1. What is a Florida LLC?
A Florida Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a legal business entity
that protects your personal assets from business liabilities.
It combines the flexibility of a sole proprietorship or partnership
with the legal protection of a corporation.
Florida LLCs are commonly used by startups, service businesses,
ecommerce brands, and real estate investors.
2. Why Form an LLC in Florida?
Florida consistently ranks as one of the best states for business formation. Its tax advantages, straightforward filing system, and minimal ongoing requirements make Florida LLC registration appealing for both US and international founders.
Key Advantages
- No state personal income tax
- Strong liability protection for owners
- Simple and fast online filing through Sunbiz
- Flexible ownership and management structure
- Business-friendly environment with low bureaucracy
3. Legal Structure of Florida LLCs
A Florida LLC becomes legally active once the Articles of Organization are filed with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz).
Legal Highlights
- Members are not personally liable for company debts
- Single-member and multi-member LLCs are allowed
- Operating Agreement is optional but recommended
- Foreign and non-US owners are permitted
- LLCs can be member-managed or manager-managed
4. Choosing a Name for Your Florida LLC
Before filing your Florida LLC, your business name must comply with state naming rules.
- Name must include “LLC” or “Limited Liability Company”
- Name must be distinguishable in Florida records
- Restricted words may require additional approval
- Name reservation is optional
- DBA (fictitious name) can be registered separately
READY TO FORM YOUR FLORIDA LLC?
Let our experts handle your Florida LLC registration quickly and correctly.
Start Florida LLC Registration5. Registered Agent Requirements
Every Florida LLC must appoint a Registered Agent with a physical street address in Florida to receive legal notices and official correspondence.
Who Can Be a Registered Agent?
- Florida resident (18+ years old)
- Authorized Florida registered agent service
Why Use a Professional Agent?
- Protects owner privacy
- Ensures compliance reminders
- Reliable handling of legal documents
| Feature | FormLLC | Provider A | Provider B |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built for non-US founders | ✅ Deep non-resident focus | ➖ Limited support | ➖ Generic templates |
| End-to-end guidance (LLC → EIN → BOI → Tax) | ✅ Included / add-ons | ➖ Partial | ➖ Formation only |
| Transparent pricing | ✅ No surprise upsells | ⚠️ Hidden add-ons | ⚠️ Tiered upsells |
| Human support (WhatsApp / email) | ✅ Dedicated support | ➖ Ticket-based | ➖ Slow response |
*Sample stats for illustration. Add your real numbers and link to verified reviews.
Always look beyond just the “formation price”. The real cost includes annual reports, registered agent renewals, tax filings, and mistake-correction. A slightly higher, more complete package can save thousands of dollars (and a lot of stress) later.
6. How to Register an LLC in Florida
Step 1: Appoint a Registered Agent
Florida law requires every LLC to appoint a registered agent with a physical street address in Florida. The registered agent is responsible for receiving legal notices and official state correspondence.
Step 2: File the Articles of Organization
File the Articles of Organization with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz) . This officially creates your Florida LLC.
State filing fee: $125
Step 3: Register for State Taxes (If Applicable)
Depending on your business activities, you may need to register with the Florida Department of Revenue for sales tax, employer taxes, or other state taxes.
Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement
Florida does not legally require an Operating Agreement, but having one is strongly recommended. It outlines ownership, management structure, voting rights, and profit distribution among members.
Although the Operating Agreement is not filed with the state, banks, investors, and payment processors often request it.
Step 5: Obtain an EIN
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is required to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file federal taxes. You can apply for free through the IRS EIN application .
Step 6: Open a Business Bank Account
After completing Florida LLC registration, opening a dedicated business bank account helps separate personal and business finances and protects your limited liability.
Most U.S. banks require the following:
- Approved Articles of Organization
- Your LLC Operating Agreement
- Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Valid government-issued photo ID of the owner or manager
Many Florida LLC owners open their business bank account shortly after receiving their EIN to avoid delays in payments or invoicing.
7. Tips to Stay Compliant
- Maintain an active registered agent in Florida
- File your Florida annual report on time each year
- Keep accurate financial, tax, and ownership records
- Meet all federal and state tax deadlines
8. Florida LLC Fees & Costs
Florida is considered one of the most business-friendly states for LLC formation. It does not charge a state franchise tax for LLCs and has simple, predictable compliance costs.
| Filing or Service | When Due | State Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization | At formation | $125 |
| Annual Report | By May 1 each year | $138.75 |
| Registered Agent Service (optional) | Ongoing | $100–$300 per year |
| Employer Identification Number (EIN) | After formation | Free |
The Articles of Organization filing fee is paid directly to the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz) .
Florida LLCs must file an annual report each year to remain in good standing. Failure to file by May 1 may result in late fees or administrative dissolution.
9. Federal Requirements
1. Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Most Florida LLCs are required to obtain an EIN from the IRS. This federal tax ID is used for banking, hiring employees, and filing federal tax returns.
2. Federal Tax Classification
By default, the IRS taxes LLCs as follows:
- Single-member LLC: Reported on Schedule C (Form 1040)
- Multi-member LLC: Files Form 1065
- S Corporation election (optional): Filed using Form 2553
Choosing the right tax classification can impact how much you pay in taxes, so many Florida LLC owners consult a tax professional.
10. Conclusion
Florida LLC registration offers a powerful combination of tax advantages, simplicity, and flexibility. It’s an excellent choice for entrepreneurs who want to start and grow a business with fewer barriers.
FormLLC simplifies the process — handling filings, compliance, and support from start to finish.
11. Frequently Asked Questions
The Florida LLC registration cost is $125 for filing the Articles of Organization. In addition, Florida requires an annual report filing fee of $138.75 to keep your LLC active and compliant.
Florida LLC filings submitted online through Sunbiz are usually approved within 1–3 business days, depending on processing volume.
Yes. Every Florida LLC must appoint a registered agent with a physical street address in Florida to receive legal and official documents.
No. Florida does not legally require an Operating Agreement, but it is highly recommended to define ownership, management, and internal business rules.
Most Florida LLCs need an EIN. It is required to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file federal taxes with the IRS.
No. Florida does not charge an annual franchise tax. However, all LLCs must file an annual report each year and pay the required filing fee to remain in good standing.
Depending on your business type and location, you may need local, county, or state licenses or permits to legally operate in Florida.
