How do I get a business license in Hernando County?

For a pressure-washing business in Hernando County, you need both — but here's the actual path and order to follow:

1. Register your business with Florida (state level)
First, decide your business structure. Sole proprietor is the simplest — you just need to register a fictitious name ("DBA") with Florida if you're not operating under your legal name. Go to sunbiz.org. If you want an LLC (which gives you liability protection), form it there too. This costs $125 for the LLC filing.

2. Get a Hernando County Business Tax Receipt (county level)
This is what people usually mean by a "county license." It's actually a business tax receipt, not a license per se. You apply through the Hernando County Tax Collector's office. The fee is usually $30–50 for a small service business. You'll need your state registration or LLC docs before applying.

3. No state contractor's license required for basic pressure washing
Florida doesn't require a contractor's license for pressure washing unless you're doing it in combination with other licensed work (like roof cleaning can get complicated). So you're generally clear there.

4. Insurance
Not a license, but you'll want general liability insurance before you take your first job. Clients will ask, and it protects you if you damage a car, window, or surface. Figure $500–800/year for a basic policy for a solo operator.

The fastest path:
- sunbiz.org → register business or DBA → takes 1–3 days
- Hernando County Tax Collector → apply for business tax receipt → same week if you have your docs

That's it. No inspections, no exams, no contractor board approval for standard pressure washing.

Are you operating from a home base or out of a commercial address? That can affect a couple of the county steps.