How to Form an LLC in Florida
Are you set on starting your own business in Florida? You’ll be in great company, as small businesses make up 99.8% of all the businesses in the state.
Since Florida is home to so many small businesses, the process of registering your new business is simple but must be done correctly. Follow these steps on how to form an LLC in Florida and you’ll be on your way to run your business as quickly as possible.
Why Form an LLC?
Limited Liability Companies, or LLCs, are among the most common forms of small businesses. The reason people choose LLCs over sole proprietorships or partnerships is that it has two major advantages.
LLCs are not taxed like corporations, or even at the entity level. Instead, members will share the profits and losses on individual tax forms. This will be taxed individually as if it were a sole proprietorship (if it’s just you) or a partnership (if there are multiple members).
The other reason is in the title: limited liability. Your personal liability for the debts and other liabilities of the company is protected in the event of a lawsuit, so you are personally protected in the event something goes wrong. It’s only the company that will be liable.
If you’ve chosen the LLC as the right fit for your company, then let’s talk about how to get started! If you’re still unsure about starting your own business, learn why right now is the perfect time to start.
How to Form an LLC in Florida
Now that you know why you should form an LLC, let’s go over how to do it. It can seem a little overwhelming to start your own business, but don’t worry. If you follow the steps listed below, you’ll have your brand new LLC registered in no time!
Choose a Name
An exciting step to create an LLC is naming it. Check the online database at the Florida Department of State: Division of Corporations to see if the name is available.
Once you’ve decided on the perfect name for your new venture, you’ll need to add “L.L.C.” to the end of it. Florida law requires that “Limited Liability Company,” or approved variations of it, be added at the end.
Choose a Registered Agent
Decide who will be the LLC registered agent. The registered agent is an individual, business, or legal entity, that will communicate on behalf of the LLC.
This means that important documentation, government notices, and forms, will go to the registered agent.
File Articles of Organization in Florida
You can file the articles of organization in Florida online or by mail. There is a $125 fee for filing. You can get a certified copy of it to keep for your records for a $30 fee.
The article form must include:
- Address of LLC office
- Name and address of the registered agent
- Name and address of the LLC manager(s)
- The start date of the LLC
- Signature of an LLC member or registered agent
File Annual Report
Florida law requires that every LLC in the state file an annual report. This report allows the company to maintain an “active” status for the state. When filing this report, you must also pay the Florida LLC annual fee of $138.75.
This report must be filed every year after formation, and the fee must be paid between January and May.
Form Your Florida LLC
GoSmallBiz makes it easy to form an LLC in Florida, with our Go Membership Plan! For just $199 plus state and federal filing fees, our experienced team will manage all the paperwork to set up your business’s legal entity. We’ve formed more than 1 million businesses across all 50 U.S. states over the last 20 years, so your business is in good hands.
And not only will we help you with the initial LLC formation, but your membership also includes annual report filing, stock certificates, a library of common business & legal forms, and operating agreement templates, plus a 15-minute consultation with a tax professional to discuss tax implications for your business.
