Starting a Business in Hardee County Florida

Hardee County, located in the heart of Florida, offers a unique blend of rural charm and untapped economic potential, making it an excellent place to launch a business. Known for its strong agricultural roots, Hardee County is a hub for citrus, cattle, and other farming industries.

Hardee County, Florida, offers a prime location for entrepreneurs looking to establish or expand their business in a community-focused, resource-rich environment. With cities and communities of Wauchula, Bowling Green, and Zolfo Springs, the county presents diverse opportunities across industries such as agriculture, retail, tourism, and manufacturing.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to establish your business in Hardee County, including local regulations, helpful resources, and business ideas tailored to the area.

See Also: Florida Start-up Business Hub

 

Starting a Business in Hardee County, Florida

 

Why Hardee?

With its strategic location, affordable cost of living, and pro-business environment, Hardee County is a hidden gem for business owners looking to make their mark. Whether you’re starting a virtual business, a brick-and-mortar shop, or a service-based enterprise, the county offers a supportive community, easy access to major markets, and a wealth of natural resources.

Top Cities in Hardee County for Business

Wauchula: The Commercial Heart of Hardee County

As the county seat and largest city, Wauchula serves as the business and financial center of Hardee County. The city’s central location along U.S. Highway 17 makes it a key transportation hub, allowing easy access to larger markets across Florida. Entrepreneurs in Wauchula benefit from a supportive local government, an active Chamber of Commerce, and a thriving downtown district with historic charm. Retail, healthcare, and professional services are among the leading industries, while agricultural businesses thrive due to the area’s rich farmland and citrus groves.

Bowling Green: A Growing Community with Industrial Potential

Bowling Green, located in northern Hardee County, offers significant opportunities for businesses in manufacturing, logistics, and agribusiness. With proximity to major roadways and available industrial land, the city is an attractive option for companies seeking a lower-cost alternative to larger metropolitan areas. Local incentives and workforce training programs support new and expanding businesses. Additionally, Bowling Green’s residential growth is driving demand for retail, dining, and service-based businesses, making it a promising destination for entrepreneurs looking to serve a growing customer base.

Zolfo Springs: A Tourism and Agriculture Hub

Zolfo Springs is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and deep agricultural roots. Located along the scenic Peace River, the town attracts eco-tourists, outdoor enthusiasts, and those interested in Florida’s rural heritage. Businesses in hospitality, outdoor recreation, and agritourism thrive in this setting. The nearby Hardee County Wildlife Refuge and Pioneer Park add to the area’s appeal, creating opportunities for businesses that cater to visitors. For those interested in farming, ranching, or agri-based industries, Zolfo Springs provides access to some of the most fertile lands in the region.

 

Setting up Your Business with the State of Florida

There are several steps to set up your business in the State of Florida which are requirements across the state.

One of the easiest ways to set up your business is by using a registered agent service (It’s surprisingly easy and afforable!)

If you want to do it yourself, here’s a brief overview. (You can also read our complete step by step guide to registering your LLC yourself in Florida here)

Register Your Business Entity

Begin by registering your business with the Florida Division of Corporations Sunbiz website. This process establishes your business legally within the state.

Start by searching Sunbiz to be sure your desired name is available. Then you can choose to file online or download a print copy to mail in.

Obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) or simply (EIN)

Apply for a EIN through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This number is necessary for tax purposes and to hire employees.

Register with the Florida Department of Revenue (if applicable)

In Florida, you will need to check with the Florida Department of Revenue website to register for sales tax, unemployment tax and employer withholding tax (if applicable to your business)

Acquire Necessary State Licenses or Permits

Depending on your industry, you may need specific state licenses. For instance, businesses in healthcare, construction, or food services require additional permits and professional services such as real estate, financial services, etc may require specific licenses. Consult the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation for detailed information.

