How to start an LLC in Florida: Your 2025 step-by-step guide

When starting a business in Florida, one of your first decisions will be how to structure it. You can set up a sole proprietorship, a partnership, a corporation, or an LLC. Each structure has unique characteristics and benefits, so choosing the one that best aligns with your business goals and needs is important.

One popular option, especially for small businesses, is the limited liability company (LLC). This structure offers some compelling advantages. It combines the liability protection of a corporation with the flexibility and tax advantages of a partnership. An LLC allows owners, known as members, to shield personal assets while enjoying streamlined operations and pass-through taxation.

Jump to:

• Why choose an LLC in Florida?
• New business data in Florida in 2025
• 5 steps for creating an LLC in Florida
• Step 1: Choose a name for your Florida LLC
• Step 2: Choose a registered agent in Florida
• Step 3: Complete the Articles of Organization form and file your Florida LLC
• Step 4: Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
• Step 5: Ongoing compliance and required filings
• Types of LLCs to consider in Florida
• Costs of setting up an LLC in Florida
• LLC Taxes in Florida 
• Frequently asked questions

Why choose an LLC in Florida?

In the past, Florida entrepreneurs would set up subchapter S corporations to combine a sole proprietorship's tax benefits with a C corporation's asset protection. However, limited liability companies (LLCs) have grown in popularity because they’re easier to set up and run than corporations while offering many of the same benefits. Creating an LLC also costs less than forming a corporation, and Florida regulations allow LLC owners to live outside the state. This guide will help you successfully launch your Florida LLC.

Thanks to its excellent weather, thriving economy, and lack of state income tax, Florida is an attractive place to start a business. To successfully run an LLC, you’ll need a solid business plan, an appealing product or service, and accounting software to manage your money effectively.

New business data in Florida in 2025

In 2024, Florida took the lead nationwide with an impressive 163,992 new business formations, showcasing its strong entrepreneurial spirit. And now, in 2025, the state is continuing to solidify its reputation as a hub for innovation and growth. With over 3 million small businesses accounting for 99.8% of all businesses, the Sunshine State offers a thriving environment for entrepreneurs. Of those small businesses, more than 1.4 million are registered as LLCs. 

Florida draws businesses of all sizes and industries with its strong economy, advanced infrastructure, and favorable tax environment. Boasting a top-ranked workforce and key sectors, including fintech, semiconductors, and medical device manufacturing, Florida is home to some of the world's most innovative companies. It is top in the aviation and aerospace industries, ranking number one in maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) establishments and number three in aircraft manufacturing.

5 steps for creating an LLC in Florida

Forming an LLC in Florida is an exciting milestone in building your business. The process involves making key decisions, such as selecting a unique name for your LLC and completing important tasks like filing essential documents and obtaining an EIN. In the following sections, we’ll break down each step to guide you through creating your Florida LLC with ease.

Step 1: Choose a name for your Florida LLC

The first step is to select a name for your business venture. Choose a name that is easy to remember and lets prospective customers know what products or services your company will provide. You should also ensure that a URL matching your chosen name is available. Your LLC's name must also comply with Florida's naming rules.

Florida LLC naming rules

The name you choose for your LLC will only be approved if it complies with Florida's naming rules. To ensure your chosen name complies with Florida law, keep these rules in mind:

Required designators

Your LLC name must include one of the following designations:

• "Limited Liability Company"
• "LLC"
• "L.L.C."

For Professional Limited Liability Companies, the name should contain:

• "Professional Limited Liability Company"
• "PLLC"
• "P.L.L.C."
• "Chartered"

Prohibited implications

The name should not imply affiliation with any government agency, such as:

• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• U.S. Department of State

Avoid names suggesting involvement in illegal activities, including:

• Drug trafficking
• Identity theft

Restricted terms

Certain words are restricted and may require additional documentation or professional licensing:

• "Bank"
• "Lawyer"
• "Attorney"
• "Credit Union"

Check for name availability

Once you have chosen a name for your new business, you must ensure that no other company is already using it. Fortunately, Florida makes this easy. Instead of checking phone and internet records, you can visit the Florida Division of Corporations and conduct a search.

