How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in Florida?

Florida LLC Filing Fee: $125

The main cost to start an LLC is the $125 fee to file your LLC's Articles of Organization online with the Florida Division of Corporations.

For a look at LLC costs in every state, read our other Cost to Start an LLC and How to Form an LLC guides.

Florida Annual Report Fee: $138.75

Florida requires LLCs to file an annual report with the Secretary of State.

You can submit this form through the Florida Department of State Sunbiz website. It is due on May 1. Florida charges a $400 late fee for failure to file on time as a penalty. Filing your annual report fee on time maintains your LLC's good standing with the Florida state department.

Registered Agent Fee

In Florida you can be your own registered agent, but using a registered agent service helps keep your company in compliance and reminds you of important filing deadlines and avoid late fees.

• If you need to form a new business and get a registered agent, the best package is by Northwest Registered Agent $29 + state fees

OR:

• If only a registered agent is required, Northwest Registered Agent provides an excellent service: $125

Read our guide to learn more about Florida Registered Agents. You can also read our full guide on the best registered agent services.

Cost to Form a Foreign LLC in Florida: $125

If you already have an LLC that is registered in another state and you’d like to expand your business into Florida, you’ll need to register your LLC as a foreign LLC in Florida.

The cost for registering a Florida foreign LLC is $125. You can register a foreign LLC in Florida by filing an Application by Foreign Limited Liability Company for Authorization to Transact Business in Florida.

Business Permits and Licenses

Depending on your industry and geographical location, your business might need federal, state, and local permits/licenses to legally operate in Florida. This is true whether your form an LLC or any other type of business structure.

Learn more about state and local licensing with our guide to getting a Florida business license.

Other LLC Filing Costs

There are optional fees associated with LLC formation:

“Doing Business As” (DBA) Name
File an Application for Registration of Fictitious Name and pay the $50 filing fee to create a name other than your legal LLC business name.

Certified Document Copies
Obtain certified copies of your Florida business documents by ordering through the Secretary of State and paying $30.

Certificate of Status
Also known as a Florida certificate of good standing, you can obtain this document by ordering through the Secretary of State and paying the $5 fee. A certificate of status is often required by banks and lending institutions.

Five Basic Steps to Start an LLC in Florida

Step 1: Name Your Florida LLC
Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent
Step 3: File the Articles of Organization
Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement
Step 5: Get an EIN

Step 1: Name Your Florida LLC

When you name your Florida LLC, you’ll need to choose a name that:

1. Is available for use in the state of Florida
2. Meets Florida naming requirements
3. Is available as a web domain

Recommended: Visit our Start an LLC in Florida guide for detailed naming rules and instructions for registering a business name in Florida.

Not sure what to name your business? Check out our How to Name a Business guide and free LLC Name Generator.

We recommend that you check online to see if your business name is available as a web domain. Even if you don't plan to create a business website today, you may want to buy the URL in order to prevent others from acquiring it.

Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent

All LLCs in Florida must appoint a registered agent. A registered agent primarily acts as your LLC’s main point of contact with the state. But most importantly, they are responsible for accepting service of process in the event your business is sued.

Your Florida registered agent must:

• Be at least 18 years or older
• Have a physical address in Florida
• Be available during normal business hours to accept service of process

In Florida, your registered agent must consent to appointment by signing the Articles of Organization physically or electronically.

Step 3: File the Articles of Organization

The Florida Articles of Organization is a document that is filed with the Florida Department of State to form an LLC. The fee for filing the Articles of Organization is $125.

For detailed instructions for completing the Articles of Organization, visit our How to File the Florida Articles of Organization guide.

Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement

An operating agreement isn't required for Florida LLCs, but it's a good practice to have one.

What is an operating agreement? An operating agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures of an LLC.

Why are operating agreements important? A comprehensive operating agreement ensures that all business owners are on the same page and reduces the risk of future conflict.

For more information on operating agreements, read our Florida LLC operating agreement guide.

Step 5: Get an EIN

What is an EIN? An EIN or Employer Identification Number is a nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue System (IRS) to identify a business for tax reporting purposes. An EIN is essentially a Social Security number (SSN) for your company.

Why do I need an EIN? An EIN number is required for the following:

• Opening a business bank account
• Hiring employees