The Florida Public Service Commission (FPSC) Telecommunications Carrier Registration is the application a company files with the Florida Public Service Commission to receive a Certificate of Authority to provide telecommunications service inside Florida. Every competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC), interexchange carrier (IXC), pay telephone provider, shared tenant service provider, and alternative access vendor (AAV) must hold this certificate before serving a single customer in the state under Section 364.335, Florida Statutes.
Florida processes hundreds of telecom certificate dockets every year, and the active FPSC docket list shows new CLEC and IXC applications filed almost weekly. A single missed disclosure or unsigned attestation can push your 60–90 day approval window past 180 days, costing you market entry, partner contracts, and revenue.
- 📋 The exact fields on the FPSC Application for Authority and what each one really means
- 💰 Current 2026 fees, the $25,000 security deposit rule, and the semi-annual Regulatory Assessment Fee
- 🧾 Every required attachment, from Sunbiz proof to managerial resumes to proposed tariffs
- 🛠️ Three full filer walkthroughs covering a startup CLEC, an out-of-state IXC, and a pay telephone provider
- ⚠️ The 10 mistakes that get applications kicked back and the field-level fixes regulators actually want
What the Form Is and Who Must File It
The Florida PSC Telecommunications Carrier Registration is the umbrella name for the Application Form for Authority to Provide Telecommunications Company Service, the official document the Florida Public Service Commission uses to grant a Certificate of Authority. The form runs roughly 14 numbered items plus several attachments, and it is the gateway document required by Chapter 364, Florida Statutes for anyone offering local, long-distance, resold, or facilities-based telecom service in Florida. Without an approved certificate, billing a Florida customer for telecom service is illegal and exposes the carrier to civil penalties and refund orders.
The form covers five carrier categories. CLECs file under Rule 25-24, Florida Administrative Code for local service. IXCs file the same base form but check the interexchange box for long-distance and toll service. Pay telephone providers file a separate but parallel registration tied to Rule 25-24.515, F.A.C.. Shared tenant service providers (STS) and alternative access vendors (AAV) use a tailored variant of the same application.
Who must file: any entity, in-state or out-of-state, that intends to bill Florida end users for telecommunications service. That includes pure resellers who own no facilities, VoIP providers offering interconnected service to the PSTN, prepaid calling card companies, and out-of-state carriers expanding into Florida. The form is signed under oath, and false statements are punishable under Section 837.06, Florida Statutes.
The revision date currently printed on the form is shown in the footer of the official FPSC application; confirm you are working from the most recent version before drafting because the FPSC updates the form periodically and stale versions are rejected on intake by the Office of Commission Clerk.
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
Gather every document below before you open the application, because the FPSC will not hold an incomplete file open and the Office of Commission Clerk routinely rejects packages missing a single attachment. The pre-filing checklist is the single biggest predictor of a clean 60-day approval.
- Sunbiz registration documents. Pull your active Articles of Incorporation, foreign qualification, or fictitious name filing from the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz) because the FPSC cross-checks the document number on Item 13.
- Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN). The IRS-issued FEIN goes on Item 14, and a mismatch with Sunbiz triggers an immediate deficiency letter.
- Officer, director, and 10% owner list. You need full legal names, titles, business addresses, and prior telecom affiliations going back five years for the managerial disclosure.
- Resumes for managerial and technical staff. Each resume must show telecom experience to satisfy Section 364.335(2), F.S. capability requirements.
- Most recent financial statements. Audited statements are preferred; reviewed or compiled statements are acceptable for startups, and pro forma projections are required if the entity is less than one year old.
- $25,000 security deposit or surety bond (CLECs only). This can be cash, an irrevocable letter of credit, or a surety bond, and is required before service is initiated under Rule 25-4.0161, F.A.C. deposit provisions.
- Proposed tariff or price list. A complete draft tariff with rates, terms, and conditions must be attached for CLECs; IXCs file a price list under detariffing rules.
