Miami Business Licensing: Complete Fingerprinting Requirements
Everything you need to know about fingerprinting requirements for business licenses in Miami, including specific industry requirements, fees, processes, and compliance guidelines for 2025.
Miami-Dade County Requirements
Business licensing requirements in Miami vary by municipality and industry. This guide covers Miami-Dade County, City of Miami, and major municipalities' fingerprinting requirements as of 2025.
Overview of Business License Fingerprinting
Miami-Dade County and its municipalities require background checks and fingerprinting for certain business licenses and occupational permits. These requirements ensure public safety and regulatory compliance across various industries.
When Required
- • New business license applications
- • Business ownership changes
- • License renewals (certain industries)
- • Professional license applications
- • Occupational permit requests
- • Contractor licensing
Background Check Scope
- • Florida criminal history (FDLE)
- • Federal criminal history (FBI)
- • Professional license verification
- • Business registration verification
- • Tax compliance check
- • Regulatory violation history
Industries Requiring Fingerprinting
High-Risk Business Categories
Security & Safety Services:
- • Private security companies
- • Alarm installation services
- • Security guard agencies
- • Private investigation firms
- • Locksmith services
- • Armored car services
Financial Services:
- • Money transmission services
- • Check cashing businesses
- • Pawn shops
- • Precious metals dealers
- • Currency exchange services
- • Loan companies
Regulated Professions
Healthcare Services:
- • Home healthcare agencies
- • Medical practice licenses
- • Pharmacy operations
- • Medical device distributors
- • Healthcare consulting
Construction & Trades:
- • General contractors
- • Electrical contractors
- • Plumbing contractors
- • HVAC contractors
- • Specialty contractors
Hospitality & Entertainment
Alcohol & Entertainment:
- • Liquor license applications
- • Entertainment venues
- • Adult entertainment establishments
- • Gaming establishments
- • Event promoters
Transportation Services:
- • Taxi/rideshare companies
- • Limousine services
- • Charter bus operations
- • Towing services
- • Commercial vehicle operators
Municipality-Specific Requirements
City of Miami
Required For:
- • Alcoholic beverage licenses
- • Taxi and for-hire vehicle permits
- • Security service licenses
- • Pawn shop licenses
- • Adult entertainment permits
Process:
- • Submit application with fingerprint cards
- • Pay required fees
- • Complete LiveScan at approved facility
- • Await background check results
Miami-Dade County
County-Wide Requirements:
- • Construction contractor licenses
- • Home improvement contractor permits
- • Alarm company licenses
- • Private investigator licenses
- • Precious metals dealer permits
Additional Checks:
- • Workers' compensation verification
- • General liability insurance
- • Trade exam completion
- • Continuing education compliance
Other Major Municipalities
Miami Beach:
- • Hotel/resort licenses
- • Entertainment permits
- • Food service licenses
Coral Gables:
- • Professional services
- • Construction permits
- • Business operations
Homestead:
- • Agricultural business
- • Industrial permits
- • Commercial licenses
Step-by-Step Licensing Process
Determine License Requirements
Research specific licensing requirements for your business type and location. Contact the appropriate municipality's licensing department.
Resources: Miami-Dade County Business Portal, City of Miami Business License Division, Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation
Gather Required Documentation
Collect all necessary documents before beginning the application process:
- • Business registration documents
- • Federal Tax ID (EIN)
- • Proof of insurance
- • Financial statements
- • Professional certifications
- • Lease agreements or property deeds
Complete Fingerprinting Requirements
Schedule and complete LiveScan fingerprinting at an authorized facility. QuickFingerprint Services is authorized for business licensing fingerprinting.
What to bring: Valid photo ID, license application number, payment for fingerprinting fees, and any authorization forms from the licensing agency.
Submit Application and Pay Fees
Submit your complete application with all supporting documents and pay required fees. Many municipalities now accept online applications.
Await Review and Approval
Processing times vary by license type and municipality, typically 2-8 weeks. You may be contacted for additional information or clarification.
Fees and Costs
Fingerprinting Costs
- • State processing fee: $24.00 (FDLE)
- • Federal processing fee: $18.00 (FBI)
- • Service provider fee: $15-25
- • Total typical cost: $55-70
License Fees (Examples)
- • General business license: $50-200
- • Professional license: $100-500
- • Contractor license: $200-800
- • Specialized permits: $300-1,500+
Additional Costs to Consider
- • Application processing fees
- • Professional examination fees
- • Insurance requirements
- • Bond requirements (if applicable)
- • Continuing education costs
- • Annual renewal fees
Common Issues and Solutions
Problem: Criminal History Concerns
Issue: Previous criminal convictions may affect license eligibility
Solution: Consult with the licensing board about waiver options, demonstrate rehabilitation, provide character references, and consider legal counsel.
Problem: Incomplete Documentation
Issue: Missing required documents delays application processing
Solution: Create a checklist of all required documents, verify requirements with licensing office, and submit complete applications to avoid delays.
Problem: Regulatory Changes
Issue: Requirements change between application and approval
Solution: Stay updated with licensing board communications, subscribe to regulatory updates, and maintain ongoing compliance monitoring.
Compliance and Renewal Requirements
Ongoing Compliance
- • Maintain current insurance coverage
- • Submit annual compliance reports
- • Complete continuing education requirements
- • Report any material changes to business
- • Maintain good standing with regulatory bodies
Renewal Process
- • Most licenses require annual or biennial renewal
- • Some may require updated background checks
- • Pay renewal fees before expiration date
- • Submit any required continuing education certificates
- • Update business information as needed
Key Resources and Contacts
Miami-Dade County
Business License Division
111 NW 1st Street, Suite 910
Miami, FL 33128
Phone: (305) 375-3677
Online Services:
miamidade.gov/business
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
City of Miami
Business License Office
444 SW 2nd Avenue, 3rd Floor
Miami, FL 33130
Phone: (305) 416-2023
Online Portal:
miamigov.com/business
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM