In Florida, starting a limited liability company is easier than having a corporation. To set up your LLC in Florida, you need to follow a bunch of simple steps. Based on the city or county you're in, some regulations can be added/modified. Check with the local authority for more regulations before you start your LLC.
On the page, you will find the essential steps as well as the name of the best LLC services. You can choose either one of them to form your LLC in Florida. It is recommended to hire a professional. Those who are not reader type can watch the following video for the tutorial.
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How to Start an LLC in FloridaAfter Starting Your Florida LLCFlorida Foreign LLCFlorida LLC Formation ReviewF.A.QsHow to Start an LLC in Florida
An LLC (aka Limited Liability Company) is a hybrid business entity combining a corporation’s characteristics with a partnership or sole proprietorship. It separates your personal assets from your business assets, thus giving you personal asset protection. For an LLC, members' personal assets are not affected by business debts. However, in some cases, if the LLC is sued for business debts, courts might pierce the corporate veil and use the owner's personal assets to meet their corporate liabilities.
If you wish to start an LLC, you must file your Articles of Organization with the State and pay a filing fee of $125. While it's the most important step, it's not the only one. There are 4 other crucial steps to follow to get your LLC formed in Florida. Below are all 5 steps that explain everything you need to do to start a Florida LLC in 2026. Let's get started! You can always hire a professional LLC formation service in Florida to set up your LLC instead of doing it alone; a professional service will ensure everything is done properly.
Step 0Decide on the Structure and Nature of the Business
Before you start filing your LLC in Florida, you must decide on the structure of your LLC (whether it is a Single-member or a Multi-member LLC). A single-member LLC is a business structure where only one individual runs the company. This type of limited liability company (LLC) provides legal protection to its owner and enables them to operate their business while taking advantage of certain tax benefits. In contrast, a traditional multi-member LLC must have at least two members involved in the company’s management and ownership.
For both types of structures, the process of establishing is the same in Florida. The tax burden might be different if you chose a different tax structure while filing the Articles of Organization.
LLC vs S-Corp
An LLC is a business structure that has the right to elect any tax structure. Despite having a pass-through tax advantage, many LLCs, for several reasons, elect a different business structure for tax purposes. An S-Corp is one of those business structures that LLCs can elect. The S-Corporation is a type of corporation that is less complicated than a C-Corporation and has vast tax benefits.
With an S-Corp, the LLC can still enjoy a pass-through taxation. However, the federal income tax will be calculated on the basis of the salary of the owner and the return he/she gets on their share of the company. There is no corporate income tax or problem of double taxation in an S-Corp. A single-member or a multi-member LLC can elect an S-Corp tax structure. However, in the case of a multi-member LLC, make sure that the number of members does not exceed 100 to be an S-Corp.
If you have a single-member LLC, electing an S-Corp can save a chunk of tax for you. As a single-member LLC, the owners have to pay about 15.3% self-employment tax. However, if you have an S-Corp tax structure, no SE tax is payable by the LLC. Read more on what tax forms LLCs file.
Step 1Decide on a Name for Your Florida LLC
The first step in forming a limited liability company in Florida is to give a proper name to your LLC. Before you name your business, you must know that the name should be easy to remember, available in the state, and follow all the LLC naming guidelines.
LLC Naming Guidelines in Florida
There are a few specific requirements all the LLCs in Florida have to follow while naming their Company. Some of the most important requirements are as follows:
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Your business name should be available, and no other existing business in Florida can have the same name.
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"Limited Liability Company", "LLC", "L.L.C.", "LC", "L.C.", and "Limited Company" - any one of these has to be used as a suffix in your business name.
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You cannot use any name for your business that is confusing or misleading. Terms such as "Treasury", "State Department", "FBI", "CIA", etc. shouldn't be included.
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Terms like "Bank", "University", "Attorney", "Doctor", etc, can be added only after the additional requirements by the Florida State Government are fulfilled.
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(Optional) It's better to name your business something for which your desired domain is available.
| Important Links - | Submit Offline Form to - |
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| Florida Business Entity Search – Online Search Florida LLC Name Search – Instructions Name Availability Standards – Guidelines | Department of State Division of Corporations P.O. Box 6327 Tallahassee, FL 32314 |
Doing Business As (DBA) or Trade Name
Once you have a legal name for your LLC, you can register it. However, it is not mandatory. You can, instead, use DBA, Fictitious Name, or Trade Name. In that case, you must register your name with the Florida Secretary of State by submitting a Fictitious Name Certificate (Online and By Mail) and a filing fee of $50.
