How to Get Florida Certificate of Good Standing


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
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Get Florida Certificate of Good Standing

Are you looking to expand your business operations or secure financing for your company in Florida? One essential document you’ll need in such situations is the Certificate of Good Standing. This certificate is an official document issued by the state authorities to confirm that your business is compliant with state regulations and requirements. The Certificate of Good Standing is one of the most important documents your business needs. Whether it is the Florida LLC filing or a corporation or any other form of business, the Certificate of Good Standing must be obtained.

We will share the in and out of Florida Certificate of Good Standing in this article. We’ll also discuss the various scenarios when you might need this certificate and provide helpful tips to ensure your business remains in good standing with the Florida authorities. We recommend you read the article on how to get Florida Certificate of Good Standing till the end. Let’s dive in and get your business one step closer to achieving its goals!

What is Certificate of Good Standing in Florida

The Certificate of Good Standing is a document that every business in Florida requires to obtain. This document states that the company (LLC, Corporation, Partnership, etc.) complies with the State government. In other words, the business has fulfilled all the legal requirements in Florida. Whether you form an LLC or any other form of business, you must get this document.

If you take your business to a different state, your Certificate of Good Standing will be a necessary document to be produced. It shows that your business does not have any illegitimate or outlawed activities.

What Information You Have in Florida Certificate of Good Standing

The Certificate of Good Standing consists of very pivotal information related to your business. Following is the information your Certificate of Good Standing will have-

  • The entity type (LLC, Corporation, LLP, LP, or any other registered entity type) when it was formed
  • The date of filing the business entity (filing the formation document).
  • The current name and address of the business entity
  • Whether the business entity exists today
  • Name and address of the Resident Agent
  • The State where the document is issued
  • A declaration that the business entity has paid all the required taxes and complies with all applicable legal requirements.
  • A declaration that the business entity met all the requirements to get the document.

Who Should Obtain the Certificate of Good Standing

Any business entity, a Limited Liability Company (LLC), a Corporation, a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), a Limited Partnership (LP), or any other registered business structure in Florida is eligible to obtain the Certificate of Good Standing. Anyone with a sole proprietorship does not need to obtain the Certificate of Good Standing because sole proprietorship companies do not have to register their business.

How to Obtain Florida Certificate of Good Standing

The Secretary of State issues this document. To obtain the Certificate of Good Standing, you must fill out the form and send it to the Florida SOS along with the required filing fees. There is some information you will need to enter while submitting the form. Here are the points to add-

Step 1: Get the Form

The first thing you need to do is get the form. The form is available on the state SOS website. You can download the form and mail it or submit it online. The following points are required to mention in the form-

Details of The Requester: The first information you need to provide is the detail of the requester. Provide your full name, address (which can be your business address), and phone number.

Name of Your Business: Provide the exact name of your business. Make sure no spelling mistakes are made. The spelling must be the same as mentioned in the Certificate of Formation. Besides the name, provide the company registration number or file number. The SOS issues this number after you file the Certificate of Formation. This is not mandatory, but it is recommended to share the file number to get the process done quickly.

Details of Return Method: The certificate can be collected in person or by mail from Florida SOS. If you request the document in person, you can take the return in person or by mail. Choose which way you want it.

Copies of the Certificate: You can request the number of copies of the certificate from SOS. There is a box in the form you need to check for multiple copies of this document. You can obtain more than one copy of the Certificate of Compliance for various purposes. It is recommended to get more copies of the certificate for future use.

Fax Copy of the Certificate: You might get a Fax copy before receiving the certificate’s hard copy. This is one of the options available in some of the states. If you want to receive the fax copy of the certificate, you must provide the fax number while filing the form.

Copies of Other Documents: If you want, you can request copies of other documents filed with the SOS. Other documents include the Florida Articles of Organization for LLCs, Articles of Incorporation, amendments, and other registered documents with the SOS. This is optional and you can avoid this. With every copy you request, you must pay a stipulated fee.

Step 2: Submit the Form

You can submit the form online, by mail, or in person, whichever is available and more convenient. Send the form to the New Filing Section, Division of Corporations, P.O. Box 6327, Tallahassee, FL 32314 for offline filing. You can also submit the form online. For that, you must go to the Florida SOS official website and search for the appropriate form.

Step 3: Filing Fee and Processing Time

A filing fee must be paid to the SOS to obtain the Certificate of Good Standing. The amount depends on the number of copies you request. If you request other document copies, you might pay an additional fee for that.

