To start an LLC in Florida, file Articles of Organization with the Florida Department of State. This costs $125 and takes 5 days for approval.
There are 5 steps to follow:
- Choose an LLC Name
- Select a Registered Agent
- File Articles of Organization
- Create an Operating Agreement
- Get an EIN
If you want to form your LLC yourself, follow our free guide below.
If you want someone to take care of it for you, we recommend hiring Northwest Registered Agent. They provide LLC formation services and Registered Agent Services.
Need to save time? Hire a company to form your LLC:
Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee)
(We recommend Northwest. We’ve reviewed all the top companies in the industry. And Northwest is our #1 pick for prices, customer support, and address privacy. Check out Northwest vs LegalZoom to learn more.)How much does it cost to start an LLC in Florida?
It costs $125 to start an LLC in Florida.
And then it costs $138.75 per year.
What are these fees for?
- The $125 is to file the Articles of Organization – the document that creates your LLC.
- The $138.75 per year is for your Annual Report – a mandatory filing that keeps your LLC in good standing.
To learn more about LLC Costs, see LLC Costs in Florida.How long does it take to get an LLC in Florida?
If you file your LLC by mail, it will be approved in 12 business days (plus mail time).
But if you file online, it will be approved in 5 business days.
Please see How long does it take to get an LLC in Florida to check for any delays.
Here are the steps to forming an LLC in Florida
1. Search your LLC Name
Search your Florida LLC Name to make sure it’s available in the state.
You need to do this because two businesses in the state can’t have the same name.
First, search your business name and compare it to existing businesses in Florida. You can make sure the LLC Name you want is unique from existing businesses using the Sunbiz Division of Corporations: Search Records page.
Second, familiarize yourself with the naming rules in this state (so your LLC gets approved).
We’ll explain both in more detail here: Florida LLC Name.
2. Choose a Registered Agent
The next step is to choose a Florida Registered Agent.
A Registered Agent is a person or company who accepts legal mail and state notices on behalf of your Limited Liability Company.
Who can be an LLC Registered Agent?
You have 3 options for who can be the Registered Agent:
- You
- A friend or family member
- A Registered Agent Service
Florida law requires LLC Registered Agents to have a physical street address in the state. PO Boxes aren’t allowed.
And the Registered Agent’s name and address will be listed on public records.
If you don’t have an address in Florida, or you want more privacy, you can hire a Registered Agent Service for your LLC.
We recommend Northwest Registered Agent
Our favorite feature about Northwest is they’ll let you use their office address throughout your LLC filing. This way, you can keep your address off public records.
They’ll also scan any mail sent to your LLC and upload it to your online account.
Northwest has excellent customer service, and they’re who we trust to be our own Registered Agent.
Special offer: Hire Northwest to form your LLC ($39 + state fee), and you’ll get a free year of Registered Agent service.
(Why is Northwest the best? Read our Northwest Registered Agent review)
3. File Articles of Organization with the Department of State
To start an LLC, you need to file the Articles of Organization.
This gets filed with the Florida Department of State: Division of Corporations.
The Articles of Organization costs $125 if you file online.
This is a one-time fee to create your LLC.
If you want to file this yourself, see our step-by-step guide: Florida Articles of Organization.
Or, you can hire a company to do it for you.
Need to save time? Hire a company to form your LLC:
Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee)
(Learn why Northwest is #1 in Northwest vs LegalZoom)
4. Create an Operating Agreement
An Operating Agreement is a “companion” document to the Articles of Organization.
The Articles of Organization creates your LLC, and the Operating Agreement shows who owns the LLC.
Additionally, some banks require an Operating Agreement when you open an LLC bank account.
And having an Operating Agreement will be very helpful if you ever end up in court. Reason being, it helps prove that your LLC is being run properly.
That’s why we recommend that all LLCs have an Operating Agreement – including Single-Member LLCs.
Furthermore, an Operating Agreement is an “internal document“. Meaning, you don’t need to file it with any government agency (like the Florida Division of Corporations or the IRS). Just keep a copy with your business records.
You can download a free template below.
Then, learn how to fill it out by watching our step-by-step Florida Operating Agreement video.
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. Get an EIN from the IRS
The next step is to get a EIN Number from the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) for your LLC.
Note: An EIN Number is also called a Federal Tax ID Number or Federal Employer Identification Number.
An EIN Number is used to:
- identify your LLC for tax purposes
- open a business bank account
- apply for business licenses and permits
How much does an EIN cost?
Getting an EIN Number from the IRS is completely free.How long does it take to get an EIN?
If you apply online, it takes 15 minutes.
If you apply by mail or fax, it can take 1-3 months.
How can I get an EIN?
US Citizens/US Residents: If you have an SSN or ITIN, you can apply for an EIN online. Follow these instructions: Apply for an EIN online.
Non-US Residents: You can’t get an EIN online, but you can still get one by fax or by mail. Follow these instructions: How to get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN.
What should I do after my LLC is approved?
After your LLC is approved, there are some additional steps.Open an LLC business bank account
You’ll want to open a business bank account for your LLC.
This makes accounting and record-keeping much easier for your business finances.
Having a separate business bank account also maintains your personal liability protection. This is because it keeps your business finances separate from your personal finances.Get business licenses and permits
Good news, Florida doesn’t have a state general business license.
However, depending on where your LLC is located, you may need a local business license or permit.
For example, if you want to start a daycare, you may need a business license from the city or county.
You can learn more on our Florida Business License page.File an Annual Report for your LLC
All LLCs in Florida must file an Annual Report every year.
The Annual Report keeps your LLC in good standing with the state.
How much does the Annual Report cost?
The Annual Report for an LLC costs $138.75 per year.
When is the Annual Report due?
Your LLC’s Annual Report is due by May 1st, every year.
When is my first Annual Report due?
Your first Annual Report is due the year after your LLC was approved.
For example, if your LLC was approved on February 15, 2025, your first Annual Report is due by May 1, 2026.
How do I file my LLC Annual Report?
You can file your LLC Annual Report online or by mail. We recommend the online filing because it’s easier to complete.
Follow our step-by-step guide here: Florida LLC Annual Report.File and pay Taxes
LLCs don’t pay federal taxes. Instead, the LLC Members pay the taxes for the LLC.
Said another way, the owners pay taxes for the LLC as a part of their personal tax return.
How will my LLC be taxed?
By default, a LLC in Florida is taxed by the IRS based on the number of owners your LLC has:
- A Single-Member LLC is taxed like a Sole Proprietorship.
- A Multi-Member LLC is taxed like a Partnership.
Alternatively, you can ask the IRS to tax your LLC like a C-Corporation or S-Corporation.
Besides federal taxes, there are also state and local income taxes – and sales tax.
The good news is that Florida doesn’t have state income tax. This means you don’t have to file a state-level income tax return for your LLC income if you have a Single-Member LLC. That said, you may need to file a Florida Partnership Return (Form F-1065) for your Multi-Member LLC.
There are also other types of business taxes that apply to certain industries and types of businesses in Florida.
Learn more in Florida LLC Taxes.
State Agencies
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: Florida Department of Revenue: Contact Us