How to Start an LLC in Florida

Start an LLC in Florida with these 5 Easy Steps

Step 1: Name Your Florida LLC

Choosing a company name is the first and most important step in forming an LLC in Florida. Be sure to choose a name that complies with Florida naming laws, requirements, and is easily searchable by potential business clients.

1. Follow the naming guidelines for a Florida LLC:

• Your name must include the phrase “limited liability company,” or one of its abbreviations (LLC or L.L.C.).
• Your name cannot include words that could confuse your LLC with a government agency (FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.).
• Restricted words (e.g. Bank, Attorney, University) may require additional paperwork and a licensed individual, such as a doctor or lawyer, to be part of your Florida LLC.

2. Is the name available in Florida? Make sure the name you want isn't already taken by doing a name search on the Sunbiz Florida website.

To learn more about searching for a Florida LLC name, read our full guide.

3. Is the URL available? 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.

Once you have verified your name is available you may now select a professional service to complete the LLC formation process for you. We recommend using one of these professional services:

• Northwest ($29 + State Fees)

Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent in Florida

You are required to appoint a Florida Registered Agent for your Florida LLC.

What is a Registered Agent? A registered agent is an individual or business entity responsible for receiving important tax forms, legal documents, notice of lawsuits, and official government correspondence on behalf of your business. Think of your registered agent as your business' point of contact with the state.

Who can be a Registered Agent? A registered agent must be a full-time resident of Florida or a corporation, such as a registered agent service, authorized to conduct business in the state of Florida. You may elect an individual within the company including yourself.

Step 3: File Your Florida LLC Articles of Organization

To register your Florida LLC, you'll need to file Form LLC-1 - Articles of Organization with the Florida Division of Corporations. You can apply online or by mail.

Now is a good time to determine whether your LLC will be member-managed vs. manager-managed.

For help with completing the form, visit our Florida Articles of Organization guide.

If you’re expanding your existing LLC to the state of Florida, you’ll need to register as a Foreign LLC.

Step 4: Create a Florida LLC Operating Agreement

An operating agreement is not required for an LLC in Florida, 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 for your Florida LLC

What is an EIN? The Employer Identification Number (EIN), Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN), or Federal Tax Identification Number (FTIN), is a nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue System (IRS); an Employer ID Number is used to identify a business entity and keep track of a business’s tax reporting. It is essentially a social security number (SSN) for the company.

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

• To open a business business bank account for the company
• For Federal and State tax purposes
• To hire employees for the company

Where do I get an EIN? An EIN is obtained from the IRS (free of charge) by the business owner after forming the company. This can be done online or by mail.

FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS: You do not need an SSN to obtain an EIN. Read our guide to getting an EIN for international entrepreneurs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an LLC?

LLC is short for Limited Liability Company. It is a simple business structure that offers more flexibility than a traditional corporation while providing many of the same benefits. Read "What is a Limited Liability Company?" for more information.

Watch our 2 minute video: What is an LLC?

How do I name my Florida LLC?

You must follow the Florida LLC naming guidelines when choosing a name for your LLC:

• Include the phrase "limited liability company" or one of its abbreviations (LLC or L.L.C.).
• Do not use words that could confuse your business with a government agency (FBI, State Department, CIA, etc.).
• Receive the proper licensing when using the words such as lawyer or doctor.

If you are having trouble coming up with a name for your LLC use our LLC Name Generator. That will not only find a unique name for your business but an available URL to match.

After you get your business name, your next step is getting a unique logo. Get your unique logo using our Free Logo Generator.

Do I need to get a DBA or Trade Name for my business?

Most LLCs do not need a DBA, known as a fictitious name in Florida. The name of the LLC can serve as your company’s brand name and you can accept checks and other payments under that name as well. However, you may wish to register a DBA if you would like to conduct business under another name.

To Learn more about DBAs in your state, read our How to File a DBA in Florida guide.

Can I be my own Registered Agent?

Yes. You or anyone else in your company can serve as the registered agent for your LLC. Read about being your own registered agent.

Is a Registered Agent service worth it?

