Florida Payroll Tax Registration: The Ultimate Guide + FAQs
Learn everything you need to know about Florida payroll tax registration, a vital process for companies hiring in Florida.
Vanessa MacRury
Published on December 2, 2022
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From Key West to Miami Beach to Everglade National Park, Florida is a stunning state with gorgeous weather most of the year. It's no wonder Florida is one of the fastest-growing states in the country. And it's not just retirees who want to live in The Sunshine State. Digital nomads and remote workers go there too, so there's a good chance your next employee will be a Floridian.Bringing on a new employee is always exciting, but there's often a lot to do as well. You want to onboard your new hire as quickly and smoothly as possible to ensure their success at your organization. But if you want to work with the best Florida has to offer, then you need to comply with local employment and tax laws before you get started with onboarding.This post will look at Florida's payroll tax registration requirements, the steps you need to take, and potential resources that could help you out.Does Florida have a payroll tax? 📄
Yes, Florida does have a payroll tax, which consists of reemployment tax (i.e., state unemployment insurance tax or SUTA) that is collected by the state's Department of Revenue. Unlike other states (e.g., Ohio, Colorado, and Illinois), Florida does not have a state personal income tax. Note: Tax laws can be confusing to a new employer. For more information, read the Open MyFlorida Business Guide to Starting a Business in Florida.How much is payroll tax in Florida? 💸
The payroll tax rate in Florida is currently set at 6% of the first $7,000 in earnings for each employee. Note: In addition to payroll taxes, you may be liable to pay other types of taxes. The most common are corporate income, sales and use taxes, communications services tax, discretionary sales surtax (or local option county taxes), and documentary stamp tax. For the complete list of Florida taxes and fees, go to Florida Department of Revenue's Taxes and Fees or Refunds. Alternatively, go through the tutorials available on the website.What is the Florida Reemployment Tax? 💭
The Florida reemployment tax, known as unemployment insurance tax (UI) in other states, is designed to "provide temporary income to workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own and who are able and available for work." Registered businesses that employ one or more people for a day (or portion of a day) during any 20 weeks in a calendar year or have paid $1,500 or more in wages a calendar year are liable for reemployment (payroll) taxes. Only the first $7,000 of wages paid to each employee in a calendar year is taxable – with the possibility to eventually enjoy reduced tax rates after a qualifying period.Sign up for our newsletter
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If there are changes, a Reemployment Tax Rate Notice (RT-20), which contains the new reemployment tax rate is sent to a company immediately prior to its effective date.Note: To pay, Florida employers must have an unemployment account number and must have already been registered with the Florida DOR. Once these are done, an employer can pay reemployment taxes and report new employees online. Learn more about Florida's reemployment insurance tax at the tax help center or the Employer Guide to Reemployment Tax.
Florida Department of Revenue
5050 W Tennessee St
Tallahassee FL 32399-0160
Do I need to register for Florida Payroll Taxes? 🙋
Yes, you need to register for state and federal payroll taxes if you want to hire employees residing in Florida. The fastest way to do this is to register online via the Florida DOR. Alternatively, you can send a paper application (i.e., Florida Business Tax Application or Form DR-1) to their mailing address:Account ManagementFlorida Department of Revenue
5050 W Tennessee St
Tallahassee FL 32399-0160
How do I file Florida payroll taxes? 📋
The easiest way to file payroll taxes if you're hiring Florida-based employees is to use a remote payroll processing platform like Pilot. We help companies hire and pay employees and contractors in the US and globally, streamlining your processes and assisting in ensuring compliance. To find out how Pilot can help, watch our demo video or sign up for a free demo with a member of our team.
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Schedule a demoWhat if I don't have a payroll processor?
If you'd prefer not to work with a payroll provider, then you have two options: hire a certified public accountant or file Florida payroll taxes yourself.Register with the Florida Department of Revenue (DOR) to file Florida payroll taxes.How do I register for payroll taxes in Florida?
As mentioned in the previous section, you can register online for payroll taxes in Florida via the Florida Business Tax Application Portal website. You'll need to ensure that you register for all the types of taxes you must pay.How do I file and pay taxes in Florida?
The easiest way to file and pay taxes in Florida is to do so online. Go to the DOR's File and Pay Taxes, Fees, and Remittances page and choose the portal for the relevant tax.How do I get a Florida reemployment tax account number? 📒
To get your seven-digit Reemployment Tax Account Number, you need to register with the Florida Department of Revenue. If you want to avoid making an online application, call 850-488-6800 or your local DOR Taxpayer Service Center to speak with a representative with the DOR.Note: If you've previously registered but need help locating your reemployment tax account number, check any previously submitted quarterly tax filing (Form RT-6). Alternatively, call the Florida DOR at 850-488-6800 or contact your local DOR Taxpayer Service Center.
Legal Disclaimer:
The information contained in this site is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter.
What if I don't have an EIN? 😔
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is also referred to as a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) or Federal Tax ID Number. This is a type of tax identification number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Social Security Administration (SSA) to identify a business that operates in the US. An EIN is often preferred but not always required. To check if you do need one, answer this short IRS questionnaire.How can Pilot help you? 🤝
Good news! If you decide to partner with Pilot, you can easily hire and pay team members in Florida and complete your state registration online through our platform.What state and local taxes and filings does Pilot take care of? 🧾
Pilot withholds, files, and deposits reemployment tax for you – based on the required filing frequency.Streamline your state registration with Pilot. 📈
Streamline your state registration process with Pilot's easy-to-use and time-saving platform, allowing you to complete state registrations online in all 50 US states and Washington, DC. Learn more about our state registrations feature.Going global?Pilot doesn't just operate within the United States. We also take care of payroll, benefits, and compliance for employees and contractors worldwide. Our team of HR and payroll experts is happy to guide you through any questions.Going global isn't daunting when you partner with Pilot. 🤝
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