The Saying: to follow your gut or your instinct?

 The Saying: to follow your gut or your instinct or nothing at all? Today Faith is enough.

On the Edge: Starting a business or launching this blog into an organization

Recently send this feed back to Google for information; Easier instruction on monetizing the blog including add sense would be helpful. My goal s to develop the site into an organization not necessarily political leaning giving back & coordinating projects within to the community also offline. Wanting to get this idea off the ground. The below is information which may provide clarity; personally awaiting input from the partner. Thank you!

 

In Florida, a sole proprietorship is the simplest business structure, offering no liability protection, while an LLC (Limited Liability Company) provides liability protection and flexibility, and a nonprofit is designed for organizations pursuing public or private charitable interests. Each has distinct characteristics in terms of liability, taxation, and operational requirements. [1, 2, 3]

 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

 

Sole Proprietorship:

• Definition: A business owned and run by one person with no legal distinction between the owner and the business. [4]
• Liability: The owner is personally liable for all business debts and obligations. [1, 5, 6]
• Taxation: Profits are taxed at the owner's individual income tax rate, with potential self-employment taxes. [7, 8]
• Formation: Simple and inexpensive to establish, often requiring only a fictitious name registration if operating under a name other than the owner's. [4, 6]
• Flexibility: High degree of flexibility in decision-making and operations as the owner has full control. [5, 6]
• Limitations: Lack of liability protection is a major drawback, and it can be challenging to raise capital or expand. [5, 6]

Limited Liability Company (LLC):

• Definition: A business structure that combines the pass-through taxation of a partnership or sole proprietorship with the limited liability of a corporation. [1, 9]
• Liability: Offers liability protection, shielding the owner's personal assets from business debts and lawsuits. [2, 10]
• Taxation: Can choose to be taxed as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation (C-corp or S-corp). [9, 11]
• Formation: Requires filing Articles of Organization with the Florida Department of State and appointing a registered agent. [12, 13, 14, 15]
• Flexibility: Offers flexibility in management and operations, including the ability to have multiple members. [10, 16]
• Advantages: Provides liability protection, potential tax benefits, and greater credibility with investors and clients. [2, 10]

Nonprofit:

• Definition: An organization formed for charitable, educational, or scientific purposes, not for generating profit. [1, 1, 17, 17, 18, 19]
• Liability: Offers liability protection, similar to an LLC, for its members and directors, provided it operates within the legal framework. [3, 3, 20, 20]
• Taxation: Can apply for tax-exempt status with the IRS (501(c)(3)), meaning it's exempt from federal income tax on income related to its exempt purpose. [17, 17, 20, 20]
• Formation: Requires filing Articles of Incorporation with the Florida Department of State and applying for federal tax-exempt status. [13, 14, 15, 20, 20]
• Operational Limitations: Subject to regulations regarding its activities, fundraising, and distribution of funds, with restrictions on using income for private benefit. [3, 3, 17, 17, 21, 21]
• Funding: Primarily relies on donations, grants, and fundraising activities to support its mission. [17, 17, 20, 20]

 

AI responses may include mistakes.

[1] https://www.capecoral.gov/entrepreneur_guide/legal_structure.php

[2] https://www.zenbusiness.com/sole-proprietorship-vs-llc/

[3] https://www.upcounsel.com/llc-vs-nonprofit

[4] https://dos.fl.gov/sunbiz/start-business/corporate-structure/

[5] https://www.virtualpostmail.com/blog/article/sole-proprietorship-vs-llc-everything-you-need-to-know/

[6] https://boyerlawfirm.com/blog/single-member-llc-sole-proprietorship/

[7] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMoHLb3U6Sw

[8] https://gusto.com/resources/articles/taxes/florida-small-business-taxes

[9] https://nchinc.com/blog/business-funding-tip/do-i-incorporate-or-form-an-llc-in-florida/

[10] https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/llc-vs-sole-proprietorship

[11] https://www.findlaw.com/smallbusiness/starting-a-business/sole-proprietorship-vs-llc.html

