Starting a Freight Brokerage in Florida

Build your Florida startup checklist around your business structure, legal identity, and proposed operations.

Florida business-setup resources

Sunbiz provides Florida fictitious-name registration guidance. A fictitious name, often called a DBA, identifies a business operating under a name other than its legal name. Check the listed requirements and exceptions before using a trading name.

Florida fictitious-name registration is the official starting point for this part of your planning. Confirm current forms, fees, and deadlines directly before filing.

Prepare the right business identity

Record your legal entity name separately from any fictitious name. When requesting a bond, explain which name is used on customer agreements and which appears in your federal registration.

Separate business formation from broker authority

Your state business record and federal authority application are separate. Use the freight-broker license checklist to review federal tasks and the filing guide to organize provider follow-up.

Questions for your advisers

• Does my structure require a state filing, assumed name, or out-of-state registration?
• Which city, county, and tax requirements apply to the work I plan to perform?
• Are my legal name, principal office, and authorized contacts consistent across records?
• How will I track state filings separately from provider notices and bond renewal?

Prepare a bond quote request

Have your legal business details, assigned authority numbers, desired date, and current-provider information ready. Ask about premium, collateral, indemnity, and payment terms using the cost guide.

Availability and approval must be confirmed for your business. This guide is not legal advice, an exhaustive licensing checklist, or permission to operate.

Explore the other state startup guides.

Prepared October 11, 2026. Requirements can change. Approval, rates, availability, and provider terms vary.