How to Start an LLC in Florida (2026)
Forming an LLC in Florida costs $125 in state fees and can be done entirely online through the Division of Corporations. Here's everything you need to file your articles of organization and get your business running.
In This Article
What You'll Learn in This Guide
This guide walks you through every step to legally form a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Florida — from picking a name to staying compliant year after year. We've kept it practical, current, and free of unnecessary fluff.
Note
Florida LLC formation costs $125 in state fees. Most founders complete the process in 1-5 business days, either DIY or through a formation service starting at $0.
Florida LLC: Quick Facts
Last Verified: Feb 2026- Filing Fee (Online)
- $125
- Processing Time
- 1-5 business days
- Expedited Available
- No
- Annual Report
- $138 (annual)*
- State Income Tax
- No
- Sales Tax Rate
- 6%
- Filed With
- Florida Department of State,…**
- Last Verified
- February 21, 2026
* Annual Report: $138, due May 1st each year
** Filed With: Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations
What You Need to Know About Forming an LLC in Florida
A Florida LLC creates a legal wall between your personal assets and your business liabilities. If someone sues your LLC or it takes on debt, your house, car, and personal savings stay protected. That separation is the whole point of forming one, and Florida makes the process straightforward.
Florida has no state income tax, which is one of the biggest draws for business owners. Your LLC won't face a state income tax bill on its earnings. You will, however, need to file an Annual Report each year by May 1st with a $138.75 fee, and the late penalty is steep: $400 plus the risk of your LLC being dissolved if you miss the extended deadline.
The formation process itself is simple. You'll pick a name, designate a registered agent, file your articles of organization online or by mail, and get an EIN from the IRS. Most founders can complete everything in a single afternoon, with state approval following shortly after. Florida doesn't require you to list member or manager names on the formation documents, though you'll need to provide that information on your first Annual Report.
Choose a Name for Your Florida LLC
Your LLC name must be distinguishable from other businesses registered in Florida and follow specific naming rules set by the Division of Corporations.
Florida requires your LLC name to be distinguishable from any other business entity already on file with the Division of Corporations. You can check availability for free using the Sunbiz business name search at https://search.sunbiz.org/Inquiry/CorporationSearch/ByName. If your name is available and you're not ready to file yet, you can reserve it for 120 days for $25.
Search available names →Florida LLC Naming Rules
Name Reservation (Optional)
- Fee: $25
- Reservation lasts 120 days
- Can be filed online through Sunbiz or by mail
Pro Tip
Search the Sunbiz database before you get attached to a name. It's free and takes about 30 seconds.
Choose a Registered Agent in Florida
Florida requires every LLC to designate a registered agent with a physical street address in the state. This person or company receives legal documents on your behalf.
A registered agent accepts service of process (lawsuits, legal notices) and official state correspondence on behalf of your LLC. In Florida, your registered agent must be an individual who resides in the state or a business entity authorized to do business in Florida. They need a physical street address, not a P.O. Box, and must be available during normal business hours.
Your Three Options
- You can serve as your own registered agent if you're a Florida resident with a physical address and available during business hours
- A trusted friend, family member, or business associate who meets the same requirements can serve for free
- A professional registered agent service handles everything for an annual fee (typically $50-$150/year) and keeps your home address off public records
State Specific
Florida's $125 filing fee already includes a $25 registered agent designation fee, so there's no separate charge when you name your agent during formation.
File Your Articles of Organization with Florida
This is the official step that creates your LLC. You'll submit your articles of organization to the Florida Division of Corporations either online or by mail.
You'll file your articles of organization with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations. The form asks for your LLC name, principal office address, registered agent name and address, and the name and address of the person authorized to manage the LLC. Online filing is done through the Sunbiz e-filing portal at https://dos.myflorida.com/sunbiz/start-business/e-file-business-information/llc/. If you prefer to file by mail, download the form at https://dos.myflorida.com/sunbiz/forms/articles-of-organization/ and send it to the Division of Corporations in Tallahassee.
