How to Start an LLC in Florida: Cost, Steps, and Requirements

How to Start an LLC in Florida
Quick Answer: Starting an LLC in Florida costs $125 to file your Articles of Organization with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz), which includes a $100 filing fee and a $25 registered-agent designation. Online filings are typically processed within a few business days. Every Florida LLC must then file an annual report by May 1 for $138.75 to stay active. Florida charges no state personal income tax, a major reason owners form LLCs here.

Key Takeaways

  • Cost to form: $125 total ($100 filing + $25 registered agent) — verified with Sunbiz.
  • Annual report: $138.75, due January 1–May 1; a $400 late fee ($538.75 total) applies after May 1.
  • Requirements: a distinguishable name with “LLC,” a Florida registered agent, and filed Articles of Organization.
  • Taxes: Florida has no state personal income tax; LLCs are federally pass-through by default.
  • Best next step: run a Sunbiz name search, then file online — most owners can do it themselves in under an hour.

Forming an LLC in Florida is one of the most affordable and popular ways to start a business, thanks to a low $125 filing fee and the state’s lack of a personal income tax. This guide walks through exactly what it costs, how long it takes, the requirements, and a step-by-step Sunbiz filing process — plus how Florida LLCs are taxed, the brand-new Protected Series LLC option, and what to do after you form. Every fee here is verified against the Florida Division of Corporations.

This is part of our business library; for help choosing an entity in the first place, see our guide to LLC vs. S-corp vs. sole proprietorship business structures, and step up to the complete business and finance guide for the bigger picture.

Table of Contents

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

Starting an LLC in Florida costs $125 total to file your Articles of Organization with the Florida Division of Corporations. That breaks down into a $100 filing fee plus a required $25 registered-agent designation fee, according to the Florida Division of Corporations. That single payment is all it takes to legally form your LLC — there are no separate “LLC license” charges in Florida.

Beyond the $125 to form, the only mandatory recurring cost is the $138.75 annual report each year. Everything else is optional: a Certificate of Status ($5), a certified copy of your records ($30), a name reservation ($25), or a registered-agent service if you don’t act as your own agent (commonly $0–$150 per year). You can keep your total first-year cost at just $125 by filing yourself and serving as your own registered agent. The full cost breakdown table appears later in this guide.

How Long Does It Take to Form an LLC in Florida?

Forming an LLC in Florida typically takes a few business days when you file online through Sunbiz, while mailed paper filings take longer. Online submissions are entered into the state’s queue and generally post within several business days, though processing times fluctuate with the state’s volume. Mailed filings add transit time plus a longer review, so online is both faster and cheaper to track.

Once your Articles of Organization are approved, your LLC legally exists and you can move on to getting an EIN and opening a business bank account. Because state processing times vary throughout the year, check the current turnaround on Sunbiz before filing if your timeline is tight. There’s no official expedited service for online LLC filings in Florida, so the standard online process is the fastest route for most people.

What Are the Requirements to Form an LLC in Florida?

To form an LLC in Florida, you need a distinguishable business name that includes an “LLC” designator, a Florida registered agent with a physical state address, and filed Articles of Organization. An operating agreement and an EIN are strongly recommended though not required by the state to form. These are the core requirements every Florida LLC must meet.

  • A compliant name: distinguishable from existing Florida entities and ending in “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” or “Limited Liability Company.”
  • A Florida registered agent: an individual or service with a physical Florida street address who accepts legal documents.
  • Articles of Organization: the formation document filed with the Division of Corporations (the $125 filing).
  • An operating agreement (recommended): not required by Florida, but important for defining ownership and rules.
  • An EIN (recommended/required if you hire or have multiple members): a free federal tax ID from the IRS.

Meet these and you’re ready to file. The next section walks through the process step by step.

How to Start an LLC in Florida in 6 Steps

To start an LLC in Florida, follow six steps: name your LLC, appoint a registered agent, file the Articles of Organization with Sunbiz, create an operating agreement, get an EIN from the IRS, and file your annual report each year to stay compliant. The whole formation can be done online in under an hour, and most people can do it themselves. Here is each step in detail.

Step 1. Name Your Florida LLC

Naming your Florida LLC means choosing a name that is distinguishable from every other registered Florida entity and includes a required “LLC” designator. Your name is your legal and brand identity, and the state will reject a filing whose name isn’t unique or properly formatted. Getting this right first avoids a rejected filing.