- Application fee check or ACH authorization. The fee is up to $500 per Section 364.335(1)(b), F.S., and is non-refundable even if the application is denied.
- Registered agent name and Florida street address. A P.O. Box alone will not satisfy Item 4, and an out-of-state agent is automatically rejected.
- Toll-free customer service number. Required for Item 11 so Florida customers can reach the carrier without long-distance charges.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
The application is hosted on the FPSC Telecommunications page under “Carrier Application Forms,” and the direct download link to the CLEC application is published as an editable Word document. Always download fresh; do not reuse a copy your regulatory consultant sent you last year because the form is updated whenever the underlying rule changes.
Three companion documents live on the same page. The IXC application covers interexchange carriers and resellers. A separate pay telephone provider registration packet covers payphone operators. The filing instructions cover sheet explains how to docket the application electronically once it is signed and notarized.
You can also obtain a paper copy by calling the FPSC at 1-800-342-3552 or emailing contact@psc.state.fl.us, but every applicant in 2026 files electronically through the FPSC Electronic Filing portal because paper intake is slower and prone to scanning errors.
If you are an out-of-state carrier, you must complete your foreign qualification on Sunbiz before you can answer Items 12–14, because the FPSC will not issue a certificate to an entity that lacks the right to do business in Florida.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the FPSC Application Line by Line
The form is organized into a header block, identification items 1–14, capability disclosures, and a sworn affidavit. Use the exact box numbers and field labels printed on the official application so the Commission Clerk can match your entries to the docket template.
Item 1: Select the Type of Service
Plain English: This box asks which kind of telecom service you plan to offer in Florida.
How to answer: Check exactly one box: CLEC, IXC, AAV, STS, pay telephone, or shared tenant. If you plan to offer both local and long-distance, you generally file two separate applications because the certificates are issued by service type.
Example: Carlos Mendez, founder of NovaLink CLEC, checks the “Competitive Local Exchange Telecommunications Company (CLEC)” box.
Nuance: A facilities-based CLEC and a pure reseller CLEC use the same checkbox; the distinction is captured later in the technical capability narrative.
Common mistake and consequence: Checking both CLEC and IXC on a single form. The FPSC will reject the application as ambiguous and require you to resubmit two separate filings, each with its own fee.
Misconception: Many filers think a VoIP-only provider does not need to check anything. If your VoIP product interconnects with the PSTN and you bill Florida end users, you generally need a CLEC certificate.
Item 2: Legal Name of Applicant
Plain English: The exact legal name registered with the Florida Division of Corporations.
How to answer: Type the name exactly as it appears on Sunbiz, including LLC, Inc., or Corp. Use the same capitalization the Sunbiz record shows.
Example: NovaLink Communications, LLC (not “Novalink Communications” or “NovaLink Comms LLC”).
Nuance: If the entity recently changed its name, attach the amended Articles so the FPSC can match the historical name in any prior filings.
Common mistake and consequence: Entering a trade name or DBA in Item 2 instead of Item 3. The Clerk’s office will issue a deficiency letter and pause the docket clock.
Misconception: Some filers believe the name can be slightly stylized for branding. The FPSC matches your filing against Sunbiz character-for-character.
Item 3: Fictitious Name (DBA)
Plain English: Any other name under which you will market service to Florida customers.
How to answer: List every active fictitious name registered on Sunbiz. Leave blank if you operate solely under your legal name.
Example: NovaLink Communications, LLC d/b/a NovaFiber.
Nuance: Each DBA must be separately registered under Section 865.09, Florida Statutes (the Fictitious Name Act); unregistered DBAs cannot be used on customer bills.
Common mistake and consequence: Listing a marketing name that was never filed with Sunbiz. The certificate will be issued only in the legal name, and your bills will be non-compliant.
Misconception: Filers often think a DBA on file in another state carries over. It does not; Florida fictitious name registration is state-specific.