Do I have to include LLC in my company email/domain?
It is not legally mandatory to use the word LLC in your domain name or email. If you want, you can use it. However, it is recommended not to use LLC in the domain name. A domain name should be short and easy to remember.
Step 2Assign a Registered Agent in Florida
The second step to forming an LLC in Florida is to appoint a Registered Agent. A registered agent is a person or business entity working on your LLC's behalf. This person or business will receive important tax forms, legal documents, all notices of lawsuits, and other official government correspondence in Florida. Hence, hiring a competent Florida Registered Agent for your LLC is necessary.
Make sure your registered agent is a resident of Florida or has a physical street address. This address will be used as the principal address of your LLC to receive any legal documents. Most LLC formation companies also provide registered agent services. Below are two great LLC formation services; even if you buy their cheapest plan (normally $0), you also get registered agent service and other services at a very reasonable price.
- 1-day rush filing (add-on)
- Attorney help (legal plan)
- Established reputation
These two are our top recommendations for LLC service, as they are competent and authorized to conduct business in Florida. Some LLC formation services also offer standalone Florida registered agent services. You can purchase only Registered Agent services without purchasing any other LLC formation services. This standalone service might become handy if you are doing it yourself and don't want to disclose your home address, or you don't want to pierce the corporate veil.
Who Can Be a Registered Agent?
A person above 18 years of age and who has a physical address in the state of Florida can be a Registered Agent. A Registered Agent can be an independent person or a business entity. One is responsible for handling all the legal documents on the LLC's behalf.
Can I Be My Own Registered Agent?
Yes, you can be your own registered agent if you are a resident of the state of Florida and you are above 18 years of age. To become a registered agent, you must have the authority to conduct any type of business in Florida.
Why Shouldn't I be My Own Registered Agent?
There are a few reasons why you shouldn't be your own registered agent. The address of the registered agent is used to communicate with the SOS or for any legal activities. If you are your own registered agent, you might have to upload your personal address to the public forum. Besides, the registered agent must be at the address during business hours. It won't be easy for you as you also have to take care of other things in your LLC. Hence, it is wiser to appoint a separate entity as your registered agent.
What is Piercing the Corporate Veil in an LLC?
If an LLC is sued in Florida, in some cases, courts might decide to lift the corporate veil, which means the owners of the LLC will be personally liable for their business debts. They might have to forgo their personal assets to repay their business debts. This is called piercing the corporate veil, where personal and business assets are no longer separated. Your personal assets can be protected if you have enough capital and all your LLC documents are properly filed.
Registered Agent Consent Application
In Florida, a Registered Agent has to sign a consent form when he/she was appointed by the LLC. This consent form is a letter of acceptance from the agent's side that he/she is ready to serve as their agent. In some states, a separate form has to be submitted, but in Florida, if you change your registered agent, then they can give their acceptance by filling up the same form (Change of Registered Agent form) and paying $25.
Step 3File Articles of Organization in Florida
The third and most important step in forming an LLC is to file the Articles of Organization. The Florida Articles of Organization is a legal document that is required to register your business with the Florida Secretary of State. It costs $125 (online and by mail filing) to file your formation certificate in Florida. (Read more on LLC cost in Florida).
The Articles of Organization include details like the name of the LLC, the registered agent's name, address, employees' details, and company structure (member-managed or manager-managed). Before hiring employees in a Florida LLC, one should thoroughly know the rules and regulations. Also, if you are expanding your existing business (an LLC) in other states to Florida, you must register as a Florida Foreign LLC.
How to File Online
Go to the Secretary of State Online Service. You will get the Articles of Organization filing page. You will get two options: one, File Articles of Organization, and the other, Correct Articles of Organization. Click on the buttons below to get to the filing page. Read more about the Florida Articles of Organization for online registration.
Correct Articles of Organization
How to File by Mail
If you prefer filing real-life forms for your LLC registration in Florida, then you can download the Articles of Organization form. Read the form thoroughly, fill it out, and send it to the address mentioned below.