Processing Time: The Certificate of Good Standing’s processing time varies from state to state. Also, it depends on the expedited filing as well. It can take a few days to a few months to obtain the Certificate of Good Standing in Florida.

Step 4: Receive the Certificate of Good Standing

Once you submit the form and the necessary filing fee, your forms start processing. The process might take a lot of time. If you do not want to wait, you can check with the Florida SOS if they have expedited filing or not. In Florida, it can take up to a few months to receive the Certificate of Good Standing.

Why Do You Need a Certificate of Good Standing

The Certificate of Good Standing in Florida is a character certificate of any business. Obtaining this document makes your business legitimate officially. You need this document every now and then while making business decisions. You must obtain the document for the following reasons,

  • To get business loans and advances or investors
  • To get business bank accounts
  • To purchase insurance for business coverage
  • To renew licenses & permits
  • To set up your business in other states, for example, a Foreign LLC.
  • To sell or transfer your business completely or partially to another.
  • To get into a legal business contract with other businesses or clients.

The document is required as much as the formation document. Hence, obtaining the Florida Certificate of Good Standing is needed.

FAQs

What is a Florida Certificate of Good Standing?
A Certificate of Good Standing is an official document issued by the Florida Department of State that confirms a business is compliant with state laws and its filings are in order.
What information does a Florida Certificate of Good Standing contain?
A Florida Certificate of Good Standing will include the name of the business, its date of incorporation or registration, and its current status with the state.
How long does it take to get a Florida Certificate of Good Standing?
The processing time for a Florida Certificate of Good Standing can vary depending on the type of business and the current volume of requests. Generally, it takes approximately 10-15 business days.
How much does it cost to get a Florida Certificate of Good Standing?
The fee for a Florida Certificate of Good Standing is $8.75.
What is the difference between a Florida Certificate of Good Standing and a Certificate of Status?
A Certificate of Good Standing is issued by the Florida Department of State and confirms that the business is compliant with state laws and its filings are in order. A Certificate of Status is issued by the Florida Department of State and confirms that the business is active and in good standing with the state.
Is a Florida Certificate of Good Standing required for a foreign business to transact business in the state?
Yes, a Florida Certificate of Good Standing is required for a foreign business to transact business in the state.
How often should I renew my Florida Certificate of Good Standing?
A Florida Certificate of Good Standing is valid for six months from the date of issuance. It is recommended that you renew your Certificate of Good Standing annually to ensure your business is in compliance with state laws.
What is the process for getting a Florida Certificate of Good Standing?
To obtain a Florida Certificate of Good Standing, you must submit an Application for Certificate of Good Standing to the Florida Department of State. You can submit your application online, in person, or by mail.
What documents are required to get a Florida Certificate of Good Standing?
To obtain a Florida Certificate of Good Standing, you must submit an Application for Certificate of Good Standing to the Florida Department of State. You must also provide the appropriate filing fee.
Who can request a Florida Certificate of Good Standing?
A Florida Certificate of Good Standing can be requested by a company’s registered agent, an officer or director of the company, or an attorney representing the company.
How do I check the status of my Florida Certificate of Good Standing?
Once you have submitted your application for a Florida Certificate of Good Standing, you can check the status of your request by logging into the Florida Department of State website.
Can I get a Florida Certificate of Good Standing online?
Yes, you can request a Florida Certificate of Good Standing online. You will need to submit an Application for Certificate of Good Standing to the Florida Department of State and provide the appropriate filing fee.
How do I submit an application for a Florida Certificate of Good Standing?
You can submit an application for a Florida Certificate of Good Standing online, in person, or by mail.
Is a Florida Certificate of Good Standing required to obtain a business license in the state?
Yes, in some cases a Florida Certificate of Good Standing may be required to obtain a business license in the state.
Is there a way to expedite the processing of a Florida Certificate of Good Standing?
Yes, you can request expedited processing of your Florida Certificate of Good Standing by submitting a Request for Expedited Processing to the Florida Department of State.
How do I obtain a copy of my Florida Certificate of Good Standing?
Once you have received your Florida Certificate of Good Standing, you can obtain a copy of it by logging into the Florida Department of State website and downloading the PDF version of the document.
Can I get a Florida Certificate of Good Standing without a filing fee?
No, a filing fee is required to obtain a Florida Certificate of Good Standing.
Can I get a refund if my Florida Certificate of Good Standing is rejected?
Yes, if your Florida Certificate of Good Standing is rejected, you can request a refund of the filing fee.
When does a Florida Certificate of Good Standing expire?
A Florida Certificate of Good Standing is valid for six months from the date of issuance.
Who can access my Florida Certificate of Good Standing?
The Florida Department of State is the only entity with access to your Florida Certificate of Good Standing.
How do I renew my Florida Certificate of Good Standing?
You can renew your Florida Certificate of Good Standing by submitting an Application for Certificate of Good Standing to the Florida Department of State.
What is the purpose of a Florida Certificate of Good Standing?
A Florida Certificate of Good Standing serves as proof that a business is compliant with state laws and its filings are in order.
Does a Florida Certificate of Good Standing guarantee a business’s success?
No, a Florida Certificate of Good Standing does not guarantee a business’s success.
Is a Florida Certificate of Good Standing required to open a bank account?
Yes, in some cases a Florida Certificate of Good Standing may be required to open a bank account.
Is a Florida Certificate of Good Standing required to qualify for government contracts?
Yes, a Florida Certificate of Good Standing may be required to qualify for certain government contracts.
Is a Florida Certificate of Good Standing required to obtain a trademark?
Yes, a Florida Certificate of Good Standing may be required to obtain a trademark.
Is a Florida Certificate of Good Standing required to form a business entity?
No, a Florida Certificate of Good Standing is not required to form a business entity.
Is a Florida Certificate of Good Standing required to renew a business license?
Yes, in some cases a Florida Certificate of Good Standing may be required to renew a business license.
How do I obtain a Florida Certificate of Good Standing?
You can obtain a Florida Certificate of Good Standing by filing an Application for Certificate of Status with the Florida Division of Corporations.
What information is required to obtain a Florida Certificate of Good Standing?
You will need to provide the legal name of the entity, the entity type, the entity ID, and a check or money order for the $8.75 filing fee.
How long does it take to obtain a Florida Certificate of Good Standing?
The processing time can take up to 14 days.
Is a Florida Certificate of Good Standing required to do business in the state?
No, a Florida Certificate of Good Standing is not required to do business in the state.
How long is a Florida Certificate of Good Standing valid?
A Florida Certificate of Good Standing is valid for a period of one year.

