How to Start an LLC in Florida
To start an LLC in Florida, file Articles of Organization with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations. This costs $125 and takes 5 business days for online approval.
Florida's Annual Report has a hard $400 late fee if filed after May 1. Missing the September deadline results in administrative dissolution. File early.
There are 6 steps to start an LLC in Florida:
- 1Choose an LLC Name
- 2Select a Registered Agent
- 3File Articles of Organization
- 4Create an Operating Agreement
- 5Get an EIN from the IRS
- 6File Your Annual Report
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Florida?
It costs $125 to start an LLC in Florida. After formation, you will also owe $138.75/year for the File Your Annual Report.
What are these fees for?
- The $125 is to file the Articles of Organization — the document that officially creates your LLC.
- The $138.75/year is for the File Your Annual Report — a mandatory filing that keeps your LLC in good standing.
How long does it take to get an LLC in Florida?
- Online filing: 5 business days
- Mail filing: 12 business days (plus mail time)
You can file online or by mail. Online filing is recommended for faster approval.
Steps to Form an LLC in Florida
Step 1: Search Your LLC Name
Search your LLC name to make sure it's available in Florida. Two businesses in the state cannot share the same name.
Florida business name search →
Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent
A Registered Agent is a person or company that accepts legal mail and state notices on behalf of your LLC. Florida requires your Registered Agent to have a physical street address in the state — PO Boxes are not allowed. Your options:
- Yourself (if you have a physical address in Florida)
- A friend or family member who lives in Florida
- A professional Registered Agent service
Step 3: File Articles of Organization with Division of Corporations
To officially create your LLC, file the Articles of Organization with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations. The filing fee is $125.
You can file online or by mail. Online filing is recommended for faster approval.
Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement
An Operating Agreement is an internal document that shows who owns the LLC and how it will be run. You do not need to file it with the state or the IRS — just keep it with your business records. All LLCs should have one, even single-member LLCs.
Step 5: Get an EIN from the IRS
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is your LLC's federal tax ID. It is free from the IRS and is needed to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file taxes.
- US residents with an SSN: Apply online at IRS.gov (takes ~15 minutes, free)
- Non-US residents without an SSN: Apply by fax or mail using Form SS-4 (takes 1–3 months)
Step 6: File Your Annual Report
First due: May 1 of the year after your LLC is approved
- A $400 late fee applies if you file after May 1.
- If you don't file by the third Friday of September, your LLC will be administratively dissolved.
After Your LLC Is Approved
Open a business bank account
Keep business and personal finances separate to maintain liability protection. You will need your EIN and your stamped/approved Articles of Organization to open an account.
Get business licenses and permits
Florida does not have a state general business license. However, depending on your city or county, you may need a local business tax receipt.
Understand your tax obligations
LLCs don't pay federal income tax directly. Profits and losses pass through to the members, who report them on their personal federal tax returns.
Florida has no state personal income tax, which is a significant advantage for LLC members. Florida does have a corporate income tax if your LLC elects to be taxed as a corporation.
Once your LLC is formed, TheLLCWiki has free tools for IRS name changes, address changes, EIN applications, and tax elections.