Using a professional Registered Agent service is an affordable way to manage government filings for your LLC. For most businesses, the advantages (e.g. privacy, peace of mind, and preventing lawsuits) of using a professional registered agent service significantly outweigh the annual costs.

For more information, read our article on Florida registered agents.

Do I need to file my operating agreement with the State of Florida?

No. The operating agreement is an internal document that you should keep on file for future reference.

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

Florida LLC Articles of Organization are processed in the order they are recieved, and can take up from 2 to 4 weeks.

To learn more, go to our How Long Does it Take to Form an LLC in Florida guide.

What is the difference between a domestic Florida LLC and foreign LLC?

An LLC is referred to as a "domestic LLC" when it conducts business in the state where it was formed. Normally when we refer to an LLC we are actually referring to a domestic LLC. A foreign LLC must be formed when an existing LLC wishes to expand its business to another state. If you are filing as a foreign Florida LLC read our guide for more information.

How do I get an EIN if I don’t have a Social Security number?

An SSN is not required to get an EIN. You can simply fill out IRS Form SS-4 and leave section 7b blank. Then call the IRS at 267-941-1099 to complete your EIN application. Read our guide for international EIN applicants.

What tax structure should I choose for my LLC?

When you obtain an EIN, you will be informed of the different tax classification options that are available. Most LLCs elect the default tax status.

However, some LLCs can reduce their federal tax obligation by choosing S corporation status. We recommend consulting with a local accountant to find out which option is best for you.

What is the minimum wage in Florida?

The minimum wage in Florida is $11 per hour

How often do I need to pay employees?

Florida has no specified regulations on pay frequency. However Federal law states that you must have a consistent pay frequency. Typically most employers pay on a semi-monthly basis.

Important Steps After Forming an LLC

Separate Your Personal & Business Assets

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your Florida LLC is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing the corporate veil.

You can start protecting your LLC in Florida with these steps:

1. Opening a business bank account:

• Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
• Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Need help finding your EIN for your bank application? Visit our EIN Lookup guide for help.

2. Getting a business credit card:

• Helps categorize and separate all business expenses for end-of-year tax purposes.
• Helps build your business credit score — an essential step toward getting a line of credit or business loans in the future.
• Allows you to keep track of department expenses by issuing multiple cards (with multiple budgets) to your employees.

For a closer look at business credit cards and their benefits, check out our review of the best small business credit cards.

3. Hiring a business accountant:

• Prevents your business from overpaying on taxes while helping you avoid penalties, fines, and other costly tax errors.
• Makes bookkeeping and payroll easier, leaving you with more time to focus on your growing business.
• Manages your business funding more effectively, discovering areas of unforeseen loss or extra profit

For more business accounting tools, read our guide to the best business accounting software.

Get Business Insurance for Your LLC

Business insurance helps you manage risks, protects your personal liability, and focus on growing your Florida LLC. The most common types of business insurance are:

• General Liability Insurance: A broad insurance policy that protects your business from lawsuits. Most small businesses get general liability insurance.
• Professional Liability Insurance: A business insurance for professional service providers (consultants, accountants, etc.) that covers claims of malpractice and other business errors.
• Workers' Compensation Insurance: A type of insurance that provides coverage for employees’ job-related illnesses, injuries, or deaths.

Read our review of the best small business insurance companies.

Create Your Website

Creating a website is an important step in legitimizing your business. Every business needs a website if you want your customers to find you.

Send Out a Press Release

Press releases are among the easiest and best ways to promote your business. They are also one of the most cost-effective strategies as they:

• Provides publicity
• Establish your brand presence on the web
• Improve your website’s search engine optimization (SEO), driving more customers to your website
• Are a one-time cost in terms of effort and money
• Have long-lasting benefits

Keep Your Company Compliant

Florida Business Permits & Licenses

To operate your LLC you must comply with federal, state, and local government regulations. For example, restaurants likely need health permits, building permits, signage permits, etc.

The details of business licenses and permits vary from state to state. Make sure you read carefully. Don't be surprised if there are short classes required as well.

Fees for business licenses and permits will vary depending on what sort of license you are seeking to obtain.

