipment purchased for expansion of an existing business have an upper limit of $100,000 per year, if productive output is increased by at least 10 percent.

Tax exemptions for either new or expanding businesses can be obtained in one of two ways: 1.Prior to purchasing the equipment or bringing it into Florida for use, a Temporary Tax Exemption Permit is obtained from the Florida Department of Revenue, or; 2.The tax is paid by the firm and then applies for a refund. It should be noted that the exemptions do not apply to equipment purchased or used by certain companies in specified industries.

Registration requirements There are various state, county and city laws and regulations that must be met before a business can operate in Florida. Procedures and policies vary from area to area and should be investigated in advance. Articles of Incorporation must be prepared and executed for all corporations. Foreign corporations (non-Florida corporations) must have an office or registered agent located within the state. Foreign corporations, like Florida corporations, are responsible for filling annual reports and are treated equally in all other respects. Appropriate forms and additional information can be obtained from the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, P.O. Box 6327 Tallahassee, Florida 32314. The Department of State will also check to see if the proposed business name is available. If a business is not incorporated or will use an assumed name for business purposes, it must be registered under the Fictitious Name Act. Registration procedures including paying a service charge and posting a notice in a local newspaper. Specific information should be obtained from the County's Circuit Court Clerk Businesses that sell, rent or lease taxable property must register with the department of Revenue and be issued a sales tax number. Contact the Office of Taxpayer Assistance, P.O. Box 5139 Tallahassee, Florida 32314-5139, or call (904) 488-6800 for additional information. All businesses must also obtain an employer identification number from the US Internal Revenue Service, Public Affairs Office, P.O. Box 35045, Jacksonville, Florida 32202 or by calling 1 (800) 829-3676. Occupational licenses are required for every business and are issued by counties and cities. Depending upon location, a business may need either one or both. Area-specific information should be obtained from the appropriate tax collector's office. Depending upon the kind of business, additional permit or licenses may be necessary. Details at the state level are available from the Florida Department of Commerce. Source: Doing Business in Florida