Start an LLC in Florida
Start a Florida LLC by filing Articles of Organization with Florida’s Division of Corporations for $125.
You can use our free tool to fill out the paperwork right here yourself. Or hire Northwest to do it for you and we’ll provide one year of registered agent service, plus same-day document scans and a Florida business address—all for $39.
Fill Out Florida Articles of Organization
If you’re the DIY type, use our free tool to fill out the Articles of Organization on your own. Submitting this form to the Division of Corporations officially creates your LLC. Save your progress, download, and print at any time. You can also hire us to submit your Articles for you.
How to Form an LLC in Florida
A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a permanent public record. Starting one requires sharing personal information with the government, banks, landlords, vendors, and of course, customers. We provide free identity services to anyone who needs them, including a domain name, website, phone line, email address, and brand protection. This helps protect your privacy and keep you in control of your intellectual property.
1. Name Your LLC
You’ll need to choose your business name before you register your LLC. Your LLC’s name should help you market your business while also not running afoul of any state business laws.
LLC Name Guidelines
Your LLC needs a name that isn’t confusingly similar to any other entity name in the state. To avoid this, take three steps:
- Make sure your preferred name is available by using Florida’s free name search.
- Search available domain names for one that matches or complements your business name.
- Search the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office database to make sure nothing too similar is already being used.
Your business should also have an identifier like “limited liability company” or “LLC” somewhere in the name.
Learn more about Florida naming guidelines.
Register a DBA
It costs $50 to register a DBA in Florida. You may choose to register a Florida DBA (aka a fictitious name) in addition to your LLC’s official name. Fictitious names are like nicknames your business can legally use. Florida requires any LLC seeking a fictitious name to do the following:
- Publish notice of your intention to register a fictitious name in a newspaper located in the same county as your registered agent.
- File a $50 FL Fictitious Name Registration.
For example, an LLC named Bernard Kirby Holdings LLC could operate under the fictitious name St. Pete’s Pizza Panopoly.
2. Register Your Domain Name
The next stop is securing a domain name for your website. Why are these important? Just like you need a street address to help people find you on a map, you need a domain name to help people find you on the web.
A domain name is important because it gives potential clients a reliable way to find information about you online. Registering earlier is better for at least a couple of reasons:
- Credibility: When you bother to establish a professional domain name, you’re letting customers know you take your work seriously.
- Consistency: A domain name that connects to your brand name makes it simpler for customers to remember you, which makes them more likely to seek you out.
If you’re looking for a specific domain name, you can run a domain name search through Northwest.
3. Appoint a Registered Agent
In Florida, LLCs are required to appoint a registered agent. This is an individual or entity that is responsible for receiving legal notices on behalf of your business.
Florida Registered Agent Requirements
Under Florida law, a Florida registered agent must:
- Have a physical street address in the state (no P.O. Boxes)
- Be available at that address during normal business hours (9 AM to 5 PM)
- Receive important legal mail on your business’s behalf and forward it to you promptly
You can be your own registered agent if you live in Florida, but if you do so, you’ll need to put your name and address on the Articles of Organization, which go on the public record.
Learn how to protect your privacy with a Florida LLC.
4. File Florida LLC Articles of Organization
When you’re ready to pull the trigger and create your limited liability company in Florida, you’ll need to submit Florida LLC Articles of Organization with the Division of Corporations. Below is the information you’ll need to file your Articles:
Company Name
Must include Limited Liability Company, LLC, or L.L.C.
Business Address
Provide a street address for the LLC’s physical location, and, if different, a mailing address (your LLC’s mailing address can be a P.O. Box).
Registered Agent Information
The person or entity that will accept legal mail for your business.
Registered Office Address
Physical address in Florida for service of process.
Signature
Your organizer (the person who files your Articles) must sign for the LLC. If you hire us, we will sign as your LLC’s organizer.
Member/Manager Information (Optional)
If you want, you can include your LLC members’ or managers’ names and addresses. Some financial institutions require this information to be included to open a business bank account. It’s also required for state-issued Worker’s Compensation.
When Northwest is your registered agent, you can use our business address in all address fields for privacy.
Effective Date (Optional)
If you want, you can choose a start date for your LLC up to 90 days after filing.
Additional Provisions (Optional)
Include anything else you would like, such as your business purpose. If you are forming a professional LLC (PLLC), you must include a specific business purpose, such as practicing law, practicing medicine, etc.
How Do I File FL Articles of Organization?
You can file Florida Articles of Organization by mail, online, or in person. The filing fee is $125.
Florida’s Division of Corporations provides a handy-dandy, constantly updated Document Processing Dates page where you can view current state processing times.
File by Mail
New Filing Section
Division of Corporations
P.O. Box 6327
Tallahassee, FL 32314
File in Person
New Filing Section
Division of Corporations
The Centre of Tallahassee
2415 N. Monroe Street, Suite 810
Tallahassee, FL 32303
File Online
5. Create an Operating Agreement
An operating agreement is a contract between each member of your LLC, establishing company rules and structure. Florida does not require LLCs to adopt an operating agreement, but it’s standard business practice and can help you avoid legal disputes and misunderstandings. Your operating agreement should establish:
- Voting rights and decision-making powers
- Management structure
- Profits and loss distribution
- Initial investments
- Rules for transferring LLC ownership
- Rules for handling dissolution
It’s recommended you consult a lawyer before approving your operating agreement. We provide free, attorney-drafted Florida operating agreement templates you can use to get started.
6. Get an EIN
Most LLCs in Florida will need an EIN (Employer Identification Number). An EIN is an IRS tax ID similar to a Social Security number for your business. All multi-member LLCs, LLCs taxed as corporations, and any business with employees must have an EIN.
You can apply for an EIN through the IRS for free. If you have an SSN, apply online and receive your EIN immediately. If you don’t, you’ll have to submit Form SS-4 by mail or fax or call (267) 941-1099.
Or just hire Northwest, and we can get an EIN for your LLC!
7. File Annual Report
All Florida LLCs must file a Florida Annual Report with the Division of Corporations by the first of May, starting the year after the LLC is formed (so businesses formed between January 1 and April 30 have a little extra time to file their first report). The report updates the state on who owns your LLC and how you may be reached.
Filing the report has a $138.75 fee, but if you’re late (even by one day), a $400 fine is charged.
Worried you’ll forget? When you hire us to form your LLC or be your registered agent, we’ll enroll you in Renewal Filings Service. We’ll send multiple reminders in advance of your annual report due date, and then file your annual report on your behalf for $100 + the state fee. Accurately, on time guaranteed. If you’d rather handle it yourself, you can cancel this service in your client portal.
In addition to your annual report, you should do a few more things to keep your LLC compliant and in good standing with the state, namely:
- Opening a bank account
- Obtaining any applicable licenses or permits
- Registering with the Florida Department of Revenue
Florida famously has no personal income tax, and your LLC won’t be subject to Florida’s corporate net income tax unless you decide to be taxed as a C corporation. However, you may still need to pay other taxes, including the state’s sales and use tax.
Frequently Asked Questions
It costs $125 to file your Florida Articles of Organization, which is the form that you need to file to start your Florida LLC.
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