Setting up Your Business in Hardee County

Business Tax Receipt

All businesses operating in Hardee County need a Local Business Tax Receipt (LBTR): Apply through the Hardee County Tax Collector’s Office (hardeecountytaxcollector.com).

If your business operates within the city limits of Wauchula, Bowling Green, or Zolfo Springs, check with the city for additional requirements.

Zoning and Permits

Verify that your business location complies with local zoning regulations:

  • Contact the Hardee County Planning and Zoning Department (Link) for assistance with zoning, building permits, and inspections.

Specialized Permits

  • Food service businesses must adhere to health and safety standards enforced by the Florida Department of Health in Hardee County (hardee.floridahealth.gov).
  • Agricultural businesses may require specific permits or licenses; consult with the Hardee County Extension Office for guidance.

 

Local Resources & Ongoing Education for Entrepreneurs

Always be learning, that’s my motto. As an entrepreneur and small business owner, it is important to get the training you need to be the best at managing a company. Hardee County offers several resources to help your online business succeed and there are courses and training programs available locally.

  • Hardee County Economic Development Council (hardeecountyedc.com): Provides business resources, economic data, and incentive programs.
  • Hardee County Chamber of Commerce (Link): Offers networking events, advocacy, and support for local businesses.
  • SCORE Central Florida (score.org): Provides free business mentoring and educational workshops.
  • Prospera (prosperausa.org): Specialized support for Hispanic entrepreneurs.
  • Divergent-U: Want to jumpstart your business? Learn to think divergently as you build your business with one-on-one business and personal guidance along the way. (divergent-u.com)

Local Contacts

Hardee – Building Department, Code Enforcement, Planning & Zoning, Property Appraiser, Tax Collector

City Governments

 

Setting Up Your Business Stuff

Open a Business Bank Account

Keep personal and business finances separate by opening a dedicated business bank account. This is essential for bookkeeping and legal protection. Check out some online banks that offer free checking for businesses: Novo, Found, and Mercury are good options.

Set up a Business Merchant Account – Accept Credit Cards

The easiest way to accept payments is setting up a Stripe account. It is really easy to do, simply add all of your business information and attach to your bank account and you are good to go. Stripe may need a few days to verify your information.

Get Business Insurance

You may be required to get insurance for certain industries, particularly if you are selling a product, opening a physical location, or hiring employees. Online businesses should also consider insurance for liability protection. See What Every Florida Entrepreneur Should Know About Business Insurance

Setting Up Your Financials

Focus on setting up a budget and how to manage your accounting.  See Essential Budgeting Tips for First-Time Entrepreneurs in Florida

Setting up Your Workspace

Whether you are establishing a physical location or setting up your home workspace, be sure to make sure it has everything you need to function without stress in a comfortable environment.

Marketing & Promotion

Now is the time to really sit down and strategize how you will reach your target audience and gain sales.  Building a professional website that showcases your business, creating social media profiles (scheduling posts and being active on social), and putting out a press release , starting an email campaign, are all good first steps. Local or online networking is also helpful when you are starting out to let people know you are in business.

Ongoing Education

Always be learning, that’s my motto. As an entrepreneur and small business owner, it is important to get the training you need to be the best at managing a company.

Managing Your Work-Life Balance

Now that you have everything set up, it’s important to plan and journal to be sure you are keeping a balance between you work, family, friends and self-care.

Visit the Florida Start-Up Business Hub to learn more about starting and growing a business in Florida

 

Ad Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, meaning we may recieve a small  commission. Learn how we make money to support our site in our full ad disclosure here. 

About the author

View All Posts

FLORIDA BUSINESS

Florida Business is a column written by our editors with shared knowledge from our research, community partners, business experts and consultants around the state of Florida. We work with a community of business leaders to provide help in navigating the business world.

Information provided on FloridaSmart.com is for educational and informational purposes only. To the best of our knowledge, the information provided here is accurate as of the date posted. We do not offer advise, only opinions of the experts in our network. These opinions are not offered as endorsements by us or our partners.