Guides · Paperwork and licenses
Do you need a photography license in Florida?
Of the 31 trades we cover, photography is one of the few with no state license in Florida at all. What you actually need is simpler: business registration, a local permit, and sales tax if you sell physical products.
Updated 2026-08-22
What you don't need
Florida requires no state license or certification to work as a photographer, wedding or otherwise. No exam, no school hours, no board that approves your work.
What you do need
The county or city permit (Local Business Tax Receipt) is still required, same as for any business.
If you sell anything physical, albums, prints, a USB drive with the photos, you have to register with the Florida Department of Revenue and collect sales tax on that.
Registering the business as an LLC or as a sole proprietorship is separate from the local permit, and it's what separates your personal name from the business's debts.
When a separate permit applies
Filming in a state park or on public property for commercial use can require a separate filming permit, distinct from the general business permit. Using a drone during the shoot can also require its own permit, depending on where and how it's used.
The certification that isn't mandatory
Professional certifications like the CPP (Certified Professional Photographer) exist, but they're voluntary: they help demonstrate skill level to a client, they don't legally authorize you to work.
doubts
What people usually ask
Can I charge for wedding photography with no paperwork at all?
Not quite: no state license, yes, but the local permit and business registration are still required like any other business.
Do I need to charge sales tax if I only deliver digital photos?
If you sell no physical product (album, print, USB), it's more common not to have to charge sales tax, but check with an accountant since it depends on how the package you sell is structured.
Is the CPP certification worth it?
It's not required, but it can help set you apart from other photographers a client is comparing, especially in the higher-budget wedding segment. Sources: [KeepFloridaWorking](https://www.keepfloridaworking.com/photographer-business-license/), [StartCosts](https://startcosts.com/wedding-photography/florida).