[12] https://cindysfloridallc.com/FL-LLC-Benefits/LLC-vs-Sole-Proprietorship

[13] https://tremblylaw.com/blog/florida-llc-rules-everything-you-need-to-know/

[14] https://ceriniandassociates.com/florida-nonprofit-requirements/

[15] https://www.flpatellaw.com/sole-proprietorship-in-florida/

[16] https://wyomingllcattorney.com/Blog/Florida-LLC-vs-Sole-Proprietorship

[17] https://www.resilia.com/blog/nonprofit-vs-llc-which-one-is-right-for-you

[18] https://www.gibperk.com/understanding-pennsylvanias-business-entity-options-legal-considerations-for-entrepreneurs/

[19] https://incfile.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360001775031-Forming-a-Nonprofit-Corporation

[20] https://www.zenbusiness.com/nonprofit-llc-vs-nonprofit-corporation/

[21] https://www.upcounsel.com/should-a-nonprofit-be-an-llc-or-corporation

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How to Start a Sole Proprietorship in Florida

by Chamber of Commerce Team

We might receive compensation from the companies whose products we review. We are independently owned and the opinions here are our own.

• What is a sole proprietorship?
• How to set up a sole proprietorship in Florida
• How is a sole proprietorship different from an LLC?
• Best LLC services
• What are the benefits of being a sole proprietor in Florida?
• How are sole proprietors taxed in Florida?
• FAQs

Once you’ve decided to start a business, you have a series of other important decisions to make, including what the structure will be. As a sole proprietor, you are the sole person affiliated with your business. While this is a simple structure, there are still formal processes you must follow to get your business set up in Florida.

This guide will explain what a sole proprietorship is, how it differs from other business structures, and provide instructions for business owners to set one up in the Sunshine State.

What is a sole proprietorship?

A sole proprietorship is a business entity that refers to a business that is unincorporated and has a single owner. This is the simplest possible structure to set up a business. While there can only be one owner, a sole proprietorship can have employees and obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN).

As a sole proprietor, your business profits are taxed as a part of your personal income. This makes the process simple, but can also expose you to personal liability in some cases.

How to set up a sole proprietorship in Florida

1. Choose your business name

Florida law allows you to operate a sole proprietorship under a name other than your own. While you can use your name, most people choose a specific business name. If you want to do this, you should first search the Florida Department of State’s website to see if the name you chose is taken or if something similar exists.

State laws require the name of your business to be unique, and you may want to check the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s website to ensure you don’t face trademark infringement issues.

2. File a trade name

If you do use a name that is different from your legal name, Florida requires you to register the trade name. You can do this by mailing the Trade Name Form to the Department of State or using the Online Fictitious Name Registration form.

There is a $50 filing fee if you decide to operate under a trade name. You will also be required to publish the name in a local newspaper within the county where your business will operate as a “legal notice of intent to file a fictitious business name”. This newspaper must meet certain requirements such as being at least 25% in English and published at least once per week.

3. Obtain licenses, permits, and zoning clearance if needed

Depending on the industry of your business, you may need to obtain a variety of business licenses or permits. This is managed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), though some areas like health care are licensed by independent areas.

You should also explore local regulations like building permits and zoning clearances where appropriate.

4. Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

If you’re planning a new hire, you need to obtain an EIN. This nine-digit number is issued by the IRS and used for tax purposes when you need to report wages. You can file for an EIN online through the IRS website.

If you do not have employees, you can use your Social Security Number to file taxes and are not required to have an EIN. However, some banks will require new business owners to have an EIN to open a business bank account, so you may want one anyway.

How is a sole proprietorship different from an LLC?

A Florida LLC is a limited liability company that can be formed by one or multiple people. The primary difference in an LLC is that it is a separate legal entity from the owner. In other words, your business and your personal assets are separate. With an LLC, taxes are filed separately and the business’ liability does not translate to the owner.

Setting up a sole proprietorship is simpler than setting up an LLC because it does not have the same business tax implications.

