Quick Answer

To start a Florida LLC, file Articles of Organization online via Sunbiz.org ($125 formation fee). Every year by May 1, you must file an Annual Report and pay $138.75. A major benefit of a Florida LLC is that pass-through profits are subject to a 0% personal state income tax rate, though privacy is extremely low.

Florida LLC filing fee

The state filing fee to form your LLC is $125. This covers the Articles of Organization ($100) and the required registered agent designation ($25). Filing online via Florida's Sunbiz.org portal is highly recommended and usually processed within a few business days.

Step 1: Choose a name

Your business name must be distinguishable from other registered entities in Florida. State law also requires that the name include an LLC indicator such as "Limited Liability Company," "L.L.C.," or "LLC". You can check the availability of your desired name using the Sunbiz.org database.

Step 2: Appoint a registered agent

You must appoint a registered agent before forming your LLC. The registered agent must maintain a physical street address in Florida (P.O. Boxes are not allowed) and be available during normal business hours to accept legal documents. You can act as your own registered agent if you reside in Florida, though many use a professional service to keep their home address off Florida's public records.

Step 3: File formation documents

To officially create your LLC, you must submit the Articles of Organization to the Florida Division of Corporations. You will need to provide your LLC's name, principal address, mailing address, registered agent details, and the names of the managers or authorized members. The $125 fee can be paid online via Sunbiz.org.

Step 4: Create an operating agreement

Florida law does not require you to file an operating agreement with the state. However, an operating agreement is an essential document that governs the internal operations, member voting rights, and profit distribution of your business. You must keep a copy at your principal place of business, and banks will require it to open a business checking account.

Step 5: Get an EIN

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a free 9-digit tax ID issued by the IRS. It functions like a Social Security Number for your business. You will need an EIN to hire employees, open a business bank account, and file federal taxes.

Step 6: Register for state taxes if needed

Florida has a 0% personal state income tax, meaning LLC profits pass through to your personal return tax-free at the state level. However, if your LLC sells physical goods, you must register with the Florida Department of Revenue to collect the 6% state sales tax (plus any local county surtaxes). There is no corporate income tax for standard LLCs.

Step 7: File annual reports and stay compliant

Every Florida LLC must file an Annual Report online via Sunbiz.org between January 1 and May 1 each year to maintain "active" status. The filing fee is $138.75. If you fail to file by May 1, the state automatically assesses a steep $400 late fee, raising the total cost to $538.75. Continued failure to file will result in administrative dissolution.

Florida LLC Cost

Fee Type Amount
Formation fee $125
Registered agent estimate $39 - $150 / year
Annual report fee $138.75 / year
Annual Report Late Penalty $400 (if filed after May 1)
Franchise tax $0 (None)
Publication fee if applicable $0 (None)

Should you form your LLC in Florida?

WHEN THIS MAY NOT APPLY

If you do not live in Florida, do not operate from Florida, and do not have a specific Florida-related reason for forming there, a Florida LLC may not be the best default choice. You may still need to register the LLC as a foreign LLC in the state where you actually operate, which can create duplicate filing fees, registered agent costs, and annual compliance requirements.

Florida currently charges $125 to form a domestic LLC. Annual reports are currently $138.75. For many purely online businesses, it is usually worth comparing your home state with commonly used business-friendly states such as Wyoming, which charges $100 to form an LLC and has a $60 minimum annual license tax, before choosing Florida.

A Florida LLC usually makes sense if you live in Florida, operate your business from Florida, or have a clear legal or tax reason to use Florida. If you live and operate somewhere else, forming in Florida may create extra registered agent costs, foreign qualification requirements, and duplicate compliance obligations. Florida may appeal to some owners, but compare it with Wyoming, Delaware, Nevada, and your home state in our guide to the best state for an online business LLC. For a comprehensive overview of starting a business, visit our LLC formation hub.

Situation Is a Florida LLC usually a good fit?
You live in Florida Usually yes
Your business operates in Florida Usually yes
You want privacy Depends on state rules
You live in another state Usually only if you have a specific reason
You are a non-US resident Depends on banking, taxes, and compliance needs

Florida LLC vs Wyoming LLC

A Wyoming LLC is significantly cheaper to maintain than a Florida LLC ($60 minimum/year vs $138.75/year) and does not have Florida's draconian $400 late fee penalty. Wyoming also offers excellent statutory privacy for LLC owners, while Florida makes all member and manager information easily searchable by the public. Both states share the massive benefit of having 0% state income tax. Out-of-state holding companies should choose Wyoming, but operational businesses located in Florida must form in Florida.