Independent Work Toolkit
Questions to answer before you work for yourself
Self-directed work brings registration, tax, insurance and recordkeeping responsibilities. GIFT points to the official source for each one.
Questions
Work through these in order
- 1. What structure fits?
Sole proprietor, LLC or another structure — registered with the state.
- 2. Which taxes apply?
State registration obligations and federal self-employment tax.
- 3. Contractor or employee?
Classification is decided by law and the facts of the arrangement, not by preference.
- 4. What insurance is needed?
Ask a licensed insurance professional about your specific work.
- 5. How will you keep records?
Income, expenses, agreements and training records, kept consistently.
Official sources
Start with the agency, not a summary
Florida DOS
Pending ReviewSunbiz — Start a Business
Business formation
Open the official pageFlorida DOR
Pending ReviewRegistration
State tax registration
Open the official pageIRS
Pending ReviewIndependent Contractor or Employee
Worker classification
Open the official pageCareerSource Florida
Pending ReviewCareer Services
Employment resources
Open the official page
Coming later · not active
Portfolio builder
Resume, experience, references, languages and business-readiness fields are stored privately for signed-in members in a later phase. Nothing is published without separate opt-in and approval.
GIFT organizes links to official sources for education and planning. Requirements may change. The responsible government agency, credentialing body, employer or contract always makes the controlling decision.
This toolkit is education only. GIFT does not provide legal, tax, immigration, clinical or employment-classification advice.