Forming an Florida LLC

(2025 Guide)

2025 LLC Guide

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How to Start an LLC in Florida (Step-by-Step Guide)

Discover how to start an LLC in Florida, our step-by-step guide. Learn the essential requirements and process to form your business today.

To establish an LLC in Florida, you’ll need to submit the Articles of Organization to the Florida Department of State. This process costs $125 and typically requires 5 days for approval. Here are the 5 steps you need to take:

Choose an LLC Name
Select a Registered Agent
File Articles of Organization
Create an Operating Agreement
Obtain an EIN

If you prefer to set up your LLC independently, you can follow our complimentary guide below.

Alternatively, if you’d like assistance, we suggest hiring Northwest Registered Agent. They offer services for LLC formation and act as a Registered Agent.

Need to save time?

Form your LLC with Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee).

(See why Northwest is #1: Northwest vs LegalZoom.)

How much does it cost to establish an LLC in Florida?

The initial cost to form an LLC in Florida is $125. Additionally, there is a yearly fee of $138.75.

What do these fees cover? The $125 fee is for filing the Articles of Organization, which officially establishes your LLC. The annual $138.75 fee is for the Annual Report, a required filing that ensures your LLC remains in compliance. For more details, visit LLC Costs in Florida.

How long does it take to form an LLC in Florida?

Filing by mail results in approval within 12 business days (plus mailing time). However, online filing leads to approval within 5 business days. For any updates on processing times, check How long does it take to get an LLC in Florida.

Here are the steps to forming an LLC in Florida

1. Search Your LLC Name

Verify that your Florida LLC name is available by conducting a search within the state. It’s important to do this as identical business names are not permitted in Florida.

Begin by searching your desired business name and comparing it with those of existing businesses in the state. You can ensure your chosen LLC name is unique by utilizing the Sunbiz Division of Corporations: Search Records page.

Additionally, get acquainted with the state’s naming regulations to ensure your LLC name gets approved. We’ll provide more detailed information here: Florida LLC Name.

Note: 

Most people choose “LLC”.

2. Select a Florida Registered Agent

The following step involves selecting a Registered Agent. A Florida Registered Agent is an individual or company responsible for receiving legal mail and state notices on behalf of your Florida Limited Liability Company.

Who is eligible to be an LLC Registered Agent? You have three options for appointing a Registered Agent:

You
A friend or family member
A Registered Agent Service

Florida mandates that LLC Registered Agents must maintain a physical street address within the state. PO Boxes are not permissible. The name and address of the Registered Agent will be included in public records.

If you lack an address in Florida or desire increased privacy, you can opt for a Registered Agent Service for your LLC.

We suggest Northwest Registered Agent

One of the aspects we appreciate most about Northwest is their willingness to allow you to use their office address for your LLC filing. This ensures your personal address is not listed in public records.

Additionally, they provide a service to scan any mail addressed to your LLC and upload it to your online account. Northwest offers exceptional customer service, and we trust them as our own Registered Agent.

Special offer: 

Form your LLC with Northwest for $39 + state fee and get a free year of Registered Agent service.

(Read our Northwest Registered Agent review.)

3. Submit Articles of Organization to the Department of State

To establish an LLC, you must submit the Articles of Organization.

This document is filed with the Florida Department of State: Division of Corporations. Filing the Articles of Organization online costs $125. This is a one-time fee required for setting up your LLC.

If you prefer to handle this process on your own, refer to our detailed guide: Florida Articles of Organization. Alternatively, you can hire a company to manage the filing for you.

Need to save time? 

Form your LLC with Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee).

(See why Northwest is #1: Northwest vs LegalZoom.)

4. Draft an LLC Operating Agreement

An LLC Operating Agreement acts as a complementary document to the Certificate of Formation. While the Certificate of Formation establishes your LLC, the Operating Agreement identifies the owners of the LLC.

Moreover, many banks require an Operating Agreement when setting up an LLC bank account. It is also invaluable if legal issues arise, as it demonstrates the proper management of your LLC. For these reasons, we advise all LLCs, including Single-Member LLCs, to have an Operating Agreement.

Additionally, an Operating Agreement is considered an “internal document.” This means you don’t need to file it with the state or the IRS (Internal Revenue Service). Simply keep a copy with your business records. You can download a free template below. Then, watch our Delaware Operating Agreement video for a step-by-step guide on how to complete it.