Item 4: Principal Business Address
Plain English: The street address where the company’s executive offices are located.
How to answer: Provide a full street address, city, state, ZIP, and country. P.O. Boxes are not accepted as the principal address.
Example: 4500 Biscayne Blvd, Suite 700, Miami, FL 33137.
Nuance: If your headquarters is out of state, list it here and provide the Florida registered agent address separately in Item 6.
Common mistake and consequence: Listing only a P.O. Box. The application is treated as deficient and is not accepted for docketing.
Misconception: Some filers think the registered agent address satisfies this item. It does not; Item 4 is the principal place of business.
Item 5: Mailing Address
Plain English: Where the FPSC should send correspondence and orders.
How to answer: This may be a P.O. Box or a different suite from Item 4 if your mail is centralized.
Example: P.O. Box 12345, Tallahassee, FL 32317.
Nuance: If you use outside regulatory counsel, list the firm’s address here so notices reach counsel directly.
Common mistake and consequence: Forgetting to update this address after a move. Missing an FPSC order because it went to the old address can lead to certificate cancellation under Rule 25-4.113, F.A.C.
Misconception: Filers often think email alone is sufficient. The FPSC still serves orders by U.S. mail in many proceedings.
Item 6: Florida Registered Agent
Plain English: The person or company authorized to receive legal service in Florida.
How to answer: Provide the agent’s full name and Florida street address as listed on Sunbiz.
Example: CT Corporation System, 1200 South Pine Island Road, Plantation, FL 33324.
Nuance: The agent must have a physical Florida street address; commercial registered agent services are common and acceptable.
Common mistake and consequence: Listing an agent who has resigned. The Sunbiz mismatch will halt the application.
Misconception: Filers often think the registered agent and the regulatory contact are the same role. They are different and listed in different items.
Items 7–10: Contact Person, Customer Service Contact, Regulatory Contact, Complaint Contact
Plain English: Four named people the FPSC and Florida customers can reach.
How to answer: Each item asks for name, title, address, telephone, fax (if any), and email. The same person may fill more than one role for small carriers.
Example: Maria Lopez, VP Regulatory, (305) 555-0182, mlopez@novalink.com.
Nuance: The complaint contact (Item 10) receives all consumer complaints routed through the FPSC Consumer Assistance division and must respond within 15 working days.
Common mistake and consequence: Naming a person who has left the company. Missed complaint deadlines lead to PSC fines under Rule 25-4.110, F.A.C.
Misconception: Some filers believe a generic email like info@ is acceptable. The FPSC requires a specific named individual on each contact line.
Item 11: Toll-Free Customer Service Number
Plain English: A toll-free number Florida customers can call without paying long-distance.
How to answer: Provide an active 800/888/877/866/855/844/833 number that is answered during normal business hours and routes to live support.
Example: 1-800-555-9876.
Nuance: The line must accept calls from anywhere in Florida; geographic-restricted toll-free numbers do not satisfy the rule.
Common mistake and consequence: Listing a local 305 or 813 number. The FPSC issues a deficiency and the docket clock pauses.
Misconception: Filers think a chatbot or IVR-only line is acceptable. Florida requires live agent access during business hours.
Item 12: Structure of Organization
Plain English: Whether you are a corporation, LLC, partnership, or sole proprietor.
How to answer: Check the matching box and attach the formation documents (Articles of Incorporation, Articles of Organization, partnership agreement).
Example: Limited Liability Company, organized under Delaware law and qualified to do business in Florida.
Nuance: Foreign (out-of-state) entities must attach the Florida Certificate of Authority from Sunbiz showing they are qualified to transact business.
Common mistake and consequence: Failing to attach the foreign qualification. The application is bounced back the same day it is opened.
Misconception: Filers often assume the IRS classification (e.g., S-corp election) controls. The FPSC cares about the state-law entity type, not the tax election.
Item 13: Florida Document Number
Plain English: The 12-character document number Sunbiz assigned when you registered or qualified.
