so - it is complicated!
First - you need to be licensed. So get the book here and register to take the exam. You can do it! You do not need to be licensed to work for a florist. There has to be a licensed florist present, so most shop owners are licensed. You do need to be licensed to purchase flowers from Louisiana floral wholesalers.
Next - set up your company. The type of company you set up is really a tax question. My company is an LLC (limited liability corporation), because it was the correct choice 15 years ago when I started. Things change, it may not be the best choice for today, so ask a tax person. You can go to a lawyer or to Legal Zoom to create your company. You need a name! But I bet you already have one all picked out!
Register your company:
To register your new company with the Internal Revenue Service, you will apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number).
To register with the State of Louisiana, the Secretary of State has a website that will lead you thru the process.
And finally, register locally. Here in New Orleans, we pay a local sales tax, and you will pay one in your parish as well. So do a google search for your parish government, and see what it takes.
Once you are licensed, registered and have been issued your resellers certificate from the State and Local Governments, you should be able to set up accounts with wholesalers.
Good Luck!