Mailing Address: New Filing Section
Division of Corporations
P.O. Box 6327
Tallahassee, FL 32314
Processing Time: Normally, it takes around 1-2 weeks (offline) to get your LLC formed in Florida. The processing time for online filing is immediate if paying by cards. However, the document processing time can be changed due to various factors.
Step 4Create Your LLC Operating Agreement in Florida
Moving on to the fourth step, filing your operating agreement. An operating agreement is a document that legally outlines the proprietorship and operating procedures of your LLC. This document is vital as it ensures that all business owners are on the same page regarding how they operate, thus reducing future conflicts.
When it comes to filing a Florida LLC Operating Agreement, the state does not require you to have a comprehensive operating agreement, but it is ideal to have one that contains all the details of your business operation, which helps in making future business decisions, especially if you decide to dissolve a Florida LLC later. Hence, having an operating agreement may not be necessary, but it is surely ideal.
Step 5Filing a Florida LLC EIN
The Employer Identification Number (aka EIN) is a nine-digit number given by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to make it easier to identify the type of business for tax purposes and taxes in general. The EIN is necessary for any active business or any form of business, for that matter.
For an LLC in Florida, an EIN is required when the LLC hires employees. Apart from that, banking services, tax filings, and many other government documents require an LLC to obtain an EIN in Florida. On the other hand, if your LLC is based in another state (home state) and you are expanding your business in Florida, you must get an EIN to establish a Foreign LLC in Florida.
To obtain an EIN (aka FEIN), one has to fill out a form (Online or by mail) and submit it to the IRS. Enter details of your LLC, and finally complete the form and send it to the address given. You can also get an EIN Assistant to help you with the process.
Mail to: Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999
Fax: (855) 641-6935 | Fee: Free
After Starting Your Florida LLC
After forming your LLC, there are still some things that you will need. The most important thing is to separate your business and personal assets. LLCs have limited liability protection that protects your personal assets from business liability. This is called a corporate veil. However, the corporate veil can be lifted or pierced by the court if the LLC is sued. In that case, the owners of the LLC become personally liable for their corporate debts. A few things like appointing a legit registered agent, having enough capital, and filing all the major documents with the state can save the LLCs from being pierced into the corporate veil.
BOI Report Filing
According to the Corporate Transparency Act, foreign entities registered to do business in the U.S. must file a BOI report with FinCEN. However, note that as of March 26, 2025, FinCEN issued an interim final rule removing BOI reporting requirements for all domestic U.S. companies and U.S. persons. If your LLC was formed under U.S. law, you are currently exempt from BOI filing obligations — consult the FinCEN BOI page for the latest guidance, as this regulatory area remains subject to change.
Apart from that, there are a few things you need to take note of,
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Get a company business bank account. Along with that, business credit cards, business accounting tools, and, if needed, business accounting software should be there to run the business. Your business credit cards help you to check the business expenses from time to time, along with up-to-date business credit scores for further financial assistance.
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File Florida business permits & licenses. To run legitimate businesses, you must obtain proper permits such as building permits, health permits, signage permits, and more. Check all the details of business licenses and permits before you proceed with the application. Also, make sure your company needs federal business licenses or state licenses.
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Get general liability insurance and professional liability insurance with coverage for employees. Many business insurance companies provide various types of business insurance. You can check their business profiles and choose the most suitable business insurance provider for your company.
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File a Florida LLC annual report due on May 1 every year.
This page has provided you with steps for LLC formation and filing processes. You now have to remember upcoming filing deadlines and filing fees or filing costs, including fees for late filings, to make sure your LLC is up-to-date.
The LLC formation processing time in Florida is 1-2 weeks if filing offline (by mail). The process takes almost no time if filed online. Check how long it takes to form an LLC to know about the tentative timelines.
Cost of Starting an LLC in the State of Florida
LLCs can be formed by spending very low prices. Apart from the mandatory state filing fees, you don't have to bear additional service charges if you do it yourself. The following are the fees and taxes LLCs in Florida must pay to register and run a business in the state. Forming an LLC is no doubt cost-effective compared to other business structures. However, the fees and charges (tax-deductible) that you must pay to the state, such as name reservation fee, name filing fee, LLC filing fee, and Franchise Tax & Sales Tax (If applicable). Here are the main fees and taxes you must pay while forming your limited liability company in Florida,
| Fees/Tax | Amount to be Paid |
|---|---|
| Articles of Organization Fee | $125 |
| LLC Annual Fee | $138.75 |
| Sales Tax | 6% |
In Florida, LLC name reservation is not available. Once you decide to start an LLC, you are required to file the name immediately. LLC name reservation is not mandatory. You can register your LLC name at the time of registering your LLC. In some states, Name Reservation is mandatory. Read our guide on LLC costs in Florida for more information.
