How to Start an LLC in Florida

Florida is one of the easiest and most affordable states to form an LLC, with a filing fee of just $125 and processing times as fast as 3-5 business days. Combined with no state income tax and a straightforward online filing process through Sunbiz.org, it’s no wonder Florida consistently ranks among the top states for new business formation. Whether you’re launching a startup, freelancing, or investing in real estate, a Florida LLC provides liability protection and tax flexibility.

Follow these steps to start your Florida LLC in 2026.

How to Start an LLC in Florida (6 Steps)

Step 1: Name Your Florida LLC

Your Florida LLC name must be distinguishable from any other business name currently registered with the Florida Division of Corporations. The name must include a designator such as “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C.” to clearly identify it as a limited liability company. You can check name availability using the Sunbiz name search tool.

If you want to reserve a name before filing, you can submit a Name Reservation request for $25, which holds the name for 120 days. This gives you time to prepare your formation documents without worrying about someone else taking the name. Before finalizing your name, also check for domain name availability and search the USPTO trademark database to avoid potential conflicts.

Florida naming rules:

• Must include “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C.”
• Must be distinguishable from other business entities registered in Florida
• Cannot include words suggesting the LLC is a bank, insurance company, or government entity without proper authorization
• Cannot use words like “University” or “College” without approval from the Florida Department of Education

Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent

Florida requires every LLC to have a registered agent with a physical street address in Florida. The registered agent receives legal documents — including lawsuits, subpoenas, and official state correspondence — on behalf of your LLC. The registered agent must be available at the designated address during normal business hours.

You can serve as your own registered agent (if you have a Florida address), but this means your home or office address becomes public record and you must always be available during business hours. A professional registered agent service provides privacy and reliability.

Our top recommendation is Northwest Registered Agent ($39/year), which also handles LLC formation for $39 + the $125 state fee. This is the most cost-effective way to get both formation and registered agent service in one package.

Step 3: File Your Articles of Organization

To create your Florida LLC, file Articles of Organization with the Florida Division of Corporations. The fastest and easiest way to file is online through Sunbiz.org, the state’s official business filing portal. Online filing is strongly recommended because it’s faster, cheaper, and you’ll receive confirmation immediately.

When filing, you’ll need to provide your LLC’s principal office address (which can be outside Florida) and your mailing address. You’ll also list the names and addresses of all managers (if manager-managed) or members (if member-managed). Florida does not require you to specify the LLC’s purpose in the Articles of Organization.

Filing details:

• Filing fee: $125
• Online filing: Sunbiz.org (recommended — faster processing)
• Processing time: 3-5 business days (standard), 1-2 business days (expedited for additional fee)

Information required:

• LLC name
• Registered agent name and address
• Principal office address
• Mailing address
• Manager or member names and addresses
• Effective date (can be a future date up to 5 business days out)

Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement

Florida does not legally require an operating agreement, but having one is strongly recommended for every LLC. An operating agreement is an internal document that establishes ownership structure, profit distribution, voting rights, and management responsibilities. It also outlines what happens if a member wants to leave or if the LLC is dissolved.

Without an operating agreement, your LLC will be governed by the default provisions of the Florida Revised Limited Liability Company Act, which may not match your intentions. For multi-member LLCs, an operating agreement is essential for preventing disputes. Most banks and financial institutions also require a copy of your operating agreement before opening a business bank account.

Step 5: Get an EIN

Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) through the IRS website. It’s free and takes about 15 minutes online. An EIN is a nine-digit number that serves as your LLC’s federal tax identification number — like a Social Security Number for your business. You need an EIN to open a business bank account, hire employees, file taxes, and apply for business credit. Even if your LLC has no employees, getting an EIN helps protect your personal Social Security Number by keeping it off business documents and financial forms.

The IRS online EIN application is available Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time. You’ll receive your EIN immediately upon completing the application. You can also apply by mail or fax using Form SS-4, but the online method is by far the fastest.

Step 6: File Your Florida Annual Report

Every Florida LLC must file an Annual Report with the Division of Corporations by May 1 each year. The filing fee is $138.75 and the report must be filed online through Sunbiz.org. The annual report is how the state keeps its records current — it confirms your LLC’s address, registered agent, and manager/member information.

If you fail to file by the May 1 deadline, a $400 late fee is assessed, bringing the total to $538.75. If the report is still not filed by the third Friday in September, your LLC will be administratively dissolved. You can reinstate a dissolved LLC, but it requires additional paperwork and fees. Set a calendar reminder for April to make sure you file on time each year. Your first annual report is due by May 1 of the year following your LLC’s formation.

Florida LLC Costs

Total first-year cost: $264-$563. This includes the $125 filing fee, $138.75 annual report, and optionally a registered agent service. If you serve as your own registered agent, your mandatory first-year costs are $263.75 ($125 + $138.75). See our complete guide to LLC costs by state.