Download a free LLC Operating Agreement:

Member-managed: Google Doc | Word | PDF
Manager-managed: Google Doc | Word

(What’s better? See Member-managed vs Manager-managed LLC)

5. Obtain an EIN for Your LLC

The following step is to secure a Florida EIN from the IRS for your LLC. Note: An EIN, also known as a Federal Tax ID Number or Federal Employer Identification Number, is essential.

An EIN is needed to:
– Identify your LLC for tax purposes
– Open a business bank account
– Apply for business licenses and permits

How much does an EIN cost? The IRS provides an EIN at no charge.

How long does it take to receive an EIN? Online applications are processed in 15 minutes, while mail or fax applications may take 1-3 months.

How can I obtain an EIN?
– US Citizens/Residents: With an SSN or ITIN, apply online. Follow these instructions: Apply for an EIN online.
– Non-US Residents: You can’t apply online, but you can obtain an EIN via fax or mail. See these instructions: How to get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN.

What should I do after my LLC is approved?

Once your LLC is approved, a few additional steps are necessary.

Open an LLC business bank account

It’s important to establish a dedicated business bank account for your LLC. This simplifies accounting and record-keeping for your business finances and helps maintain your personal liability protection by keeping business and personal finances separate.

Get business licenses and permits

Florida doesn’t require a state general business license, but you might need local permits depending on your LLC’s location. For instance, starting a daycare may require a city or county business license. Visit our Florida Business License page for more information.

File an Annual Report for your LLC

All Florida LLCs must submit an Annual Report each year to remain in good standing. The cost for the Annual Report is $138.75 annually. It’s due by May 1st every year. For instance, if your LLC was approved on February 15, 2025, your first Annual Report is due by May 1, 2026. Filing can be done online or by mail, though online is recommended for ease. Follow our detailed guide here: Florida LLC Annual Report.

File and pay taxes

LLCs don’t pay federal taxes directly; instead, the members pay taxes on their personal returns. In Florida, a Single-Member LLC is taxed like a Sole Proprietorship, while a Multi-Member LLC is taxed like a Partnership. You can also elect for your LLC to be taxed as a C-Corporation or S-Corporation. Florida doesn’t impose state income tax, so Single-Member LLCs don’t need to file a state income tax return. However, Multi-Member LLCs may need to file a Florida Partnership Return (Form F-1065). Additional business taxes might apply depending on your industry. Learn more in Florida LLC Taxes.

Helpful Resources

Florida Department of State: Division of Corporations
Phone: 850-245-6052
Hours: 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday (Eastern)
Website: Florida Division of Corporations: Sunbiz

Florida Department of Revenue
Phone: 850-488-6800
Hours: 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday (Eastern)
Website: Florida Department of Revenue: Contact Us

How to Start an LLC in Florida FAQs

Can I start an LLC online in Florida?

Absolutely, you can establish an LLC online in Florida. The fee for filing the Articles of Organization is $125. Once you file online, your LLC will be approved within 5 business days.

The primary advantage of an LLC is the protection of your personal assets. This means that if your business faces a lawsuit, your personal assets, such as your home, vehicles, and bank accounts, remain protected. This safeguard applies to all LLC owners, also known as LLC Members, whether you have a Single-Member LLC or a Multi-Member LLC. All owners are shielded from the business’s debts and liabilities. This protection isn’t available if you operate as a Sole Proprietorship or Partnership, where owners aren’t safeguarded during lawsuits. Consequently, Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) are a preferred business structure.

Another advantage is LLC pass-through taxation. The LLC itself doesn’t pay federal income taxes; instead, the profits “pass through” to the LLC Members, who then pay taxes on their individual tax returns. In addition, Florida doesn’t impose state income taxes. For more details, see How are LLCs taxed.

This depends on where you live and conduct business. If you reside or conduct business in Florida, it’s best to start your LLC there. Although some websites highlight tax advantages of other states, these benefits are irrelevant if it’s not the state where you live and operate. For instance, forming an LLC in Delaware while living and doing business in Florida requires registering your Delaware LLC in Florida, incurring extra fees, and still paying Florida taxes, leading to higher costs and complications without benefits.

In conclusion, if you live and conduct business in Florida, then yes, Florida is a suitable state for starting a business. If not, then it’s not.

Real estate exception: If buying real estate outside of Florida, form your LLC in the state where the property is located. For more insights, check Best State to Form an LLC.

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We specialize in guiding individuals through the process of forming LLCs across all states, while also offering a range of comprehensive business services tailored to entrepreneurs.

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