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Basic
$199
Fees for filing legal documents to register or maintain a business.
02 weeks processing
Agent fee
Registered Address
Document filing with the Secretary of State
Standard
$499
Fees for filing legal documents to register or maintain a business.
05 days processing
Includes everything in basic package
Comprehensive name check
Preparation of Articles of Incorporation
Lifetime customer support (phone & email)
Federal Tax ID (EIN) Obtainment Service
Premium
$599
Fees for filing legal documents to register or maintain a business.
01 day processing
Includes everything in standard package
2 hours of free tax consultation
Key Points of Florida LLCs
Strong Privacy Protections
Florida allows privacy through nominee services and holding entities. LLC members and managers are not listed in public filings unless voluntarily disclosed.
State Corporate Taxes
Florida LLCs enjoy pass-through taxation. There is no personal state income tax, so members do not pay state tax on LLC profits.
Business-Friendly Legal Environment
Florida offers flexible LLC structures, no residency requirements, and a streamlined online formation process.
Understanding Florida LLCs
A Florida LLC combines liability protection with flexible management and tax benefits, making it a top choice for business owners seeking simplicity and asset security in a pro-business state.
What is a Florida LLC?
A Florida LLC provides limited liability for members and allows either member-managed or manager-managed structures. An operating agreement is strongly recommended but not required by law.
A Florida LLC offers several benefits, including:
Personal asset protection, no state income tax, simple formation, customizable management, and strong recognition for business credibility.
Why choose an LLC in Florida?
Choosing an LLC in Florida offers strong liability protection, no tax on pass-through income, and easy digital filing. It’s ideal for both solo entrepreneurs and multi-member ventures.
Key Benefits Include:
Privacy Protection
Predictable Taxes
No Double Taxation
Legal Environment
Business Credibility
Clear Guidelines
Pros and Cons of an LLC in Florida
Starting a Florida LLC: Benefits
A Florida LLC protects personal assets from business liabilities, offers flexible management, and supports both single- and multi-member structures. Series LLCs are also permitted.
Taxation of a Florida LLC
LLC income is passed through to members and taxed only at the federal level. Florida imposes no personal income tax, and S-corp election may offer payroll tax savings.
Starting a Florida LLC: Drawbacks
LLC members owe self-employment tax unless an S-corp election is made. Series LLCs require strict record keeping, and raising capital may be harder compared to corporations.
Who Can Form a Florida LLC?
Any individual or legal entity can form a Florida LLC, with no residency or citizenship requirements.
Types of LLCs in Florida
Domestic LLC (Florida-based LLC)
A domestic LLC is formed under Florida law and operates within the state, offering limited liability protection, pass-through taxation, and flexible management options.
Foreign LLC (Out-of-state LLC registering in Florida)
A foreign LLC operates in Florida but was initially formed in another state. It must register with the Division of Corporations, appoint a Florida registered agent, and provide a certificate of existence.
Series LLC (Effective July 1, 2026)
Florida will allow Protected Series LLCs, enabling a parent LLC to create multiple liability-shielded series. Each series must maintain separate records and comply with specific statutory requirements.
Professional LLC (PLLC)
Licensed professionals in Florida may form a PLLC or PC. All members must be licensed in the relevant field, and the company name must include “PLLC” or “Professional Limited Liability Company.”
How to Start an LLC in Florida
Choose a Business Name
Select a unique name that includes "LLC" or "L.L.C." and ensure it’s distinguishable from existing entities in Florida. Use the Secretary of State’s name search tool to verify availability.
Appoint a Registered Agent
Designate a registered agent to accept legal documents. This can be an individual or a registered service company with a physical address in Florida.
File the Articles of Organization
Submit Form LLC to the Florida Secretary of State, providing LLC name, principal office address, and registered agent details.
Create an Operating Agreement
Though not required, it’s recommended to draft an Operating Agreement outlining ownership, governance, and profit distribution to reinforce liability protection and support tax compliance.
Florida LLC Requirements
Age and Residency
Number of Members
Management Structure
Registered Agent and Office
Name Compliance
Florida LLC Application
To start an LLC in Florida, the key step is filing the Articles of Organization with the Florida Division of Corporations. This officially establishes your business as a legal entity under state law.
Required Information
The Articles of Organization must include:
- LLC name (must include “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” or “Limited Liability Company”)
- Principal office address (must be a physical street address)
- Mailing address (may be a P.O. Box)
- Registered agent’s name, Florida street address, and signed consent
- Management structure (member-managed or manager-managed)
- Optional effective date (can be up to 90 days after or 5 days before filing)
Filing Options
- Online: File through Florida’s Sunbiz portal for the fastest processing.
- By Mail, Fax, or In Person: Submit printed Articles with payment to the Florida Division of Corporations. Offline filings require a wet signature from the registered agent.
Post-Filing Requirements
- Operating Agreement: Not required to be filed but recommended for internal governance.
- Annual Report: Must be filed each year between January 1 and May 1 to maintain active status.
- Foreign LLCs: Must file an Application for Authorization and provide a certificate of existence from their home state, along with appointing a Florida registered agent.
Florida allows both single-member and multi-member LLCs. An operating agreement is not required but strongly recommended for clarity.
Florida LLC Taxation
Corporate Income Tax
LLCs taxed as corporations must file Florida Corporate Income Tax (Form F-1120) at a flat rate of 5.5%. LLCs taxed as partnerships or disregarded entities do not pay state income tax.
Florida LLC Fee
Florida does not charge an annual franchise tax or LLC fee based on income. The only recurring fee is the Annual Report filing fee required to maintain active status.
Sales and Use Tax
LLCs selling goods or taxable services must collect 6% state sales tax, plus local surtax (up to 2.5%) depending on the county. Use tax applies to out-of-state purchases used in Florida.
Florida LLC Annual Filing (Annual Report)
What to File
Florida LLCs must file an Annual Report to confirm or update business information, including principal address, registered agent, and member/manager details.
Filing Deadlines
The Annual Report is due every year by May 1. It becomes available for filing starting January 1 on Sunbiz.org.
Penalties & Consequences
Missing the May 1 deadline results in a $400 late fee. Continued failure to file may lead to administrative dissolution by the Florida Department of State.
Expanding Your Florida LLC
As your business grows, you may expand your Florida LLC into other states. This involves registering as a foreign LLC in each state you plan to operate in and complying with that state’s legal and tax requirements.
Registering a Foreign LLC in Florida
If your LLC was formed in another state but will operate in Florida, you must file an Application for Authorization, submit a Certificate of Existence, and appoint a registered agent with a Florida address.
Doing Business in Other States
To expand your Florida LLC, register as a foreign LLC in each state where you do business. This includes submitting a foreign registration application, providing a Certificate of Good Standing, and meeting local filing, tax, and licensing obligations.
Find The Right State To
Form An LLC
Every state has different rules, costs, and considerations for LLC formation.
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Doing Business in Florida
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, most states require you to have a registered agent to handle legal documents and notices during business hours.
While not always required by law, having an operating agreement is a smart move to outline your LLC’s rules and avoid disputes down the road.
An EIN is a federal tax ID; most LLCs need one to open a business bank account, file taxes, or hire employees.