How to Get a Florida Resale Certificate Easily

The florida resale certificate can change how your business handles sales tax and cash flow from day one. Imagine walking into a supplier, handing over a valid certificate, and seeing tax removed from qualifying inventory — that pause of relief matters when margins are tight.

After you register for sales and use tax, the state issues a registration and an annual resale certificate you can print from your online account. This lets you buy items for resale or re-rental without paying tax at checkout, so you only collect tax from the end customer.

Keep records, verify authorization with vendors, and use the document only for qualifying purchases to avoid penalties. I’ll show clear steps for eligibility, downloading the DR-13, working with suppliers, and staying compliant so you can move faster and stay safe.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Register for sales and use tax to get access to the annual resale certificate quickly.
The certificate lets businesses buy inventory tax-free for resale, improving cash flow.
Print the DR-13 online after approval and present it to suppliers or verify through state tools.
Use the document only for qualifying sales or rentals and keep organized records.
Out-of-state sellers may use the MTC resale certificate, but vendors must still verify authorization.

What the Florida Annual Resale Certificate is and why businesses use it

The annual resale certificate lets you buy goods or rentals without paying sales tax at purchase when those items will be resold to end customers. This shifts the tax burden to the final retail sale and prevents the same item from being taxed twice.

You can use the annual resale certificate for inventory, component parts that become products, and certain services you resell. Holders must still collect and remit sales tax at the point of retail sale.

Using the document correctly improves cash flow by deferring tax until you sell. It also signals to suppliers that they may invoice you tax-free on eligible purchases.

Use case	Benefit	Your action
Buy inventory for resale	Avoid paying tax up front	Present a valid annual resale certificate to supplier
Purchase component parts	Lower production costs until sale	Document links between parts and final product
Resell a taxable service	Charge tax to customer, not at purchase	Track invoices and remit state sales tax
Diverted to business use	Use tax applies	Record and pay use tax promptly

Keep records linking each exempt purchase to resale activity.
Confirm each purchase qualifies before claiming the exemption to avoid penalties.

Resale certificate vs. sales tax permit: what’s the difference

Two separate documents do two separate jobs: one lets you collect sales tax, the other proves you can buy tax-free for resale. Get them in the right order and you avoid vendor confusion and costly mistakes.

The Sales and Use Tax Certificate of Registration (DR-11) is your sales tax permit. It authorizes you to collect and remit sales from customers. After you register (DR-1), the state issues this registration.

DR-11 = permission to collect tax. This is your sales tax permit and tax permit on file with the state.
DR-13 = evidence to buy tax-free. The annual resale certificate allows qualifying purchases without tax at checkout.
Keep both documents current. Vendors will ask for a copy or verify your status before removing sales tax.

Document	Primary use	Who issues
DR-11	Collect and remit sales tax	Department revenue
DR-13	Buy for resale tax-free	Florida Department Revenue
Consolidated number	Used under specific filing rules	State

Tip: make a short checklist showing who presents the DR-13 to suppliers and when. That simple step keeps your records clean and supports you during audits of the florida resale certificate.

Eligibility and nexus: who can get and use the certificate

If you sell or rent taxable tangible goods or services, your right to buy tax-free depends on active registration and any in‑state presence you maintain.

Who qualifies: dealers that register for sales and use tax after filing the DR-1 and keeping the account active may receive a DR-11 and the annual resale certificate. New registrations get those documents once approved and effective from the registration date.

You qualify if you sell or rent taxable goods or services in the state and maintain an active sales and use tax registration.
Out-of-state sellers qualify after establishing nexus (economic thresholds or in-state activities) and completing registration.
Only active registered dealers can use the DR-13; inactive or revoked accounts cannot claim tax exemptions on purchases.

