Federal agencies oversee certain businesses in Louisiana

Businesses in Louisiana that are regulated by a federal agency generally must be licensed or obtain a permit to run their enterprise. The exact requirements necessary to obtain a license or permit depends on the agency at issue and the types of activities the business is undertaking. In general, there will also be fees involved when an agency issues a business license or permit.

For example, businesses involved in the manufacturing, wholesale, importation or sale of beer, wine, liquor or other alcohol beverages must obtain a permit from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, along with their Local Alcohol Beverage Control Board. In addition, businesses involved in radio and television broadcasting must be licensed by the Federal Communications Commission.

If a business engages in fishing for a profit, it must obtain a permit from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Service. Finally, if a business is involved in ocean transportation or is involved in shipping cargo by sea, it must be licensed to do so by the Federal Maritime Commission.

These are only some agencies that oversee certain types of businesses that may be present in Louisiana. In the end, it is important for all businesses to understand what is required of them to legally run their enterprise. For example, in addition to obtaining licenses and permits, they must obey all pertinent business laws and regulations both on a federal and state level. Business owners with questions on the laws they must follow are encouraged to seek the professional guidance they need to do business in Louisiana.