Start-Up Support

To open a business in Florida as an Italian investor, you need to follow a series of key steps:

• Choose a legal structure, such as an LLC (Limited Liability Company) or a Corporation.
• Register the company with the State of Florida by filing the appropriate documents.
• Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the US tax authority.
• Open a business bank account in the United States.
• Check and apply for the local licenses and business permits required for your type of activity.

US citizenship is not required, but we strongly recommend using our immigration advisors.

The two most common options are:

• LLC (Limited Liability Company): protects you personally from business debts and is simple to manage. It is valued for its flexibility and pass-through taxation.
• C Corporation: suited to those who expect to bring in investors or expand in the future. It is more complex but offers advantages in fundraising and asset separation.

The choice depends on the business goals, tax strategy and type of business planned.

Florida is one of the most tax-competitive states in the US. Key points include:

• No personal income tax, an advantage if the company is structured as a pass-through entity (e.g. an LLC).
• Corporate Income Tax of 21% on net income for Corporations (with an exemption on roughly the first $50,000).
• State Sales Tax of 6%, plus possible local taxes depending on the city or county.

Tax management is simpler than in many other states but still requires careful bookkeeping.

Yes, to live and work legally in the United States you need an appropriate visa. The most common options for entrepreneurs are:

• E-2 Visa: for investors from countries with a commerce treaty with the US (such as Italy), valid if you invest a substantial amount.
• L-1 Visa: for executives and managers transferred from a foreign company to a US subsidiary.
• EB-5 Visa: for those investing at least $800,000 in job-creating projects in the US.

If you do not intend to reside in the US, you can still own a US company remotely, delegating day-to-day management.

Florida offers opportunities in several leading sectors:

• Tourism and hospitality, thanks to its location and favorable climate.
• Real estate services, with a constantly expanding market, especially in cities like Miami, Tampa and Orlando.
• Technology, growing in areas such as fintech, healthtech and logistics.
• International trade, given the proximity to Latin American markets and major ports.
• Franchising, particularly widespread in food, retail and personal services.

The choice of sector should be based on careful analysis of the local market and your own risk profile.

The acquisition process involves:

• Identifying the target company, through our brokers and specialized channels.
• Due diligence, i.e. a detailed review of financial statements, contracts, debts, licenses and reputation.
• Negotiation and pricing, with a possible earn-out clause.
• Legal agreements, including letters of intent, purchase agreements and non-compete agreements.
• Closing, with the formal transfer of shares or assets.

Our team of experts will oversee the transaction to avoid hidden risks or unfavorable clauses.

• Commercial loans from local banks, often requiring personal guarantees.
• State and federal SME support programs, including incentives for job creation.
• SBA (Small Business Administration) loans, with favorable rates for businesses with solid plans.
• Private investors and venture capital funds, for innovative or high-potential startups.
• Seller financing, where the seller of the business finances part of the price.

A well-structured business plan is essential to access these opportunities.

Licenses and permits vary by type of business and municipality, but generally include:

• Business Tax Receipt, issued by the city or county to authorize the business.
• Specific licenses for regulated sectors, such as food, healthcare and construction.
• Safety and health permits for premises open to the public.
• Professional licenses for fields such as legal or real estate services.

Each county may have different requirements, so a thorough check before opening is advisable.

• Low tax burden, thanks to the absence of personal income tax.
• Streamlined procedures for company registration.
• Easy access to international markets, especially Latin America.
• High quality of life, which attracts talent and customers.
• Incentives for strategic sectors such as technology, energy, trade and tourism.

All this makes Florida one of the top choices for doing business in the USA.

• Full due diligence, analyzing financial strength, risks and legal aspects.
• A clear contractual structure, with well-defined responsibilities, warranties and exit clauses.
• Non-compete clauses, to prevent the seller from opening a similar business nearby.
• Specific insurance to cover past liabilities or future damages.
• Support from lawyers and accountants specialized in cross-border transactions and US corporate law.

Professional management of the acquisition avoids disputes and ensures a smooth transition.