Form an LLC in Florida — Everything You Need to Know
A practical, no-nonsense guide to forming a limited liability company in Florida. We cover the actual requirements, real costs, and what nobody else tells you.
Florida LLC at a Glance
State Filing Fee
$125
Processing Time
10 business days
Annual Report Fee
$138.75/yr
Franchise/Annual Tax
None
State Income Tax
No
Member Disclosure
Public
Florida is Best For
Privacy & Protection Features
- ✓Charging order is exclusive remedy — Creditors cannot force liquidation or take control of LLC assets. This is the strongest form of asset protection.
Series LLC Available in Florida
Floridaallows Series LLCs, which let you create multiple "series" or cells within a single LLC. Each series can have its own assets, members, and liabilities — all isolated from other series. This is particularly useful for real estate investors who want separate liability protection for each property without forming multiple LLCs. You file (and pay) once for the parent LLC, then create series internally through your operating agreement.
Florida-Specific Requirements
- !Annual report due by May 1 each year ($138.75)
- !$400 late fee for annual reports filed after May 1
Requirements to Form an LLC in Florida
Forming an LLC in Florida requires a few key things. Here is what you actually need — no unnecessary legal jargon:
- 1A unique business name. Your LLC name must be distinguishable from other entities registered in Florida. It must include "LLC," "L.L.C.," or "Limited Liability Company."
- 2A registered agent. Someone with a physical address in Florida who can receive legal documents on behalf of your LLC. You can be your own agent if you have an address in the state, or you can use a service like Sedes.
- 3Articles of Organization. This is the formation document you file with the Division of Corporations along with the $125 filing fee. It includes your LLC name, registered agent, management type, and purpose.
- 4An operating agreement. While not legally required in Florida, an operating agreement is essential. It defines how your LLC is managed, how profits are split, and what happens if things go sideways.
- 5An EIN (Employer Identification Number). Your LLC's tax ID from the IRS. Free to obtain. Required for opening a business bank account, hiring employees, and filing taxes.
How Much Does It Cost?
| Item | Cost | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| State Filing Fee | $125 | One-time |
| Annual Report | $138.75/year | Annual |
| Expedited Processing (optional) | $50 | One-time (3 days) |
| Registered Agent Service | $49/year | Annual (with Sedes) |
| EIN | $0 | One-time (free from IRS) |
| First Year Total | $312.75 | with Sedes RA |
| Annual Ongoing Cost | $187.75/year | with Sedes RA |
State fees are paid directly to Florida. Sedes's formation service starts at $0 + state fees.
How Long Does It Take?
Standard Processing
10 business days
State filing fee only ($125)
Expedited Processing
3 business days
Additional $50 fee
Pros & Cons of a Florida LLC
Advantages
- +No state personal income tax
- +Relatively fast processing (10 business days)
- +Strong economy and business-friendly environment
- +Online filing available through Sunbiz
- +Series LLC available
- +Charging order is exclusive remedy for multi-member LLCs
Disadvantages
- -Annual report fee is above average ($138.75)
- -Members and managers are publicly listed
- -Single-member LLCs may not get full charging order protection
- -Late annual report fee of $400
What You Should Know About Florida LLCs
Florida's annual report is due by May 1 each year. Late filing incurs a $400 penalty. The Sunbiz online portal is one of the best state filing systems in the country.
Step-by-Step: How to Form an LLC in Florida
Choose your LLC name
Search the Florida Division of Corporations business name database to make sure your desired name is available. Your name must include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company" and must be distinguishable from existing entities.
Appoint a registered agent
Your registered agent must have a physical street address in Florida (no P.O. boxes). They receive legal documents and state correspondence on your behalf. Sedes includes registered agent service with all plans.
File your Articles of Organization
Submit your formation documents to the Florida Division of Corporations along with the $125 filing fee. You can file online or by mail. With Sedes, we handle the filing for you.
Create an operating agreement
Draft an operating agreement that outlines ownership percentages, management structure, profit distribution, and what happens if a member leaves. Even single-member LLCs should have one — it reinforces your liability protection.
Get your EIN from the IRS
Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) on the IRS website. It is free and takes about 5 minutes online. You need this to open a business bank account and file taxes.
Open a business bank account
This is critical. Keeping your personal and business finances separate is what makes your liability protection real. Without it, a court could 'pierce the corporate veil' and hold you personally liable.
Stay compliant
File your annual report ($138.75), pay any required taxes, and keep your registered agent current. Sedes's compliance calendar tracks all of this automatically.
Florida Division of Corporations — Online Filing
File directly with the state or let Sedes handle it for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to form an LLC in Florida?
The state filing fee is $125. You will also pay $138.75/year for the annual report. Your estimated first-year total is $263.75 (state fees only). With Sedes, the formation service itself starts at $0 — you only pay the state fees.
How long does it take to get an LLC in Florida?
Standard processing takes approximately 10 business days after filing. Expedited processing is available for $50 (3 business days). With Sedes, we prepare and submit your filing within hours, but the state processing time still applies.
Do I need a lawyer to form an LLC in Florida?
No. Millions of LLCs are formed every year without a lawyer. For straightforward single-member or partnership LLCs, a formation service like Sedes can handle everything. If you have complex ownership structures, significant assets to protect, or need specific tax planning, consulting a business attorney is a good idea.
Can I form a Florida LLC if I live in another state?
Yes. Anyone can form an LLC in Florida regardless of where they live. However, if you plan to do business in your home state, you will need to register your Florida LLC as a foreign LLC there, which means paying fees in both states. For most people, forming in their home state is simpler and cheaper.
What is the difference between member-managed and manager-managed?
In a member-managed LLC, all owners (members) participate in running the business and making decisions. In a manager-managed LLC, one or more designated managers handle operations while other members are passive investors. Most small LLCs choose member-managed.
Do I need an operating agreement?
Florida does not legally require one, but you absolutely should have one. An operating agreement defines how your LLC works, protects your personal liability, and prevents disputes. Banks often require it to open a business account.
What is a Series LLC in Florida?
A Series LLC lets you create multiple "series" within a single LLC, each with its own assets, members, and liabilities. This is popular with real estate investors who want each property in its own protected series. Florida allows Series LLCs under its LLC statute.
Not sure if Florida is the right state for your LLC?
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