How to Get Certificate of Good Standing in Florida (2024)


Steve Bennett
Steve Bennett
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Get Florida Certificate of Good Standing

The Certificate of Good Standing in Florida is a significant document that is required if you expand your business to another state. When you file an LLC in Florida, you must submit a handful of documents to the Secretary of State. In case you take your business beyond the state border, you need this additional document, commonly known as the Certificate of Good Standing.

In this article, LLCBuddy editors share the ins and outs of Florida Certificate of Good Standing. You’ll also learn what the uses of this document are other than having a foreign LLC out of state. We shared how to get the Certificate of Good Standing in Florida. The Certificate of Good Standing is one of the most important documents your business needs. Whether it is the LLC filing or a corporation filing in Florida or any other form of business, the Certificate of Good Standing must be obtained. 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 in Florida, 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, 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. Besides, to restore or reinstate an LLC in Florida after dissolution, you must obtain this document.

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- 

articles of organization
  • 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 Registered 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 Florida 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

In Florida, a Certificate of Status can be obtained by requesting it online. Go to the Certificate of Status-Sunbiz Page to order the Certificate of Status in Florida.

The following points are required to be mentioned in the form-

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

name your llc

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 that you 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 that more copies of the certificate be obtained 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 for corporations, LLC amendment, corporation amendment, and other registered documents with the SOS. This is optional, and you can avoid this. You must pay a stipulated fee for every copy you request. 

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 must search the Florida SOS official website for the appropriate form.

Step 3: Filing Fee and Processing Time

A filing fee of $5 ($8.75 for corporations) must be paid to the SOS to obtain the Certificate of Good Standing. The amount might be more depending on the number of copies you request. If you request other document copies, you might have to 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.
  • If your LLC is dissolved for any administrative reasons and you want to restore it, you must obtain the Certificate of Good Standing for reinstatement.

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 Florida Certificate of Good Standing is a document issued by the state confirming that a business entity is in compliance with all state requirements.
How can I obtain a Florida Certificate of Good Standing?
You can request a Florida Certificate of Good Standing online through the website of the Florida Department of State.
What information do I need to provide to request a Florida Certificate of Good Standing?
You will need to provide the name of your business entity and pay a fee in order to obtain a Florida Certificate of Good Standing.
How much does a Florida Certificate of Good Standing cost?
The cost of a Florida Certificate of Good Standing varies depending on the type of entity and how you request it.
How long does it take to receive a Florida Certificate of Good Standing?
The processing time for a Florida Certificate of Good Standing typically ranges from a few business days to a week, depending on the method of request.
Why would I need a Florida Certificate of Good Standing?
A Florida Certificate of Good Standing is often required when opening a bank account, seeking financing, or conducting business transactions in Florida.
Can I request a Florida Certificate of Good Standing if my entity is not in good standing?
No, you must bring your entity into compliance before you can request a Florida Certificate of Good Standing.
What does it mean if my entity is not in good standing in Florida?
If your entity is not in good standing in Florida, it means that you have not satisfied all state requirements, such as filing annual reports or paying fees.
Can I request a Florida Certificate of Good Standing online?
Yes, you can request a Florida Certificate of Good Standing online through the official website of the Florida Department of State.
How do I know if my Florida Certificate of Good Standing is valid?
Your Florida Certificate of Good Standing will have an issue date and an expiration date, if applicable, to indicate its validity.
Can I request a rush processing for a Florida Certificate of Good Standing?
Yes, you can request expedited processing for a Florida Certificate of Good Standing for an additional fee.
Can I download a copy of my Florida Certificate of Good Standing online?
Yes, once your request is processed, you can download a copy of your Florida Certificate of Good Standing from the official website.
How do I know if my entity is eligible to receive a Florida Certificate of Good Standing?
Your entity must be in compliance with all state requirements in order to be eligible to receive a Florida Certificate of Good Standing.
What happens if I lose my Florida Certificate of Good Standing?
If you lose your Florida Certificate of Good Standing, you can request a duplicate copy online for a fee.
Can I request a Florida Certificate of Good Standing for a former business entity?
Yes, you can request a Florida Certificate of Good Standing for a former business entity as long as you have the necessary information to identify the entity.
Can a non-resident request a Florida Certificate of Good Standing?
Yes, non-residents can request a Florida Certificate of Good Standing as long as they have a business entity registered in Florida.
What information is included in a Florida Certificate of Good Standing?
A Florida Certificate of Good Standing includes information such as the name of the entity, its status, the date of formation, and whether it is in good standing.
Can I request a Florida Certificate of Good Standing for a profit or non-profit entity?
Yes, you can request a Florida Certificate of Good Standing for both profit and non-profit entities registered in Florida.
Can I request a Florida Certificate of Good Standing for a trade name or fictitious name?
No, a Florida Certificate of Good Standing is issued for business entities such as corporations, LLCs, and partnerships, not for trade names or fictitious names.
Can I verify the authenticity of a Florida Certificate of Good Standing?
Yes, you can verify the authenticity of a Florida Certificate of Good Standing by checking the official website of the Florida Department of State.
Are there any restrictions on the use of a Florida Certificate of Good Standing?
A Florida Certificate of Good Standing is meant for official use only and should not be altered or misused for fraudulent purposes.
Can a Florida Certificate of Good Standing be used as proof of tax compliance?
A Florida Certificate of Good Standing may be used as proof of tax compliance in certain situations, but you should consult with a tax professional for specific advice.
Can a Florida Certificate of Good Standing be used for international business transactions?
Yes, a Florida Certificate of Good Standing may be required for international business transactions to demonstrate compliance with state regulations.
Can I request a Florida Certificate of Good Standing if my entity is involved in litigation?
Yes, as long as your entity is in compliance with all state requirements, you can request a Florida Certificate of Good Standing regardless of litigation involvement.
How long is a Florida Certificate of Good Standing valid for?
A Florida Certificate of Good Standing is typically valid for a specific period of time, such as 90 days or 6 months, depending on the state’s regulations.
Can I request a Florida Certificate of Good Standing for multiple entities at once?
Yes, you can request a Florida Certificate of Good Standing for multiple entities at once by providing the necessary information and paying the applicable fees.
Can I request a Florida Certificate of Good Standing by mail?
Yes, you can request a Florida Certificate of Good Standing by mail, but online requests are generally processed more quickly.
Can I request a Florida Certificate of Good Standing if I am not the authorized representative of the entity?
No, you must be an authorized representative of the entity in order to request a Florida Certificate of Good Standing on its behalf.
Is there a fee for obtaining a Florida Certificate of Good Standing?
Yes, there is a fee for obtaining a Florida Certificate of Good Standing, which can vary depending on the type of business entity and the requested delivery method.
What is the validity period of a Florida Certificate of Good Standing?
A Florida Certificate of Good Standing is typically valid for a specific period, such as 90 days from the date of issuance.

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In 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.

While forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or a Corporation in Florida, it is necessary to have some documents filed with the State authority. The Certificate of Good Standing is one of them. In some cases, if the business gets shut down or dissolved due to administrative reasons, this document helps the owners retrieve their business in the future. In this article, we shared DIY ways to get the document, but you can always hire a professional to get that for you.

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