Sumter County, Florida, is a rapidly growing area with unique opportunities for entrepreneurs. Known for its thriving retirement community, The Villages, and its strategic location near major transportation corridors, Sumter County offers a welcoming environment for businesses of all kinds.
With key cities such as Bushnell, Wildwood, The Villages, Center Hill, and Webster, the county provides a diverse economic landscape, from small-town charm to booming commercial hubs. Thanks to its strategic location along Interstate 75 and U.S. Highway 301, a business-friendly environment, and a mix of rural and urban communities, Sumter County is an ideal place to invest and grow.
See Also: Florida Start-up Business Hub
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about starting a business in Sumter County, including state and local regulations, resources, and business ideas tailored to this unique region.
Starting a Business in Sumter County, Florida
- Why Sumter?
- Top Cities: Bushnell, Wildwood, The Villages, Center Hill, and Webster
- Setting Up Your Business with the State of Florida
- Setting Up Your Business in County
- Setting Up Your Business Stuff
Why Sumter?
The Villages, a large and ever-expanding community within Sumter County, is home to over 130,000 residents and is one of the fastest-growing areas in the United States. The community’s affluent and active population creates a demand for a wide variety of businesses, from retail and dining to healthcare and recreation. Beyond The Villages, Sumter County boasts a rich agricultural tradition, growing industrial sectors, and a pro-business environment supported by local government initiatives.
Top Cities in Sumter County for Business
Bushnell: The County Seat with Historic Appeal
Bushnell serves as the county seat and offers a supportive community for small businesses and government-related enterprises. The city’s historic downtown, coupled with ongoing revitalization efforts, makes it a great location for retail, restaurants, and professional services. With the Dade Battlefield Historic State Park attracting visitors and annual events bringing in foot traffic, businesses in tourism, hospitality, and recreation can thrive in Bushnell.
Wildwood: A Transportation and Logistics Hub
Located at the intersection of I-75, Florida’s Turnpike, and U.S. Highway 301, Wildwood is a prime location for logistics, distribution, and industrial businesses. Its rapid development, fueled by new residential and commercial projects, also makes it a great spot for retail and service-oriented businesses. With easy access to major transportation routes, Wildwood is an excellent choice for companies looking to serve both local and statewide markets.
The Villages: A Booming Consumer Market
As one of the fastest-growing retirement communities in the U.S., The Villages offers an unmatched customer base for businesses targeting affluent retirees. With more than 140,000 residents, the demand for healthcare, retail, dining, entertainment, and home services continues to rise. The area’s active lifestyle and numerous town squares provide a built-in audience for businesses looking to cater to a senior population with disposable income.
Center Hill: Agriculture and Rural Business Potential
Known for its deep agricultural roots, Center Hill is an ideal location for businesses involved in farming, agribusiness, and food production. With a rich history in cattle ranching and farming, opportunities exist for businesses in farm equipment, food processing, and agricultural support services. The city’s rural setting and available land make it a great option for those looking to invest in agricultural startups or expand farming operations.
Webster: A Thriving Market Town
Webster is home to one of Florida’s largest and most famous flea markets, attracting thousands of visitors each week. This makes it a prime location for retail businesses, craft vendors, and wholesale suppliers looking to tap into a steady stream of customers. Additionally, its rural charm and proximity to Lake Panasoffkee create opportunities for tourism-related businesses, such as lodging, dining, and outdoor recreation services.
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 Sumter County
Sumter County-Specific Regulations
Business Tax Receipt
All businesses in Sumter County must obtain a Local Business Tax Receipt: Apply through the Sumter County Tax Collector’s Office (sumtertaxcollector.com).
If your business is within city limits or The Villages, additional permits or licenses may be required.
Zoning and Permits
Check zoning regulations to ensure your business location complies. For guidance, contact the Sumter County Development Services Division (sumtercountyfl.gov).
Health and Safety Permits
- Food businesses and healthcare services must meet specific health standards enforced by the Florida Department of Health in Sumter County (sumter.floridahealth.gov).
- Physical locations may require inspections for fire safety and accessibility compliance.
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. Sumter County offers several resources to help your online business succeed and there are courses and training programs available locally.
- Sumter County Economic Development Office (Link): Offers business planning support and economic incentives.
- Sumter County Chamber of Commerce (sumterchamber.org): Provides networking opportunities, advocacy, and business resources.
- SCORE Mid-Florida (score.org): Free mentoring and workshops for small businesses.
- Prospera (prosperausa.org): 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
Sumter – Building Services, Code Enforcement, Licensing, Development Review, Economic Development, 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
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