Florida LLC Formation Guide
Start your Florida LLC journey with confidence. Our step-by-step guide ensures you'll navigate the Articles of Organization process smoothly, understanding all requirements before you begin.
What is a Florida LLC?
Definition
A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a flexible business structure that combines the liability protection of a corporation with the tax advantages and operational flexibility of a partnership. Florida LLCs are governed by Chapter 605 of the Florida Statutes.
Key Benefits of Florida LLCs
Liability Protection
LLC members are generally not personally responsible for business debts and liabilities, protecting personal assets from business creditors.
Tax Flexibility
LLCs enjoy "pass-through" taxation by default, avoiding corporate double taxation, with options to be taxed as S-Corps for potential savings.
Operational Freedom
LLCs have fewer corporate formalities and greater management flexibility compared to corporations, with customizable operating agreements.
Key Requirements Before Filing
Authorized Signature
A member, manager, or authorized representative must sign the Articles of Organization.
Physical Address
A Florida street address is required (no P.O. boxes) for your principal place of business.
Registered Agent
Must be a Florida resident or authorized business with a physical address accessible during business hours.
LLC Name
Must be unique and contain "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company" to distinguish it from other business entities.
Payment Information
Accepted Payment Methods
Credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks are accepted for online filings through the Florida Department of State's secure payment portal.
Filing Fees
The standard filing fee for Florida LLC Articles of Organization is $125. Additional services such as certified copies ($30) or certificates of status ($5) are available for an extra charge.
Secure Transactions
All online payments are processed through a secure, encrypted connection to protect your financial information and prevent unauthorized access.
Step-by-Step Filing Guide
1
Verify Name Availability
Search the Division of Corporations database to ensure your desired LLC name is available and compliant with Florida naming requirements.
2
Complete the Florida Articles of Organization
Fill out all required fields in the Articles of Organization form, including LLC name, principal address, registered agent information, and management structure.
3
Obtain Registered Agent Consent
Secure signed acceptance from your registered agent, confirming their willingness to serve in this capacity.
4
Submit and Pay
File online through Sunbiz.org or mail your completed form with the $125 filing fee to the Division of Corporations.
Post-Filing Requirements
1
Obtain EIN
Apply for an Employer Identification Number from the IRS using Form SS-4 or their online application system within the first weeks after formation.
2
Open Business Bank Account
Establish a separate business bank account using your LLC's EIN and Articles of Organization to maintain legal separation of personal and business assets.
3
Create Operating Agreement
Draft a comprehensive operating agreement outlining ownership, management structure, profit/loss distributions, and dissolution procedures.
4
File Annual Report
Submit your annual report between January 1 and May 1 each year with the $138.75 filing fee to maintain active status.
Resources and Support
Florida Division of Corporations
Official filing agency for Florida business entities
Sunbiz.org | (850) 245-6052
LLC Filing Forms
Access to Form LLC1 and all related documents
Sunbiz.org/forms
Name Search Database
Verify business name availability
Search.Sunbiz.org
Florida Department of Revenue
State tax registration and information
FloridaRevenue.com | (850) 488-6800