Starting a Business in Highlands County Florida

Highlands County, located in the heart of Florida, offers a charming blend of natural beauty, a thriving community, and a pro-business environment. Known for its scenic landscapes, such as the breathtaking Lake Istokpoga and Highlands Hammock State Park, the county attracts residents and visitors who enjoy outdoor activities and a relaxed lifestyle. Highlands County’s affordability, friendly community, and strategic location make it an ideal spot for entrepreneurs looking to start a business in a region that balances growth with a small-town feel.

The county’s major cities, Sebring, Avon Park, and Lake Placid, each provide unique opportunities across various industries, from tourism and retail to manufacturing and agriculture.

See Also: Florida Start-up Business Hub

In this guide, we’ll explore the essential steps to starting a business in Highlands County, including state and local regulations, available resources, and business ideas that align with the region’s unique characteristics.

Starting a Business in Highlands County, Florida

 

Why Highlands?

The county’s growing economy is supported by a diverse mix of industries, including agriculture, tourism, healthcare, and retail. Sebring, the county seat, is known for its historic downtown and vibrant events like the Sebring International Raceway, which attracts motorsport enthusiasts from around the globe.

With affordable real estate, local government support, and access to major highways, Highlands County is a prime destination for businesses looking to thrive in Central Florida.

Top Cities in Highlands County for Business

Sebring: The Economic and Tourism Hub

Sebring, the county seat and largest city, is a dynamic center for commerce, tourism, and professional services. Known for the Sebring International Raceway, which attracts motorsports enthusiasts worldwide, the city presents lucrative opportunities in hospitality, retail, and event-based businesses. Sebring’s historic downtown offers a charming business district with restaurants, boutique shops, and offices, making it an ideal location for startups and service-oriented businesses. Additionally, its proximity to major highways and a regional airport enhances logistical advantages for businesses requiring distribution networks.

Avon Park: A Manufacturing and Education Center

Avon Park, the oldest city in Highlands County, provides a strong foundation for businesses in manufacturing, education, and healthcare. Home to South Florida State College, the city fosters workforce development, ensuring businesses have access to skilled labor. Avon Park’s industrial parks and business-friendly incentives make it a great location for manufacturers and logistics companies looking for affordable land and infrastructure. The city’s residential growth also increases demand for local services, retail stores, and healthcare facilities.

Lake Placid: The Agricultural and Arts Capital

Lake Placid is renowned for its thriving citrus industry, beautiful lakes, and artistic community. Often called the “Town of Murals,” it attracts visitors and residents who appreciate small-town charm combined with economic opportunities. Businesses in agribusiness, eco-tourism, and creative arts thrive here, with a growing market for farm-to-table restaurants, outdoor recreation companies, and artisan shops.

 

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 Highlands County

Highlands County-Specific Regulations

Business Tax Receipt

All businesses operating in Highlands County must obtain a Local Business Tax Receipt (LBTR): Apply through the Highlands County Tax Collector’s Office (highlandstaxcollector.com).

If your business is within city limits, such as Sebring, Avon Park, or Lake Placid, additional city-specific permits may be required.

Zoning and Permits

  • Verify your business location complies with zoning regulations. Contact the Highlands County Zoning Department (hcbcc.net) for assistance with permits and inspections.

Health and Safety Permits

  • Food establishments and healthcare services must adhere to health codes enforced by the Florida Department of Health in Highlands County (highlands.floridahealth.gov).

 

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. Highlands County offers several resources to help your online business succeed and there are courses and training programs available locally.

  • Highlands County Economic Development Office (highlandsedc.com): Offers business planning assistance, economic incentives, and market data.
  • Highlands County Chamber of Commerce (Link): Provides networking opportunities, advocacy, and resources for small businesses.
  • SCORE Central Florida (score.org): Free mentoring and workshops for entrepreneurs.
  • 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

Highlands – Development Services,  Economic Development,  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

 

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