If you’re freelancing, you might wonder if you need to set up a sole prop. If you plan to hire freelancers, then yes. To hire others, you need a business structure like a sole proprietorship.

If you don’t plan to hire anyone, you can continue to freelance and pay taxes on the income without setting up a sole prop.

Best LLC services

Our picks for LLC formation services

https://www.chamberofcommerce.org/sole-proprietorship/florida

What A God (Extended) (Official Live Video) Another version by a Louisiana Youth group is also great!

A Saying from Moms "Don't count your chickens before the eggs hatch"

 A Saying A Saying from Moms "Don't count your chickens before the eggs hatch" from Moms "Don't count your chickens before the eggs hatch". Mindful of this on the front.

Prayer Given During A Recent Committee I Facilitated July 10, 2025

"Almighty God, We seek your guidance and wisdom as we navigate the challenges of life. Grant us clarity of mind and a discerning heart, that we may make choices that align with the will of God. Fill us with your Holy Spirit, that we may be the source of love, hope and  encouragement to those around us. Amen"

Revised Prayer for Protection: Through the Storms

 

“Christ be with me, Christ within us,

Christ behind me, Christ before us,

Christ beside me, Christ to win us,

Christ to comfort and restore us.

Christ beneath me, Christ above us,

Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,

Christ in hearts of all that love us,

   Christ in hearts of those who love Jesus (revision),

Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.”

Humbly in the name of Jesus, we pray.

Amen.

Prayer for Protection: Spanish Version

 Prayer for Protection: Spanish Version. This is the same version I have posted and read on my social media in English. In solidarity to our Hispanic brothers, sisters, cousins, family and friends. I will not do it justice by attempting to recite in Spanish but will try it on social media one day soon anyway. To help me all I have is  google translator. If asking for help learning the language perhaps my Aries (hot) spirit causes those with a more outwardly gentle spirit to respond with defeatism(s) or a sad face.  I have not asked anyone to hide, be silent or to parrot my perceived emotions and am not of the mind to give up my voice. For the few I did say "shut the fuck up too or call a bitch" I am working on that tone & respect. Peace, love and unity. - A.T. Yoda Brooks

Oración de Protección

“Cristo esté conmigo, Cristo en mí,

Cristo detrás de mí, Cristo delante de mí,

Cristo a mi lado, Cristo para ganarme,

Cristo para consolarme y restaurarme.

Cristo debajo de mí, Cristo sobre mí,

Cristo en la quietud, Cristo en el peligro,

Cristo en los corazones de todos los que me aman,

Cristo en los corazones de quienes amo (revisión),

Cristo en la boca de amigos y desconocidos.”

Humildemente, en el nombre de Jesús, oramos.

Amén.

Independent Bible Study - on Thursday morning I will talk on an undecided verse

 Further verses that relate to the concept of disowning:

• Matthew 10:37:

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  "Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me." This verse highlights the potential for conflict within families due to religious devotion. 
• 1 Timothy 5:8:

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  "But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." This verse emphasizes the importance of family responsibility and how failure to care for one's family can be seen as a denial of faith. 
• Luke 12:53:

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  "They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law." This verse describes the potential for familial division due to conflicting beliefs. 
• Psalm 27:10:

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  "Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me." This verse offers comfort in the face of abandonment, assuring that God will always be a source of support. 

Happy 4th of July!

 Happy 4th of July Weekend! Also rainy weekend down here in the St. Petersburg FL region. We stayed in. Keep it safe yawl.

Oppose Alligator Alcatraz!!

 I am not for "militantism" advocacy nor politics, however non-partisan coalitions across the State of Florida and nation should consider peaceful direct action to oppose continued operation at this site. 

1) This is a humanitarian issue 

2) This facility negatively impacts that pristine environment 

3) That site borders traditional Native American lands ( what is their input to the establishment of this facility?) Peace, liberty and democracy.

Source: https://www.naplesnews.com/story/news/local/2025/07/01/trump-tours-alligator-alcatraz-on-opening-day/84429382007/