Perhaps you are hoping to form a Florida LLC. People assume how to start an LLC is difficult and costly. However, it’s generally not difficult, and the cost would vary across states. We have all the info you need to know about the cost of forming an LLC, particularly the LLC cost in Florida.
Florida LLC Cost of Filing
Here are the costs involved in forming an LLC in Florida.
Cost of Filing Formation Certificates
The Florida Certificate of Formation is responsible for the majority of the cost, which could also vary depending on whether you’re forming a domestic LLC or a foreign LLC. Still, you can file both at the Florida Secretary of State.
Florida Domestic LLC
- Online Filing Fee costs $100.00
- Registered Agent Fee $25.00
- Certified Copy (optional) costs $30.00
- Certificate of Status (optional) costs $5.00
- Annual Report Fee costs $138.75
- Fine on late report costs $400
- By Mail: Fill out the application form, and sent it to New Filing Section, Division of Corporations, P.O.Box 6327, Tallahassee, Florida 32314. Costs $125
Florida Foreign LLC
- Online Application Filing Fee $100.00
- Designation of Registered Agent $25.00
- Certified Copy (optional) $30.00
- Certificate of Status $5.00
By Mail: Fill out the application form, and sent it to the Division of Corporations, Registration Section, P.O.Box 6327, Tallahassee, Florida 32314. Costs $125
Note that filing online is ideal, not only because you need to go to the Secretary of State office, but also it would be faster. You won’t have to wait in a queue in doing so.
Florida LLC Formation Service or Registered Agent Fee
You need a registered agent to form an LLC in Florida, hence, added costs for service fees. Here are three of the best LLC services on our list that will provide you with registered agents to ease your worries.
Business Permits and Licenses
The business licenses depend on your business’s activity and location and are renewed yearly. As such, the cost will vary. Check the Florida Department of Revenue for regulatory boards or agencies requiring licensing.
Florida LLC Taxes to be Paid
Florida is a tax-friendly state and provides numerous exemptions and low rates of taxes to business entities conducting their operations in the State.
Personal Income Tax
Florida does not impose any local county income tax on businesses and corporations.
Federal Income Tax
The Federal Income tax in the State of Florida varies between 10% to 39.6%.
State Business Tax
The Corporation income tax in Florida is generally at the rate of 5.5% of federal taxable income.
Sales Tax
The State imposes the sales tax at a standard rate of 6%. After the addition of local taxes, the general rate of sales is considered to be 7.01%.
Property Tax
The State imposes a tax at the rate of 0.98% on property.
Cost Comparison Among States
Every state has different costs of filing for an LLC to their respective State Authorities. If you wish to gain a better understanding of the costs of opening an LLC in a different state in comparison to Florida, read the table below:
State | Filing Fee | Annual Fee/Biennial Fee | Sales Tax |
Florida LLC | $125 | $138.75 (Annual) | 6% |
Georgia LLC | $100 | $50 (Annual) | 4% |
Delaware LLC | $90 | $300 (Annual) | no sales tax |
Tennessee LLC | $300 | $300 (Annual) | 7% |
North Carolina LLC | $125 | $200 (Annual) | 4.75% |
Florida’s economy is listed among the world’s largest economies. The five significant sectors in Florida are transportation and utilities, trade, professional business services, education and health services, and hospitality. It is one of the States with a very little tax burden.
Other Costs
- Florida Name Reservation: $35
- Doing Business As (DBA): $50 for online filling or filing by mail
- Certified Document Copies: $30
- Certifificate of Good Standing: $5
- Business Domain Name and Website: depend on your preference, but domain name could be as low as $2.99/yr at NameCheap, and web hosting is at least $30/mo at Kinsta.
- Online workspace: at least $4.20/mo for GSuite.
- Business Insurance: would vary depending on insurance type–whether general liability insurance or professional liability insurance–and coverage.
- Dissolution of Florida LLC: $25
F.A.Qs
It is possible to form an LLC without professional help, but forms still have associated costs, regardless of where your LLC is formed.
It is difficult to say whether forming an LLC is expensive. Nevertheless, the cost could be anywhere from $40 to $500. If you refuse to hire professionals, you’ll still have expenses like form fees to cover.
The need to separate personal money from business funds, thus necessitating the creation of a business bank account for your LLC.
How Much Does It Cost to Maintain an LLC in Florida
To maintain an LLC in Florida you will need to pay an annual fee of $138.75 along with sales tax, state business tax and federal taxes.
One of the main costs associated with maintaining an LLC in Florida is the annual filing fee required by the state. This fee must be paid by every LLC registered in Florida, regardless of whether or not the business is actively conducting operations. It is important for LLC owners to be aware of this fee and budget accordingly to ensure compliance with state regulations.
Another important cost to consider when maintaining an LLC in Florida is the registered agent fee. A registered agent is an individual or business entity designated to receive legal documents on behalf of the LLC. While this fee is not mandatory for all LLCs, many business owners opt to hire a registered agent to avoid legal complications and ensure proper documentation handling.
In addition to these fees, LLC owners in Florida must also consider the costs associated with annual reports and other mandatory filings. Failure to comply with state regulations can result in steep fines and potential dissolution of the LLC, making it crucial for business owners to stay current on all necessary paperwork and requirements.
It is also important for LLC owners to budget for any additional professional services that may be required to maintain legal compliance. This includes fees for hiring attorneys, accountants, or other professional advisors to assist with tax filings, legal issues, or other business matters. While these expenses can add up, they are crucial for ensuring the long-term success and stability of the LLC.
When considering the costs of maintaining an LLC in Florida, it is important for business owners to take a proactive approach to budgeting and financial planning. By understanding the various fees and requirements associated with operating an LLC in the state, business owners can better allocate resources and ensure compliance with state regulations.
Overall, while maintaining an LLC in Florida may come with certain costs and fees, it is important for business owners to view these expenses as necessary investments in the long-term success and sustainability of their business. By staying current on all state requirements and budgeting for necessary fees and services, LLC owners can help ensure their business remains in good standing and compliant with state regulations.
In Conclusion
The cost of Florida is much lower compared to other forms of business. Apart from the state filing fees and annual taxes, you might bear the cost of the registered agent. Compare the price of professional LLC services and choose the most affordable one.