We publish a local guide only where we verified jurisdiction-specific agencies and steps. Other cities follow their state guide plus their county and city offices, so we point you there instead of publishing thin city pages.
Published local guides
Other cities
Florida (Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Tampa, Jacksonville, Naples, Ocala): use the Florida guide plus your county tax collector and city.
Austin: use the Texas guide plus City of Austin and Travis County offices.
Atlanta, New York City, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Charlotte, Las Vegas, Chicago, Philadelphia: use the national guides on registration, licenses and permits, and find your state and local offices through USA.gov.
How state and local steps fit together
Every business follows a few layers. Federal steps include an EIN from the IRS if you need one. State steps include entity registration, occupational licenses for regulated work and sales tax registration. County and city steps include local business tax or licenses, zoning, certificates of use or occupancy, signs and inspections. The local guides show which office handles each layer in Florida and Texas, with city editions for Miami, Orlando, Houston and Dallas.
Finding the right local office
Search your city and county official websites, usually ending in .gov or the county's official domain, for business tax, zoning and permitting pages. If your address is outside city limits, county rules usually apply instead. Call and ask which approvals your specific business needs at your address, and write down the answers with the date and the person you spoke with.
Other states
The same layers apply everywhere. USA.gov lists official state and local government websites, and your state's business portal usually links to registration, tax and licensing agencies.
Common local approvals
| Approval | Typical office | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Local business tax receipt or license | County tax collector, city finance | Most businesses |
| Zoning or certificate of use | City or county zoning | Before signing a lease or opening |
| Certificate of occupancy | Building department | New or changed commercial spaces |
| Sign permit | City permitting | Exterior signs |
| Health permit | County or state health agency | Food and some personal services |
Using the local guides
Read the state guide first for the statewide steps, then your city guide for the local ones.
Keep a permit log
Record each agency, approval, fee page link, renewal date and contact name in one sheet. It saves hours at renewal time and when you open a second location.
Common questions
Why is my city not listed?
We only publish city guides with verified local steps. Use your state guide and your county and city offices.
Sources
Sources checked October 6, 2026. Rules, fees and forms change; confirm details with the agency or provider before you act. This guide is general information, not legal, tax or insurance advice.
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