Situation	Action required	Result
New dealer	File DR-1 and wait approval	Receive DR-11 and annual resale certificate
Out-of-state seller with nexus	Register in the state where sales occur	Eligible to claim resale purchases
Inactive account	Contact florida department revenue to reactivate	Must be active before claiming exemptions

Keep clear records linking each tax‑exempt purchase to resale activity. Using the certificate for nonresale items triggers use tax and could bring penalties. If you sell in multiple states, track nexus and registrations to avoid compliance gaps.

Step-by-step: register for sales and use tax and access your certificate

This guide walks you through the practical steps to register, apply, and print the annual document vendors expect.

Confirm eligibility. Make sure your business sells or rents taxable items or meets nexus rules if you are out of state.
Create an online account with the florida department and complete the Florida Business Tax Application (DR-1). You may also mail a paper DR-1 if you prefer.
Prepare information: legal name, business and mailing addresses, FEIN or SSN, owners/officers, business activity description, start date, and bank info for e-file/pay.
Submit the application. Filing online speeds approval; this activates your sales use tax account once accepted.
Receive DR-11. Your Certificate of Registration shows your certificate number and business partner number. Keep it with your records — it acts like a permit ID.
Log in to get resale. Use your User ID/password or the DR-11 numbers to print the Annual Resale Certificate (DR-13) from the department revenue portal.
Save and share. Download a PDF, print a hard copy, and present it to suppliers for qualifying purchases when you get resale goods.
Set reminders. New annual documents post each calendar year for active accounts — mark your calendar to re-download if needed.
Train staff. Show employees when to provide the document and how to use transaction or vendor authorization numbers for verification.
Organize records. Keep application confirmations, account credentials, and printed documents together for vendor onboarding and audits.

Step	Action	Why it matters
Register	Complete DR-1 online or by mail	Activates sales use tax account and starts the approval process
Receive DR-11	Record certificate number & partner number	Needed to print the annual proof and to verify your permit
Download DR-13	Log in or use DR-11 numbers to print	Suppliers accept this when you buy qualifying inventory tax-free

If you want to get resale certificate quickly, follow these steps and keep your documents handy. This short process saves time at the register and keeps your sales tax compliance clean. Check this blog for updates or changes on portal features.

How to use the florida resale certificate form with suppliers

Before a vendor removes sales tax, make sure your documentation and the purchase match a qualifying purpose. Ask the supplier to validate your DR-13 or to record a vendor authorization number. That small step prevents incorrect tax treatment at checkout.

Purchases that qualify for resale or re-rental

Qualifying purchases generally include goods held for resale, items kept solely for re‑rental, component parts that become products you sell, and certain taxable services you will resell.

Present a copy of your DR-13 or have the supplier capture a transaction authorization number before they remove sales tax.

Limits: operational use, capital items, and when use tax applies

Do not claim the exemption for operational supplies, office items, tools, display fixtures, or administrative software. These purchases are taxable to your business.

If exempt purchases are later used, consumed, demoed, or assigned to your company rather than sold, you must self-assess and pay use tax on that change in use.

Ask suppliers which documentation they accept: copy, transaction number, or vendor authorization.
Match POs and invoices to the intended resale or re‑rental activity in your files.
Train staff with a simple matrix that separates resale inventory from operational buys.
When unsure, pay the tax and request a vendor credit later—this avoids audit headaches.

Purchase	Qualifies?	Action	Notes
Bulk inventory for store sale	Yes	Provide DR-13 copy or authorization number	Keep invoice linked to sales records
Parts used to build a product	Yes	Document production use and supplier validation	Track parts to final sold item
Office printer and supplies	No	Pay sales tax at purchase	Operational items trigger taxable purchase
Demo unit later kept by company	No (if retained)	Self-assess and remit use tax	Change in use creates tax liability

Verification, record-keeping, and documentation methods sellers accept

A few verification steps make accepting exempt sales low-risk and audit-ready.

Sellers may accept one of three proofs:

Keep a copy of the buyer’s current DR-13 (a valid annual resale certificate).
Obtain a transaction authorization number for a single sale and note it on the invoice.
Use a vendor authorization number that covers the customer for the calendar year.