How to answer: Enter the number exactly as it appears on the Sunbiz detail page, including any letters.
Example: L21000123456.
Nuance: A document number that is “INACTIVE” on Sunbiz disqualifies the application; resolve any annual report delinquency before filing.
Common mistake and consequence: Transposing digits. The FPSC keys this number into its company directory and a typo can route your filings under another company’s docket.
Misconception: Filers think the FEIN can substitute. It cannot; both numbers are required and verified independently.
Item 14: Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
Plain English: The 9-digit tax ID issued by the IRS.
How to answer: Enter the FEIN with the format XX-XXXXXXX.
Example: 47-1234567.
Nuance: Sole proprietors without an FEIN may use the owner’s SSN, but the FPSC strongly prefers a separate FEIN for liability and audit reasons.
Common mistake and consequence: Using an applied-for FEIN. The application is held in pending status until the IRS confirmation letter (CP 575) is provided.
Misconception: Filers think the FEIN is confidential. It is part of the public docket and visible in the FPSC online docket viewer.
Managerial Capability Disclosure
Plain English: A narrative showing the management team has telecom experience.
How to answer: List each officer, director, and 10% owner. For each person, give name, title, telecom experience in years, prior carrier affiliations, and any regulatory disciplinary history in any state.
Example: Carlos Mendez, CEO, 12 years; previously VP Operations at SunshineTel CLEC (2014–2022); no disciplinary history.
Nuance: Disclose any prior FPSC, FCC, or state PUC enforcement action, including consent decrees, because the FPSC cross-references the FCC’s Universal Licensing System.
Common mistake and consequence: Omitting a prior bankruptcy or revoked certificate. The FPSC treats omission as a material misrepresentation, which is grounds for denial under Section 364.335(4), F.S..
Misconception: Filers think only Florida disciplinary history matters. The FPSC asks about all jurisdictions.
Technical Capability Disclosure
Plain English: Proof that you can actually run a telecom network or resale operation.
How to answer: Describe the network architecture (facilities-based switches, leased capacity, wholesale resale), the upstream carriers you have signed agreements with, and the OSS/BSS systems that handle provisioning and billing.
Example: NovaLink will resell facilities of Lumen and Verizon under signed wholesale agreements dated January 2026; provisioning runs on Sigma Software Suite.
Nuance: Pure resellers should attach copies (or executed signature pages) of the underlying wholesale agreements; redact pricing if confidential and request confidential treatment under Rule 25-22.006, F.A.C.
Common mistake and consequence: Vague descriptions like “we will use industry-standard systems.” Staff will issue an interrogatory delaying approval by 30–45 days.
Misconception: Filers think technical capability requires owning a switch. Resale capability satisfies the standard if the wholesale arrangements are documented.
Financial Capability Disclosure
Plain English: Proof that you have enough money to run the business and pay refunds if you fail.
How to answer: Attach the most recent audited, reviewed, or compiled financial statements. If the entity is less than 12 months old, attach pro forma projections for 24 months and an officer’s certification of capital available.
Example: NovaLink attaches reviewed financials showing $1.2M cash on hand and a $500K line of credit with Truist Bank.
Nuance: CLECs must also post the $25,000 security under Rule 25-4.0161, F.A.C.; the deposit can be cash, surety bond, or irrevocable letter of credit.
Common mistake and consequence: Submitting only a bank statement. Staff requires a CPA-prepared statement, and a bank screenshot triggers a deficiency.
Misconception: Filers think a parent company guaranty alone is enough. The FPSC accepts parent guarantees only with a signed corporate resolution and the parent’s audited statements.
Sworn Affidavit and Signature
Plain English: The page where an officer swears under oath that everything in the application is true.
How to answer: The signer must be a corporate officer with authority. Sign in front of a notary, who completes the jurat with seal and commission expiration.
