ABA Family Legal Guide

Forming and Operating a Small Business

Starting a Business

Rules, Regulations, Licenses, and Permits

What rules and regulations do I have to comply with?

It's impossible to know exactly what regulations might apply to your particular business. Regulations vary by state and locality. And they vary depending on the type of business. Some businesses--for example, those that are involved in health care or food service--face complex regulation by many federal, state, and local agencies.

Many types of business might have to be concerned with environmental regulations, including rules on air and water pollution, disposal of toxic materials, or use of certain products (for example, the gas freon, used in air-conditioning systems).