Be aware that in Florida, subtle variations in business names may not be sufficient to make them legally distinct. The state applies strict criteria when determining name uniqueness. According to Florida statutes, the following differences do not make names distinguishable:

• Suffixes (e.g., Inc., LLC, Co.), for example, FL Ventures, Co. and FL Ventures, LLC are not considered different.
• Articles (e.g., the, a, an)
• Interchanging "and" with "&"
• Singular, plural, or possessive forms of a word
• Substituting numbers for words (five vs. 5) 
• Modifying punctuation 

When searching for name availability, focus on your preferred core name without these variations.

Reserve your LLC name

It is not required to reserve a name. However, if you choose to do so, send a request to the Secretary of State that includes your desired name and contact information. If the name is available, it will be reserved for your exclusive use for 120 days. The fee for reserving a fee for an LLC name is $25. Visit the Division of Corporations at Sunbiz.org for more information.

Step 2: Choose a registered agent in Florida

Every Florida LLC must designate a registered agent. This individual or entity is responsible for receiving important legal documents, tax forms, and other official correspondence for the LLC.

Who can be a registered agent?

• You (if you're a Florida resident): You can act as your own registered agent if you meet the following requirements:
• You are at least 18 years old.
• You have a physical street address in Florida.
• You are available to receive legal documents during normal business hours.
• Registered agent service: If you prefer not to receive legal documents at your personal address, consider hiring a professional registered agent service. These companies provide a physical street address in Florida for your LLC to receive documents.

Choosing a registered agent service

There are many registered agent services available in Florida. If you’re thinking about hiring a professional provider, here are some tips for finding the right one.

Research and compare

Be sure to research different providers and compare factors such as:

• Cost: Fees typically start around $50 per year.
• Reputation: Choose a reputable company with a proven track record.
• Customer support: Ensure they provide excellent customer service and support.
• Knowledge: Select a provider with a strong understanding of state-specific compliance requirements to ensure your business stays in good standing.
• Coverage: For businesses operating in multiple states, choose a provider that offers services across all the states where you plan to operate.

Consider bundled services

If you're using a company formation service or an attorney to set up your LLC, they may offer registered agent services as part of a package.

Step 3: Complete the Articles of Organization form and file your Florida LLC

Once you’ve decided on your name and your registered agent, the next step is to fill out the Articles of Organization form.

What is an Articles of Organization?

The Articles of Organization is a legal document submitted to the state to officially form a Limited Liability Company (LLC). It includes essential details such as your business name, address, members, purpose, and management structure. This document serves as the foundation for your LLC's legal operation within the state. 

Articles of Organization in Florida are filed with the Florida Department of State's Division of Corporations. The fee to file a new Florida LLC Articles of Organization is $100. Optional certified copies cost $30 each. 

You have two options for obtaining and submitting the form. 

Option 1: Online 

You can access an Articles of Organization form by visiting the Florida Division of Corporations website and complete the LLC formation process online. Processing times vary. Forms are processed as they are received, however, documents submitted online are usually processed within 5-8 business days, which is faster than mail-in submissions. 

Option 2: Mail-in filing

If you prefer to print and mail your form, visit the Florida Division of Corporations to download the Articles of Organization instructions and form. Complete the form accurately and sign it. Mail the completed form with the required payment to the Florida Division of Corporations in Tallahassee. Generally, processing times are about two weeks. 

How long does it take for an LLC to get approved in Florida?

This all depends on how you submit the paperwork. If you submit your Articles of Organization online, the processing time should be no more than eight business days. If you mail the paperwork, you could wait twice as long.

If you are not a Florida resident:

To conduct business in Florida as a non-resident and create an LLC, you must file an "Application by Foreign Limited Liability Company for Authorization to Transact Business in Florida" (Form CR2E027). This form is used for registering a foreign (out-of-state) LLC to operate in Florida.

You must also:

• Follow the established Florida business naming rules
• Complete the form in its entirety
• Provide a Certificate of Good Standing or a Certificate of Existence, issued within the last 90 days, from the official responsible for business records issued by the state where the LLC was originally formed. If the certificate is in a foreign language, a sworn translation must also be included.
• Designated a registered agent with a physical street address in Florida
• Submit filing fees: $100 for the application, $25 for Designation of Registered Agent 

Submit your application online through www.sunbiz.org or by mail to the Division of Corporations in Tallahassee.