Example: Signed by Carlos Mendez, CEO, before Notary Public Janet Reyes, Commission GG987654, expiring 04/12/2028.
Nuance: Out-of-state notarization is acceptable as long as the jurat conforms to that state’s law and is recognized in Florida under the Uniform Recognition of Acknowledgments Act.
Common mistake and consequence: A digital signature without a notary jurat. The Clerk rejects unsigned or unsworn applications without docketing them.
Misconception: Filers think any employee can sign. Only an officer, partner, member, or manager with authority binds the entity.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
Scenario 1: Carlos Mendez, Florida Startup CLEC
| Form Section | What Carlos Enters |
|---|---|
| Item 1: Type of Service | Competitive Local Exchange Telecommunications Company (CLEC) |
| Item 2: Legal Name | NovaLink Communications, LLC |
| Item 3: DBA | NovaFiber |
| Item 4: Principal Address | 4500 Biscayne Blvd, Suite 700, Miami, FL 33137 |
| Item 11: Toll-Free Number | 1-800-555-9876 |
| Item 13: Sunbiz Document Number | L26000045678 |
| Item 14: FEIN | 47-1234567 |
| Financial Capability | Reviewed financial statements + $25,000 surety bond from Travelers |
| Tariff | 42-page proposed local exchange tariff covering Miami-Dade and Broward |
| Affidavit | Signed by Carlos Mendez, CEO, notarized in Miami-Dade County |
Scenario 2: Aisha Patel, Out-of-State IXC Reseller
| Form Section | What Aisha Enters |
|---|---|
| Item 1: Type of Service | Interexchange Telecommunications Company (IXC) |
| Item 2: Legal Name | Patel TeleResale, Inc. |
| Item 4: Principal Address | 225 Franklin St, 26th Floor, Boston, MA 02110 |
| Item 6: Florida Registered Agent | Cogency Global, 115 N Calhoun St, Tallahassee, FL 32301 |
| Item 11: Toll-Free Number | 1-888-555-2244 |
| Item 12: Organization | Massachusetts corporation, qualified to transact business in Florida |
| Item 13: Sunbiz Document Number | F26000098765 |
| Managerial Capability | Resumes for CEO (15 years at Sprint), CFO, COO; no disciplinary history |
| Technical Capability | Wholesale agreement with Inteliquent for origination and termination |
| Application Fee | $250 check payable to Florida Public Service Commission |
Scenario 3: Marcus Johnson, Pay Telephone Provider
| Form Section | What Marcus Enters |
|---|---|
| Item 1: Type of Service | Pay Telephone Service Provider |
| Item 2: Legal Name | Johnson Payphone Services, LLC |
| Item 4: Principal Address | 812 W State Rd 60, Lake Wales, FL 33853 |
| Item 11: Toll-Free Number | 1-855-555-4411 (for refund requests under Rule 25-24.515) |
| Item 13: Sunbiz Document Number | L25000556677 |
| Item 14: FEIN | 82-7654321 |
| Number of Instruments | 47 payphones at correctional and transit locations |
| Refund Policy | Attached, conforming to Rule 25-24.515(11), F.A.C. |
| Financial Capability | Compiled financials + $5,000 deposit |
| Affidavit | Signed by Marcus Johnson, Managing Member, notarized in Polk County |
How to File the Completed Form
The FPSC Electronic Filing portal is the primary filing channel in 2026. Create an account, upload the signed application as a single PDF (with bookmarks for each attachment), pay the application fee by ACH or credit card, and download the time-stamped receipt as your proof of filing. Processing typically runs 60–90 days for routine CLEC and IXC filings, longer if staff issues interrogatories.
Mail filings still go to: Office of Commission Clerk, Florida Public Service Commission, 2540 Shumard Oak Boulevard, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0850. Send the original plus one copy. Include a check payable to “Florida Public Service Commission” for the application fee, currently up to $500 under Section 364.335(1)(b), F.S.. Use certified mail with return receipt; the green card is your proof of filing date.
