Those that have known me for any length of time know that my biggest gripe is government inefficiency. It doesn’t matter if it is federal, Mexican or American; government generally runs, at, well government pace. For me, government operations have defined the word slow. Florida has forced me to reconsider my opinion of government. To say that I am surprised is an understatement of immense proportions. I am actually shocked at the expediency of the State of Florida bureaucracy.
On Thursday, in the afternoon I went online and registered my Florida company, paid my fees and prepared to wait weeks to get the appropriate paperwork to operate my business in Florida. Within an hour I had a confirmation that my fees had been accepted. Surprising but not overly exciting, after all, Florida was thanking me for adding to the state’s coffers, especially in this time of financial turmoil.
First thing Friday morning I opened my email and the first email in my inbox was from the State of Florida advising me that my corporate structure had been accepted and that I was good to go. Not only that; but the documents that I needed were conveniently attached to the email. Wow, in less than a business day, my new company had been reviewed for compliance by state regulators and the appropriate documents had been prepared and emailed to me.
Not only that, but the State of Florida even advised me on what documents I would need to setup the company bank account and where to go online to determine what, if any, other regulatory requirements my company may need to meet. Every bureaucrat I have spoken to in Florida has been courteous, helpful and I didn’t have to wait an hour on hold listening to cheesy music. Efficiency and an effective online tool makes doing business in Florida a pleasurable thing. I must admit, I’m pleasantly surprised.