Find out how to obtain necessary Florida business licenses and permits for your LLC or have a professional service do it for you:

• Business License Guide: Use our detailed Florida Business License guide.
• Federal: Use the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) guide to federal business licenses and permits.
• State: Check out the SBA's Florida Business Resource page to research which permits you will need for your LLC.
• Local: Contact your local county clerk and ask about local licenses and permits.

Florida LLC Tax Filing Requirements

In order to keep your business in good standing, it's important to stay up to date on your Florida LLC taxes

Depending on the nature of your business, you may be required to register for one or more forms of state tax:

Sales Tax

If you are selling a physical product, you’ll typically need to register for a seller's permit through the Florida Department of Revenue website.

This certificate allows a business to collect sales tax on taxable sales.

Sales tax, also called "Sales and Use Tax," is a tax levied by states, counties, and municipalities on business transactions involving the exchange of certain taxable goods or services.

Read our Florida sales tax guide to find out more.

Employer Taxes

If you have employees in Florida, you will need to register for Florida Re-employment Tax, a type of unemployment tax, through the Florida Department of Revenue. New employers pay an initial tax rate of .0270 (2.7%) on the first $7,000 of yearly wages paid to employees.

Industry Specific Taxes

If your business falls within a specific industry, additional state taxes may apply.

Federal LLC Tax Filing Requirements

Most LLCs will need to report their income to the IRS each year using:

• Form 1065 Partnership Return (most multi-member LLCs use this form)
• Form 1040 Schedule C (most single-member LLCs use this form)

How you pay yourself as an owner will also affect your federal taxes. Visit our guide to learn more about how to pay yourself from your LLC.

Florida LLC Annual Report

LLCs in Florida are required to file an annual report with the Florida Department of State. This can be done online.

Avoid Automatic Dissolution

LLCs may face fines and even automatic dissolution when they miss one or more state filings. When this happens, LLC owners risk loss of limited liability protection. A quality registered agent service can help prevent this outcome by notifying you of upcoming filing deadlines, and even submitting reports on your behalf for an additional fee.

Hiring Employees

If you plan to hire employees, stay compliant with Florida law by following these steps:

• Verify that new employees are able to work in the US
• Report employees as "new hires" to the State
• Provide workers' compensation insurance for employees
• Withhold employee taxes
• Print compliance posters and place them in visible areas of your work space

Small Business Resources

Get Help Starting a Business in Florida

We understand that creating an LLC in Florida and getting your business up and running comes with many challenges. To help you succeed, we compiled the best local resources in every major metro area in Florida. You can get free assistance in the following areas:

Local Resources in Florida

Jacksonville | Miami | Orlando | Tallahassee | Tampa

State of Florida Quick Links

• Florida Department of State - Division of Corporations
• Florida Department of Revenue
• Contact Division of Corporations - Florida Department of State
• Workers' Compensation - My Florida CFO
• Florida LLC Statutes
• Understanding the Florida Revised LLC Company Act
• Florida LLC Formation Services
• Florida LLC Annual Report
• Best Registered Agent Services in Florida
• Understanding Florida LLC Laws

More Florida LLC Information

Florida Foreign LLCs

Forming a foreign LLC allows your company to operate as one entity in multiple states. If you have an existing LLC and want to do business in Florida, you will need to register as a foreign LLC. This can be done by mail.

How to Obtain Certificate of Good Standing in Florida

A Certificate of Good Standing, known in Florida as a Certificate of Status, verifies that your Florida LLC was legally formed and has been properly maintained. Several instances where you might need to get one include:

• Seeking funding from banks or other lenders
• Forming your business as a foreign LLC in another state
• Obtaining or renewing specific business licenses or permits

You can order a Certificate of Status either online or by mail.

How to Dissolve an LLC in Florida

If at any point in the future you no longer wish to conduct business with your LLC, it is important to officially dissolve it. Failure to do so in a timely fashion can result in tax liabilities and penalties, or even legal trouble. To dissolve your LLC, there are two broad steps:

• Close your business tax accounts
• File the Articles of Dissolution

When you are ready to dissolve your LLC, follow the steps in our Florida LLC Dissolution Guide.