How to verify: Use the online Certificate Verification System, the FL Tax-Verify mobile app, or call 877-357-3725 to request a transaction or vendor authorization number. You can also upload batches of accounts online to get vendor numbers for regular customers.

Retention and audit readiness: Keep invoices, copies of certificates, and authorization numbers until the statute of limitations for assessment runs under Section 95.091(3), F.S. Electronic storage (PDFs, imaging) is acceptable.

Method	When to use	Record to keep
DR-13 copy	One-off or new customers	Signed copy linked to invoice
Transaction number	Single sale at checkout	Number noted on PO/invoice
Vendor authorization	Recurring customers	Vendor number and list of covered accounts

Best practices: Train staff on verification steps, run periodic internal audits to match proofs to exempt sales, and keep a simple SOP so new hires follow the same process. If a buyer’s document later proves invalid, good-faith verification under the department revenue rules generally protects the seller from liability.

Renewals, expiration, and staying compliant throughout the year

Renewal season arrives every January, and your annual document reflects that calendar rhythm. Active accounts receive a new annual resale certificate for the calendar year. Download the file promptly so vendors have the current proof you rely on.

Vendors normally expect a current-year document or an authorization number before removing sales tax at checkout. For ongoing on-account customers, sellers may rely on a prior certificate beyond its expiration under the state’s continual-relationship rule.

Keep your filing frequency and payments current. Falling behind can inactivate your account and block access to new certificates. Misuse of a document or diverting items to internal use triggers use tax and can bring penalties.

Download each year: monitor your online account and save the new certificate.
Notify suppliers: update vendors or secure a fresh vendor authorization number annually.
Train staff: make sure buyers use only current-year credentials and verify when unsure.
Quarterly review: spot diverted items early and self-assess use tax to avoid surprises.

Action	When	Why it matters
Download new certificate	Every January / when posted	Ensures vendors accept tax-exempt purchases for that calendar year
Keep account active	Continuous	Maintains access to the annual resale certificate and avoids vendor refusal
Document reviews	Quarterly	Identifies diverted items and reduces exposure to penalties and audit adjustments

Special cases: out-of-state buyers, multi-jurisdiction certificates, and good-faith acceptance

Cross-border sales raise special rules for accepting documentation from out-of-state buyers. Sellers can accept the MTC Uniform Sales & Use Tax Resale Certificate, but only with verification. If you rely on that multi-state paper, confirm the buyer’s registration in the relevant state and get an authorization number from the department.

MTC acceptance and verification

Florida accepts the MTC form only when verified. Other states’ standalone certificates do not replace the annual resale certificate. To reduce exposure, obtain a transaction or vendor authorization number and note it on the invoice.

Good-faith standards and practical steps

Keep a copy of the buyer’s DR-13 or the verified MTC printout.
Capture authorization numbers from the state system and record them on sales docs.
For certain export sales to nonresident dealers, accept a detailed statement only after confirming it meets state rules.
Follow Rule 12A-1.039 and retain shipping proofs, invoices, and verification to limit liability, penalties, and audit risk.

Scenario	What to get	Why it matters
Out-of-state buyer	MTC + state verification number	Proves exempt purchase
Local registered dealer	Annual resale certificate (DR-13)	Fast vendor acceptance
Export to nonresident	Detailed statement + proof	May substitute for DR-13 when rules met

Conclusion

Finish strong: re-download your annual DR-13 each January, keep your DR-11 handy, and train staff on when to present proof. Doing this helps you get resale certificate benefits without surprises.

Verify exemptions with the online portal, the FL Tax-Verify app, or by calling 877-357-3725. Save copies of authorization numbers, invoices, and certificates so you can prove valid exempt sales.

If items bought tax-free are later used by your business, self-assess use tax promptly to avoid interest, steep penalties, or an audit. Act fast on errors: request vendor credits or correct returns.

Follow these steps and you protect cash flow while staying compliant with state sales tax rules. When in doubt, confirm registration and document the transaction—the small checks prevent big problems.