Also Read

Why Florida Certificate of Good Standing is So Important

To start, a Certificate of Good Standing provides assurance to customers, clients, and stakeholders that a business is in compliance with state regulations and has met all necessary requirements to operate legally. This not only instills confidence in the business but also gives peace of mind to everyone involved in its operations. It serves as a stamp of approval, a testament to the business’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

Moreover, a Florida Certificate of Good Standing is essential for businesses looking to expand their operations or enter into partnership agreements with other entities. Many institutions, such as banks and insurance companies, require this document as proof of a business’s legitimacy before entering into any financial transactions. Without it, businesses may find it difficult or even impossible to secure the resources they need to grow and thrive.

Furthermore, a Certificate of Good Standing is often required when businesses are looking to renew licenses, secure permits, or apply for government contracts. Lack of this document can bring operations to a halt, leading to delays, penalties, and even legal consequences. By ensuring that a business is in good standing with the state, this document streamlines the process of regulatory compliance and ensures smooth operations for businesses of all sizes.

In addition, a Florida Certificate of Good Standing is an invaluable tool for businesses looking to attract investors or potential buyers. This document serves as a signal to outside parties that a business is stable, reliable, and worth investing in. It enhances the reputation of the business in the eyes of investors and can open up new opportunities for growth and expansion.

Overall, the Florida Certificate of Good Standing is not just a piece of paper—it is a symbol of trust, credibility, and integrity. It is a vital tool for businesses to navigate the complex regulatory landscape of the state and unlock the full potential of their operations. Without it, businesses may face roadblocks, setbacks, and missed opportunities that could hinder their success.

In conclusion, the importance of the Florida Certificate of Good Standing cannot be emphasized enough. It is a critical document that businesses should prioritize obtaining and maintaining to ensure their continued success and growth. Businesses that invest in obtaining this document demonstrate their commitment to professionalism and adherence to state regulations, setting themselves up for success in the competitive business landscape of Florida.

Conclusion

The Certificate of Good Standing is a vital document for any business entity in Florida, as it enables you to expand your operations throughout the United States. It’s essential to provide accurate and truthful information in this document. If you plan to establish the same business in another state, obtaining a Certificate of Good Standing is necessary.

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