Note: A very important note for the LLC owners on filing an Annual Report in Florida. The cost to file the report is $138.75. But, the penalty for not filing it on time is a real pain. The Florida state charges $400, non-waivable penalty for the LLCs that fail to file an Annual Report on or before May 1 every year. By the 4th Friday of September, LLCs may face an administrative dissolution. To save your LLC, you need to pay $538.75 as a penalty + report fee to the state.
Important Tip: As per the Florida state rule, failing to file your Annual Report on or before May 1 will lead to administrative dissolution by the end of September. In that case, to save your LLC, you can either pay the whole $538.75 or you can just save $300 by reinstating it after the dissolution.
To reinstate the LLC in Florida, one has to pay $100 (reinstatement fee). So, to escape $400 penalty, you can let your LLC gets dissolved, file reinstatement, pay the fee plus the annual fee and done. You can easily save $300 here. However, the moment dissolution process starts, your LLC name will be unprotected. You cannot reserve it until the reinstatement process to over. Hence, it is quite tricky at the same time risky to go through the dissolution-reinstatement process.
Florida Foreign LLC
If you are interested in forming a Foreign LLC in the state of Florida, then you need to file the Certificate of Foreign LLC to the Florida Secretary of State. Foreign LLCs allow you to operate your business in more than one state. Along with the Certificate of Foreign LLC, you need to submit some more documents, like the Certificate of Good Standing, etc., to the Florida SOS to form your foreign LLC in the state of Florida. To know more in detail, check out our guide on Florida Foreign LLC.
Florida LLC Formation Review
Time needed: 5 minutes.
Just to recap, here are the easy steps again when forming an LLC in Florida. Click on the steps in this list to read the full details.
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The first thing you must do is choose a company name, which should be unique, easy to find, and available in the state.
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In Florida, it is mandatory to select a registered agent for your LLC. Get a professional Registered Agent from LLC formation services to get things done hassle-free.
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Filing a formation certificate is necessary when forming a Limited Liability Company in Florida. Depending on the state, it could be called any of the following: Certificate of Formation, Articles of Organization, or Certificate of Organization.
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An operating agreement is not a strict requirement in Florida, but something encouraged when you start an LLC to avoid future conflicts.
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The Employer Identification Number (EIN), also called Federal Tax Identification Number, serves to identify a business entity, like a Social Security number, but for a company.
F.A.Qs
Can I file an LLC in Florida by myself?
If you are a resident of Florida, then you can file your LLC by yourself. However, it is always worth having a professional rather than doing it yourself to handle legal complexities, paperwork, and other documentation.
What is the cost of forming an LLC in Florida in a year?
Apart from the formation fee of $125 (domestic LLC) and $125 (foreign LLC), LLC costs in Florida include $138.75 for Annual Reports every year (failing to file on or before May 1, the penalty is $400). LLCs are liable to pay sales tax of 6% every year.
How long does it take to get an LLC in Florida?
It takes 2 to 4 weeks to get an LLC in the state of Florida if you file it online. If you hire a professional LLC service, then it might take less than that.
How to renew my LLC in the state of Florida?
Every year all the LLCs have to submit an Annual Report and pay $138.75 to the Florida Secretary of State and renew the LLC. It is mandatory to renew your LLC every year.
What is the tax structure for an LLC in the state of Florida?
Generally, for LLCs, it is a default tax structure. Once you obtain the EIN, you will get the various tax structure options to select. Sometimes LLCs choose an S Corp to reduce federal tax burdens. Read more on the Florida Classification of LLC Tax.
In Conclusion
When it comes to forming an LLC in Florida, it is much simpler than other business structures. In Florida, starting a small business or a start-up is easy because of its diverse resources. For small budget holders, forming a limited liability company is desirable. The steps explained in this article are generic steps for starting a business in Florida. It is recommended to consult an attorney or service provider.