Florida LLC Taxes

Florida does not impose a state personal income tax, which is a major advantage for LLC owners. Profits from your LLC that pass through to you as a member are not subject to state income tax. This makes Florida one of the most tax-friendly states for LLC formation, alongside Texas, Wyoming, and a handful of other states with no income tax.

Florida does have a corporate income tax rate of 5.5%, but this only applies to LLCs that elect to be taxed as C corporations. Most single-member and multi-member LLCs are treated as pass-through entities for tax purposes and are not subject to this corporate tax. If you keep the default pass-through tax treatment, you’ll only owe federal income tax and self-employment tax (15.3%) on your share of LLC profits.

Florida has a state sales tax rate of 6%, with local discretionary surtaxes that can bring the total up to 8.5% depending on the county. Miami-Dade County, for instance, charges an additional 1% surtax, while some rural counties have no additional surtax at all. If your LLC sells taxable goods or services, you’ll need to register for a sales tax permit through the Florida Department of Revenue. There is no fee to register.

Florida LLC Annual Requirements

The most important ongoing requirement for your Florida LLC is filing the Annual Report by May 1 each year through Sunbiz.org. The report costs $138.75 and updates the state on your LLC’s current address, registered agent, and member/manager information. This is a mandatory filing — there is no exemption.

Missing the May 1 deadline results in a $400 late fee, bringing the total to $538.75. If the report is still not filed by the third Friday in September, your LLC will be administratively dissolved. You can reinstate a dissolved LLC by filing the overdue report plus a reinstatement fee, but the process takes additional time and money.

Beyond the annual report, you should keep your registered agent information current, maintain your operating agreement, and ensure your LLC is in compliance with any industry-specific licensing requirements. If you hire employees, you’ll need to register with the Florida Department of Revenue for reemployment tax (unemployment insurance) and set up workers’ compensation coverage if required for your industry.

You should also open a dedicated business bank account and keep your personal and business finances completely separate. This is important for maintaining your LLC’s liability protection. Commingling personal and business funds can potentially expose you to personal liability — a concept known as “piercing the corporate veil.” A separate bank account, combined with an operating agreement and proper record-keeping, strengthens the legal separation between you and your LLC.

Best LLC Formation Services for Florida

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to start an LLC in Florida?

The state filing fee for a Florida LLC is $125. You’ll also need to budget for the annual report ($138.75/year, due May 1) and optionally a registered agent service ($39-$299/year). Most people spend between $264 and $563 in their first year, depending on whether they use a professional registered agent.

How long does it take to form an LLC in Florida?

Online filings through Sunbiz.org are typically processed in 3-5 business days, making Florida one of the fastest states for LLC formation. Expedited processing is available for an additional fee and can reduce the turnaround to 1-2 business days.

Do I need a registered agent in Florida?

Yes, every Florida LLC must designate a registered agent with a physical street address in Florida. The registered agent must be available during normal business hours to accept legal documents on behalf of your LLC. You can be your own registered agent or hire a professional service.

Does Florida require an operating agreement?

No, Florida does not legally require LLCs to have an operating agreement. However, it is strongly recommended because it defines the internal rules of your LLC, clarifies member responsibilities, and helps prevent disputes. Banks typically require an operating agreement to open a business account for your LLC.

How are LLCs taxed in Florida?

Florida has no state personal income tax, so LLC profits passed through to members are not taxed at the state level. This is one of Florida’s biggest advantages for LLC owners. LLCs that elect C corporation taxation are subject to Florida’s 5.5% corporate income tax. Florida also has a 6% state sales tax (plus local surtaxes of up to 2.5%).

Can I be my own registered agent in Florida?

Yes, any Florida resident with a physical street address in the state can serve as their own registered agent. Keep in mind that your address will be part of the public record, accessible to anyone searching for your LLC. You must also be available at the address during all business hours to accept service of process.

Does my Florida LLC need a business license?

Florida does not have a general state business license. However, many counties and cities require a local business tax receipt (formerly called an occupational license). Some industries — including construction, health care, food service, and real estate — require state-level professional licenses. Check with your county’s tax collector and the Florida DBPR for specific requirements.

When is the Florida LLC annual report due?

The annual report is due by May 1 each year and costs $138.75. Filing late results in a $400 penalty (total of $538.75). If you still haven’t filed by the third Friday in September, your LLC will be administratively dissolved. File your report online at Sunbiz.org.

Can a non-resident form an LLC in Florida?

Yes, you do not need to be a Florida resident or a U.S. citizen to form an LLC in Florida. You will need a registered agent with a physical address in Florida. Many non-residents choose Florida for LLC formation because of its favorable tax environment and business-friendly laws. If you live in another state, you may need to register your Florida LLC as a foreign LLC in your home state.

What happens if my Florida LLC is administratively dissolved?

If you fail to file your annual report by the third Friday in September, the Division of Corporations will administratively dissolve your LLC. This means your LLC loses its legal status and can no longer conduct business in Florida. You can reinstate your LLC by filing the overdue annual report and paying any associated fees and penalties, but it’s much easier and cheaper to file on time.