What to include in your LLC's Articles of Organization form

Completing the Articles of Organization form is a fairly simple process since not much information is required. You will be asked to provide:

• The name of your LLC
• The mailing address of your LLC and a street address if the mailing address is a P.O. box
• The name, address, and signature of your registered agent
• The names and addresses of all individuals authorized to manage and control your LLC
• Your signature

The form will also ask if you would like to provide an effective date for your LLC. If you decide to provide a date, it cannot be more than five days before or 90 days after you submit the Articles of Organization.

Step 4: Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

You’ll likely need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service to form an LLC in Florida. An EIN is a nine-digit number that identifies a business for tax purposes, similar to a Social Security Number for your company.

According to the IRS, you need an EIN if any of the following apply:

1. You have employees.
2. Your business operates as a corporation or partnership.
3. You file employment, excise, or alcohol, tobacco, and firearms tax returns.
4. You withhold taxes on income, other than wages, paid to a non-resident alien.
5. You have a Keogh plan (a tax-deferred pension plan).
6. You are involved with certain types of organizations, including trusts, estates, real estate mortgage investment conduits, non-profit organizations, farmers' cooperatives, or plan administrators.

Single-member LLC considerations

If you are a single-member LLC, you may not be required to obtain an EIN. However, getting one is still a smart idea, as your business needs might change over time, and obtaining an EIN is free.

An EIN becomes mandatory if your LLC elects to be taxed as a corporation, hires employees, or files excise or employment tax returns.

Having an EIN also simplifies opening a business bank account and protects your personal Social Security Number, reducing the risk of identity theft.

Requesting an EIN

You can request an EIN by mail or phone, but the fastest method is completing the process online on the IRS website. After obtaining an EIN, use accounting software to track business expenses and ensure your company’s finances remain separate from your personal finances. 

Step 5: Ongoing compliance and required filings

Operating an LLC in Florida requires ongoing compliance with state and federal regulations. Here are some key obligations:

• Annual Report:

• Filing Requirement: You must file an annual report with the Florida Division of Corporations each year by May 1st.
• Purpose: This report verifies that your LLC is still in good standing and updates your company information.
• Online filing: Easily file your annual report through the Division of Corporations website.
• Fees: There is a $138.75 filing fee. Late filings incur a $400 penalty.
• Beneficial Ownership Information Report:

• Filing Requirement: Submit a Beneficial Ownership Information Report to the U.S. Department of the Treasury within 30 days of forming your LLC.
• Purpose: This report helps prevent money laundering and other financial crimes by identifying the true owners of the LLC.
• Who needs to file: All LLCs formed in 2024 or later are required to file.
• How to file: File the report online through the U.S. Treasury Financial Crimes Enforcement Network website.
• Fees: There is no filing fee.
• Certificate of Status (Optional):

• While not always legally required, a Certificate of Status can be beneficial.
• Purpose: It verifies that your LLC is in good standing with the state of Florida.
• Why you may need it: To open a business bank account, obtain certain licenses, or apply for credit card processing.
• How to obtain it: Apply online through the Florida Division of Corporations.
• Fee: $5
• Business licenses and permits (If applicable):

• Requirement: Depending on your industry and location, you may need to obtain specific business licenses and permits.
• Examples:
• Professional services (e.g., law, medicine)
• Food and beverage service
• Sales of hazardous materials
• Verification: Contact your local county tax collector and the Department of Business & Professional Regulation to determine the specific licenses and permits required for your business.
• State tax registration:

• Requirement: If your LLC will collect any state taxes (e.g., sales tax), you must register with the Florida Department of Revenue.
• Tax determination: Use the Department of Revenue website to determine the specific taxes you are responsible for collecting and remitting.
• Registration methods: Register online or by mail.
• Purchase insurance
• Requirement: Depending on the type of business you operate, you may also need to get specific insurance coverage, such as:
• Workers’ compensation
• Commercial auto insurance

For comprehensive guidance, refer to the Small Business Owners' Insurance Guide provided by the Florida Department of Financial Services.

Types of LLCs to consider in Florida 

When establishing an LLC in Florida, it's important to understand the different types available to determine which best suits your business needs.

Single-member LLC

A single-member LLC is owned by one individual or entity, providing liability protection while allowing for simplified management and taxation.

Multi-member LLC

A multi-member LLC consists of two or more members who share ownership. This structure offers flexibility in management and profit distribution among members.

Professional LLC (PLLC)

A professional LLC is designed for licensed professionals, such as doctors, lawyers, or accountants, who wish to form an LLC to provide their services. Not all professions are eligible to form PLLCs. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) regulates which professions can form PLLCs. Learn more at the Florida Legislature website. 

