LLC Formation Guide
How to Start an LLC in Florida
Florida attracts thousands of new LLCs every year thanks to its zero state income tax and business-friendly environment. The Sunshine State charges $125 to form an LLC ($100 for the Articles of Organization plus a $25 registered agent designation fee) and $138.75 per year for the mandatory annual report.
Let Us Form Your Florida LLCFlorida LLC Filing Fees and Costs
Here is what it costs to form and maintain an LLC in Florida. Last checked: November 2026.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| LLC Filing Fee (Articles of Organization) | $125 total ($100 Articles of Organization + $25 registered agent designation) |
| Name Reservation | $25 - 120 days - Name reservation available. Fee for filing any other LLC document is $25 per statute. |
| Annual Report Fee | $138.75 |
| Annual Report Due Date | January 1 to May 1 |
| Registered Agent | Must designate and continuously maintain a registered agent in Florida (s. 605.0113, F.S.). The registered agent must be: (1) An individual who resides in Florida; (2) A domestic entity authorized to transact business in Florida; or (3) A foreign entity authorized to transact business in Florida. Must have a physical street address in Florida (no P.O. Box). An entity cannot serve as its own registered agent. |
| Foreign LLC Registration | $125 ($100 filing fee + $25 registered agent designation) - Application for Certificate of Authority for Foreign LLC (s. 605.0213(3), F.S.). |
| Operating Agreement | Operating agreement not required to be filed with the state. Florida Revised LLC Act (Ch. 605) does not require filing of operating agreements. |
Last checked: November 2026. Verify current fees with the Florida Secretary of State.
How to Form an LLC in Florida: Step by Step
Follow these steps to form your Florida LLC. The whole process typically takes 1 to 4 weeks depending on filing method and state processing times.
Pick Your Florida LLC Name
Your Florida LLC name must include "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C." Search name availability on Sunbiz.org, the Florida Division of Corporations website. Florida does not require name reservation, but you can reserve a name for $25 if you want to hold it before filing.
Designate a Florida Registered Agent
Florida requires every LLC to have a registered agent with a physical street address in the state (no P.O. boxes). The agent can be an individual Florida resident or a business entity authorized to do business in Florida. The agent must be available during normal business hours to receive legal documents.
File Articles of Organization on Sunbiz
File your Articles of Organization with the Florida Division of Corporations through Sunbiz.org. The filing fee is $125 in total: $100 for the Articles of Organization plus a $25 registered agent designation fee. Online filings are processed immediately in most cases. You will receive a confirmation email with your filing stamp and document number.
Create an Operating Agreement
Florida does not require LLCs to file an operating agreement with the state, but having one is essential for multi-member LLCs. Your operating agreement should define ownership, management roles, voting procedures, and how profits and losses are allocated.
Get Your EIN from the IRS
Apply for a free EIN at irs.gov. This takes about 10 minutes online. You need an EIN to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file taxes.
File Your Florida Annual Report
Florida LLCs must file an annual report between January 1 and May 1 every year. The fee is $138.75. File online at Sunbiz.org. If you miss the May 1 deadline, Florida charges a $400 late fee. Continued failure to file results in administrative dissolution.
Franchise and Privilege Taxes
Florida does not have a franchise tax or privilege tax for LLCs.. Check with the state Department of Revenue for current rates and filing requirements.
Florida-Specific Things to Know
- Florida LLCs must file an annual report between January 1 and May 1 every year. Missing the May 1 deadline results in a $400 late fee and eventual administrative dissolution.
- Florida has no state income tax for pass-through entities, making it attractive for many business owners.
- Florida requires a registered agent with a physical street address in the state (no P.O. boxes).
- Single-member LLCs in Florida are treated as disregarded entities for federal tax purposes but may still need to file a Florida return if they have Florida-source income.
Florida Annual Report Deadline
Florida LLCs must file an annual report between January 1 and May 1 each year. The filing window opens on January 1 and closes on May 1 - there are no extensions. If you miss the May 1 deadline, Florida charges a $400 late fee. If you still have not filed by the third Friday of September, the state will administratively dissolve your LLC. You can file online at Sunbiz.org, which is one of the fastest and most user-friendly state filing portals in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida LLCs
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Florida?
The Florida Division of Corporations charges $125 to form an LLC: $100 for the Articles of Organization plus a $25 registered agent designation fee. The annual report fee is $138.75 per year. Florida has no state income tax for pass-through entities. Total first-year cost is about $264 ($125 to form plus the $138.75 annual report) plus any registered agent service fees.
When is the Florida annual report due?
Florida LLC annual reports are due between January 1 and May 1 each year. There are no extensions. If you file after May 1, Florida charges a $400 late fee. If you have not filed by the third Friday of September, the state will administratively dissolve your LLC.
How long does it take to form an LLC in Florida?
Online filings through Sunbiz.org are typically processed immediately or within 1 business day. This is one of the fastest processing times in the country. Mail filings take 5 to 10 business days.
Does Florida have a state income tax for LLCs?
Florida has no personal state income tax. For single-member LLCs taxed as sole proprietorships and multi-member LLCs taxed as partnerships, there is no Florida state income tax on pass-through income. However, Florida does have a corporate income tax if you elect to be taxed as a C-corp (5.5% as of 2026).
Can I form a Florida LLC if I do not live in Florida?
Yes, Florida does not require LLC members to be Florida residents. However, your registered agent must have a physical address in Florida. If you live in another state and form a Florida LLC, you may also need to register as a foreign LLC in your home state if you are doing business there.
What is a Florida annual report and what does it include?
The Florida annual report updates the state on your LLC principal address, mailing address, registered agent, and members or managers. It is not a financial report. You file it online at Sunbiz.org between January 1 and May 1 each year for a $138.75 fee.
Ready to Start Your Florida LLC?
We handle the paperwork, registered agent, EIN, and compliance filings. Our Standard and Advanced build-out packages cover state filing fees. Call us or book a free consultation to get started.
Data Sources
- Filing Fee
- Name Reservation
- Registered Agent
- Annual Report
- Franchise Tax
- Expedite Options
- Operating Agreement
- Foreign Llc
- Portal
- Florida Secretary of State / Business Portal
- IRS EIN Application
Last checked: November 2026. Fees and requirements change. Always verify with the state before filing.
Corey Pearson
Founder, Start My Business Inc.
Corey Pearson is the Founder of Start My Business Inc., a company that has been serving business owners since 1999. Under his leadership, Start My Business Inc. provides business formation, website development, automation, and business credit services to entrepreneurs across the United States.
Allie Pearson
Co-Founder, Start My Business Inc.
Allie Pearson is Co-Founder of Start My Business Inc. She works alongside Corey managing operations and client success for the company's business formation and credit building services.