In-person filing is accepted at the Gerald L. Gunter Building, 2540 Shumard Oak Blvd, Tallahassee, between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM weekdays. The Clerk’s intake desk will date-stamp two copies; keep one as proof of filing. Fax filings are no longer accepted for new applications.
Once docketed, the application appears in the FPSC docket list within 24–48 hours and receives a docket number in the format YYYYNNNN-TX (CLEC) or -TI (IXC). Staff will publish a Notice of Application in the Florida Administrative Register triggering a 30-day intervention window.
What Happens After You File
Within 10 business days, FPSC staff opens the docket and assigns it to a reviewing analyst. The analyst checks the application for completeness against the Section 364.335 checklist and issues either a “complete” letter or a deficiency letter listing missing items. Deficiency cures restart the clock only for the missing items, not the whole application.
Routine, uncontested CLEC and IXC applications are placed on the FPSC’s consent agenda and approved at the next scheduled Commission Conference, typically within 60–90 days of filing. The order granting the certificate is published on the docket page and emailed to the contact in Item 7.
Once approved, you receive a Certificate of Authority with a unique TX, TI, AAV, STS, or PATS number. You must begin paying semi-annual Regulatory Assessment Fees (RAF) by July 30 and January 30 each period under Rule 25-4.0161, F.A.C.. The minimum RAF is $50, and the rate is a small percentage of Florida intrastate gross operating revenue.
Failing to file the RAF on time triggers a statutory penalty equal to 5% of the fee plus 1% per month of delinquency, and chronic delinquency is grounds for certificate cancellation.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form
- Filing under the marketing name instead of the Sunbiz legal name; the certificate will not match your bills and can void customer contracts.
- Forgetting to attach the foreign qualification certificate; out-of-state applicants are bounced on intake.
- Using a P.O. Box for the principal address; staff issues a same-day deficiency.
- Listing an inactive registered agent; Sunbiz mismatch halts docketing.
- Combining CLEC and IXC services on one form; the FPSC requires separate filings.
- Submitting unaudited bank statements as financial proof; staff requires CPA-prepared statements.
- Skipping the $25,000 CLEC security deposit; the certificate will not issue under Rule 25-4.0161.
- Vague technical capability narratives; expect a 30–45 day interrogatory delay.
- Omitting prior out-of-state disciplinary history; treated as material misrepresentation under Section 364.335(4), F.S..
- Signing without notarization; unsworn applications are not docketed.
- Using a local number instead of a toll-free number on Item 11; immediate deficiency.
- Mailing the form without the application fee check; the package is returned unfiled.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s
- Do download the latest application the same week you file, because revisions are quiet and undated copies are rejected.
- Do match every name, address, and document number to Sunbiz character-for-character to avoid the most common deficiency.
- Do attach signed wholesale agreements (or signature pages) to prove technical capability, because narrative alone rarely satisfies staff.
- Do request confidential treatment for proprietary financials under Rule 25-22.006, F.A.C. so competitors cannot read your margins.
- Do calendar the July 30 and January 30 RAF deadlines on day one, because late fees compound quickly.
- Do notarize in Florida if possible, because out-of-state notarial blocks occasionally trigger objections.
Don’ts
- Don’t reuse last year’s form because revision dates change without notice.
- Don’t list a generic info@ email as the regulatory contact, because staff requires a named individual.
- Don’t paraphrase field labels in your cover letter; use the exact item numbers from the form.
- Don’t submit photocopied notary seals; original wet ink (or a compliant electronic notarial certificate) is required.
- Don’t ignore staff interrogatories past their 14-day deadline, because the docket can be closed without prejudice.
- Don’t begin marketing service in Florida before the Order Granting Certificate is issued, because pre-certification billing is a statutory violation.
Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help
Pros of Filing Pro Se
- Saves $5,000–$15,000 in legal fees because the form is form-driven, not litigation.