FAQ

How do I get a Florida resale certificate easily?

Start by creating an account with the Florida Department of Revenue and complete Form DR-1 to register for sales and use tax. After your registration is processed, you’ll receive a Certificate of Registration (DR-11) and can download the Annual Resale Certificate (DR-13) from your online account. Keep your account info, federal EIN, and business details handy to speed the process.

What is the annual resale certificate and why do businesses use it?

The annual document lets qualifying businesses buy items for resale without paying sales tax at the time of purchase. It prevents double taxation by shifting tax collection to the final retail sale, which improves cash flow for wholesalers, retailers, and certain service providers.

How does this certificate prevent double taxation and improve cash flow?

When a seller accepts a valid certificate, they don’t collect tax at the wholesale stage. The retailer then charges tax to the end customer at retail. That avoids taxing the same product twice and keeps cash available for operations instead of locked in tax payments.

What’s the difference between a resale certificate and a sales tax permit?

A sales tax permit (Certificate of Registration, DR-11) authorizes your business to collect and remit tax. The resale credential (DR-13) is the document you present to suppliers to buy taxable items tax-free for resale. You need the registration before you can use the annual certificate.

What are DR-11 and DR-13?

DR-11 is the Florida Certificate of Registration issued when you enroll for sales and use tax. DR-13 is the annual resale certificate you download or print from your account to show suppliers you’re exempt from paying tax on items purchased for resale.

Who is eligible to get and use the certificate?

Businesses with a valid sales tax registration and nexus in the state may use the certificate for purchases intended for resale or re-rental. Eligibility depends on your business activity and proper registration with the Department of Revenue.

How do I register for sales and use tax and access my certificate step-by-step?

Create a Florida Department of Revenue online account, complete Form DR-1 to register, wait for issuance of your DR-11, then sign in to download or print the DR-13 Annual Resale Certificate. File timely returns and keep registration details current.

What information should I have on hand before applying?

Have your federal Employer Identification Number (EIN), legal business name, mailing address, contact info, business type, and an estimate of taxable sales. These speed registration and reduce follow-up requests.

Which purchases qualify for tax-free buying with the certificate?

Purchases intended for retail resale or re-rental qualify. Examples include wholesale inventory and items you’ll sell to customers. Items used in your business operations, like office equipment, usually do not qualify and may be subject to tax.

What are the limits — when does use tax apply instead?

Use tax applies when purchases are for business use, capital assets, or consumption rather than resale. If you convert inventory to business use or take goods for personal use, you must report and pay use tax.

How can sellers verify a presented certificate?

Sellers can accept a copy of the DR-13, request a transaction authorization number or vendor authorization number, or verify the buyer via the Department of Revenue’s online portal, mobile app, or toll-free phone line.

What are the three acceptable verification methods?

Acceptable methods include a printed or electronic copy of the DR-13, a transaction authorization number provided by the buyer, or a vendor authorization number issued through the Department of Revenue verification system.

How long should I keep certificates, invoices, and authorization numbers?

Retain records, including copies of the certificate and sales invoices, for several years—Florida typically recommends keeping tax-related records for at least three to five years to support audits and compliance reviews.

How often are these documents renewed and when do they expire?

The department issues the annual resale credential each calendar year. It’s valid for that specific year, so download the current version each year and replace expired copies with the new annual certificate.

What about out-of-state buyers and multi-jurisdiction certificates?

The Multistate Tax Commission’s Uniform Sales & Use Tax Resale Certificate may be used in some cases, but Florida’s acceptance has conditions. Out-of-state buyers with nexus should follow Florida rules and may need the state-specific document for purchases in Florida.

What is good-faith acceptance and how can sellers protect themselves?

Good-faith acceptance means a seller accepts a buyer’s certificate without obvious reason to doubt it. Sellers should verify certificates using the Department’s tools and keep records to rebut the presumption of retail sale if an audit occurs.