Manager-managed LLC

In a manager-managed LLC, members appoint one or more managers to handle the daily operations, allowing non-managing members to act as passive investors.

Member-managed LLC

A member-managed LLC involves all members actively participating in the management and decision-making processes of the company.

Costs of setting up an LLC in Florida

Setting up an LLC in Florida costs much less than forming a corporation, but there are still expenses involved. To get an LLC up and running in the Sunshine State, you’ll have to pay:

• A $100 one-time fee to file your Articles of Organization
• $25 registered agent designation (if applicable:
• A $138.75 yearly fee to file your annual statement
• An annual fee of between $30 and $300 to a registered agent service if you do not plan to be your own registered agent

Other costs you may have to cover include late fees if you file any required paperwork after its due date and license or permit fees if your business operates in a regulated industry.

Open a Florida LLC business bank account

One of the biggest benefits of forming an LLC is shielding your personal assets if your business is sued. However, this protection can be lost if you mix personal and business assets.

To maintain this protection, open a separate bank account for your LLC. This ensures your business finances remain distinct from your personal ones.

What you'll need 

When opening a business bank account, you’ll typically need:

• Your EIN
• Articles of Organization
• (Possibly) an operating agreement and Certificate of Status

Out-of-state residents should consider choosing a bank with a presence in the state.

After opening your bank account, use QuickBooks accounting software to keep track and manage your finances.

LLC Taxes in Florida 

Florida LLCs can be classified differently for federal tax purposes. They may be treated as a sole proprietorship (for single-member LLCs), partnership, C corporation, or S corporation. This classification affects how the LLC is taxed at both the federal and state levels.

Pass-through taxation

Florida LLCs are typically treated as pass-through entities for tax purposes, meaning the LLC itself doesn’t pay federal or state income taxes. 

No state income tax

Florida continues to have no personal income tax, which applies to LLC members’ share of profits.

Corporate income tax

If an LLC elects to be taxed as a C-corporation, it will be subject to Florida’s corporate income tax, now at a rate of 5.5% as of 2025.

No state income tax

Florida continues to have no personal income tax, which applies to LLC members’ share of profits.

Florida-related resources 

• Florida Department of State's Division of Corporations (Sunbiz): This is the official state website for business registration and filing. It provides essential services for LLCs, including online filing of Articles of Organization, annual report filing, business name search, and forms and fee information.
• Florida Department of Revenue: Offers tax information and services for new businesses. Visit the site to learn about tax registration, filing and paying state taxes, sales tax, and other business-related tax responsibilities.
• Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR): The official site of the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation handles licensing for many professions and businesses in Florida. It features professional licensing information, industry-specific regulations, and online license applications and renewals.
• Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network: This Florida network of local centers provides free consulting and training to small businesses. The SBDC network can also help small businesses find funding, including grants. 
• Florida Business Information Portal: This is Florida’s official business information portal. It provides information on Florida-specific requirements and resources for businesses and professionals, as well as links to county and city government resources. 

Federal-related resources 

• Small Business Administration (SBA): The SBA supports small businesses through various loan programs, including the 7(a) loan, provides resources for government contracting, and offers counseling and training programs to help entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses.
• Internal Revenue Service (IRS): The IRS provides essential information for LLCs, including tax classifications, employer identification numbers (EINs), and filing requirements. Its Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center offers guidance on tax obligations specific to LLCs.
• U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO): For businesses looking to protect their intellectual property, the USPTO provides resources on how to apply for patents and register trademarks, which can be essential for safeguarding your unique products or services.
• U.S. Department of Labor (DOL): The DOL's website offers information on federal labor laws, workplace safety regulations, and employee benefits that LLC owners need to consider when hiring staff.

Disclaimer: 

This content is for information purposes only and information provided should not be considered legal, accounting or tax advice or a substitute for obtaining such advice specific to your business. Additional information and exceptions may apply. Applicable laws may vary by state or locality. No assurance is given that the information is comprehensive in its coverage or that it is suitable in dealing with a customer’s particular situation. Intuit Inc. does not have any responsibility for updating or revising any information presented herein. Accordingly, the information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for independent research. Intuit Inc. cannot warrant that the material contained herein will continue to be accurate, nor that it is completely free of errors when published. Readers should verify statements before relying on them.