- Forces founders to learn the regulatory framework so future filings (RAF, tariff updates) become routine.
- Shorter feedback loop with staff because the founder can answer interrogatories directly.
- Total control over disclosure language so trade secrets are framed carefully.
- Cheaper amendments because you already know the docket structure.
Cons of Filing Pro Se
- Higher deficiency risk because subtle attachment requirements are easy to miss.
- Slower approval if interrogatories pile up, especially for facilities-based CLECs.
- No privilege protection for sensitive financial discussions.
- Confidential treatment requests are technical and frequently denied if not framed under Rule 25-22.006, F.A.C..
- Founder time pulled away from network buildout and customer acquisition.
CLEC vs. IXC vs. Pay Telephone at a Glance
| Dimension | CLEC | IXC |
|---|---|---|
| Service Type | Local exchange | Long-distance / toll |
| Security Deposit | $25,000 required | Not required |
| Tariff | Full tariff filing | Price list (detariffed) |
| Typical Fee | Up to $500 | Up to $250 |
| Docket Suffix | -TX | -TI |
| Processing Time | 60–90 days | 45–75 days |
| Primary Rule | Rule 25-24 | Rule 25-24 |
| Annual RAF Minimum | $50 | $50 |
FAQs
Do I need a Florida PSC certificate to offer VoIP service in Florida?
Yes. If your VoIP product interconnects with the PSTN and bills Florida end users, the FPSC generally requires a CLEC certificate; pure information-service VoIP without PSTN interconnection may be exempt.
Can I file the application before completing my Sunbiz registration?
No. The FPSC verifies your Sunbiz document number on Item 13, and an unregistered or inactive entity is rejected on intake the same day.
Is the $500 application fee refundable if my application is denied?
No. The application fee under Section 364.335(1)(b), F.S., is non-refundable regardless of outcome, even if you withdraw before staff review.
Do I write my legal entity name or my brand name in Item 2?
Yes, Item 2 is the legal entity name exactly as registered on Sunbiz; brand names and DBAs go in Item 3 only.
Can a P.O. Box satisfy Item 4, the principal business address?
No. Item 4 requires a physical street address; using a P.O. Box triggers an immediate deficiency letter from the Office of Commission Clerk.
Do out-of-state carriers need a Florida registered agent?
Yes. Every applicant, in-state or foreign, must list a registered agent with a Florida street address that matches the active Sunbiz record.
Does my VoIP-only reseller need to post the $25,000 CLEC deposit?
Yes, if you hold a CLEC certificate; the security requirement under Rule 25-4.0161 applies regardless of whether you own facilities or resell.
Can I file the application by email or fax?
No. New applications must be filed through the FPSC Electronic Filing portal, by mail, or in person; fax intake for new certificates was discontinued.
Do I list officers from a parent company on the managerial disclosure?
Yes, if any parent officer also serves as an officer or director of the applicant, or owns 10% or more of the applicant entity directly or indirectly.
Is the Regulatory Assessment Fee the same as the application fee?
No. The application fee is a one-time filing charge, while the RAF is a recurring semi-annual fee on Florida intrastate gross revenue due July 30 and January 30.
Can I begin selling service the day my application is filed?
No. Service may begin only after the Commission issues the Order Granting Certificate; pre-certification billing violates Chapter 364 and exposes you to refund orders.
Do I need to file a tariff if I am only an IXC reseller?
No, IXCs file a price list rather than a full tariff under Florida’s detariffing framework, but the price list must still be on file before service begins.
Should I list my FEIN if I have only an SSN as a sole proprietor?
Yes, obtain an FEIN before filing because the FPSC strongly prefers a separate tax ID for liability and audit purposes, even though SSNs are technically accepted.
Do prior out-of-state regulatory sanctions need to be disclosed?
Yes. The capability disclosure requires all prior FPSC, FCC, and state PUC enforcement actions in any jurisdiction; omission is treated as material misrepresentation.
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