Online Filing
Mail Filing
State Specific
Florida does not require manager or member names on the articles of organization. You will need to provide that information on your first Annual Report.
Pro Tip
The $125 fee covers both the $100 filing fee and the $25 registered agent designation. There's no hidden extra charge.
Recommended: ZenBusiness
Beginner-friendly LLC formation with transparent pricing and a free starter option. From $0 + state fees.
Get an EIN from the IRS
An EIN is a federal tax ID number for your LLC. You need it to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file taxes.
Apply for your EIN directly on the IRS website at no cost. The online application takes about five minutes and you'll receive your number immediately. You can also apply by fax or mail using Form SS-4, but there's no reason to wait when the online option is instant and free.
Apply for your EIN on IRS.gov →Create an Operating Agreement for Your Florida LLC
An operating agreement defines how your LLC is owned, managed, and run. Florida doesn't require one by law, but operating without one leaves you vulnerable.
Florida does not require LLCs to have an operating agreement, but skipping one is a mistake. Without it, your LLC defaults to Florida's LLC Act for all internal rules, which may not match how you actually want to run things. An operating agreement also signals to banks, investors, and courts that your LLC is a legitimate, well-structured entity.
Key Sections to Include
Pro Tip
Even single-member LLCs benefit from an operating agreement. It strengthens the legal separation between you and your business, which is exactly what protects your personal assets.
Open a Business Bank Account for Your Florida LLC
A dedicated business bank account keeps your personal and business finances separate, which is essential for maintaining your LLC's liability protection.
Once your Florida LLC is approved and you have your EIN, open a dedicated business checking account. This is what keeps the legal wall between your personal assets and your business intact. If you ever mix funds, a court could decide your LLC doesn't actually function as a separate entity, and that defeats the purpose of forming one.
What to Bring to the Bank
- Your filed and approved articles of organization
- Your EIN confirmation letter from the IRS
- A valid government-issued photo ID
- Your operating agreement (some banks require it)
- An initial deposit (amount varies by bank)
Important
Mixing personal and business funds can lead a court to "pierce the corporate veil," meaning your personal assets lose their LLC protection. Keep every business transaction in your business account.
Top 3 LLC Formation Services
We've independently reviewed the top LLC formation services in Florida. Here's how they compare.
| Feature | ZenBusiness Best Overall Value | Northwest Registered Agent Best Privacy | Tailor Brands Best for Branding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $0 + state fees | $39 + state fees | $0 + state fees |
| Formation Speed | 1-10 business days | Same-day filing | 2-14 business days |
| Support | Phone, Chat, Email | Lifetime Corporate Guides | Phone, Chat, Email |
| States Covered | 50 states | 50 states | 50 states |
| In Business Since | 2015 | 1998 | 2014 |
| Get Started → | Get Started → | Get Started → |
Frequently Asked Questions
What to Do Next
Once your Florida LLC is approved, take these steps to set your business up for success.
Get an EIN
Apply for free in about 10 minutes at IRS.gov — required before opening a bank account or hiring anyone.
Open a Business Bank Account
Keep personal and business finances separate from day one. Bring your EIN, Articles of Organization, and a government ID.
Create an Operating Agreement
Even if Florida does not require one, an operating agreement protects your liability shield and defines how the LLC is managed.
File Your Annual Report
Set a calendar reminder now. Missing your Annual Report deadline can result in late fees or administrative dissolution.
Ready To File?
Start your Florida LLC with ZenBusiness — guided filing and compliance support included.
About the Author
Legal & Compliance Analyst
Daniel grew up in the shadow of Silicon Valley but chose the legal route over engineering, working as a paralegal for a corporate law firm specializing in mergers and acquisitions. He realized that early-stage founders were constantly making catastrophic legal mistakes because they couldn't afford a $500/hour attorney, prompting his move to B2B media.
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