Why it matters: Florida won’t register two indistinguishable names, so checking availability before you file saves time and your $125 fee from being held up.

How to do it: Search your desired name on the free Sunbiz name database to confirm it’s available, make sure it ends in “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” or “Limited Liability Company,” and avoid restricted words (like “bank” or “trust”) that need special approval. Optionally reserve nothing — Florida lets you simply file once your name is clear.

Exact cost: $0 to search; an optional name reservation is $25 (most filers skip it and just file).

Common mistake: Filing a name that’s too similar to an existing one, or forgetting the “LLC” suffix, which gets the filing rejected.

Tool to use: The free Sunbiz name search, or a formation service like ZenBusiness that checks availability as part of filing.

Step 2. Appoint a Florida Registered Agent

Appointing a Florida registered agent means designating a person or company with a physical Florida street address to receive legal documents and state notices on your LLC’s behalf. Florida requires every LLC to have one, and the agent must be available during business hours. You can be your own agent or hire a service.

Why it matters: The registered agent is how the state and courts officially reach your business. Missing a legal notice because you had no reliable agent can lead to default judgments or losing good standing.

How to do it: Name yourself (if you have a Florida street address and are available during business hours), another individual, or a registered-agent service on your Articles of Organization. A P.O. box is not acceptable — it must be a physical Florida address.

Exact cost: $0 if you serve as your own agent; $25 is the state’s registered-agent designation fee built into the $125 filing; a commercial service typically runs $0–$150 per year.

Common mistake: Listing the LLC itself as its own agent (not allowed) or using a P.O. box (not accepted).

Tool to use: A registered-agent service like Northwest Registered Agent if you want privacy or don’t have a reliable Florida address.

Step 3. File the Florida Articles of Organization

Filing the Articles of Organization is the official act that legally creates your LLC, submitted to the Florida Division of Corporations through Sunbiz. This document lists your LLC’s name, principal address, registered agent, and management structure. Once it’s accepted, your LLC exists.

Why it matters: This is the filing that forms your LLC and provides the liability protection that separates your personal assets from business debts. Nothing is official until it’s accepted.

How to do it: File online at Sunbiz.org (fastest), enter your LLC name, principal and mailing addresses, registered agent, and member/manager information, then pay the fee by card. You’ll get a confirmation with your LLC’s document number.

Exact cost: $125 total ($100 filing fee + $25 registered-agent designation).

Common mistake: Errors in the registered-agent section or name, which delay approval. Double-check every field before submitting.

Tool to use: File directly on Sunbiz for the lowest cost, or use Bizee or LegalZoom if you want the paperwork handled for you (plus the state fee).

Step 4. Create an Operating Agreement

Creating an operating agreement means writing an internal document that sets out how your LLC is owned, managed, and operated. Florida does not require one to form your LLC, but it’s strongly recommended for every LLC — including single-member LLCs — because it governs how decisions and disputes are handled. It’s an internal document you keep, not filed with the state.

Why it matters: An operating agreement defines ownership percentages, profit splits, voting, and what happens if a member leaves — preventing costly disputes. It also reinforces the legal separation that protects your personal assets, and banks often ask to see it.

How to do it: Draft an agreement covering members and ownership, management structure, contributions, profit distribution, and dissolution. Single-member LLCs should still have one. Keep it with your business records.

Exact cost: $0 if you draft it yourself from a template; formation services and attorneys offer paid versions.

Common mistake: Skipping it because it’s not required, then having no framework when a dispute or ownership change arises.

Tool to use: A reputable template or a formation service that includes a customizable operating agreement.

Step 5. Get an EIN From the IRS

Getting an EIN (Employer Identification Number) means obtaining a free federal tax ID from the IRS that your LLC uses to open a bank account, hire employees, and file taxes. It functions like a Social Security number for your business. Multi-member LLCs and any LLC with employees are required to have one; single-member LLCs usually need one too for banking.

Why it matters: Banks require an EIN to open a business account, and you need it to hire employees, file federal taxes, and keep business and personal finances cleanly separated.

How to do it: Apply free directly on the IRS website — the online application issues your EIN immediately. Never pay a third party for the EIN itself; it’s free from the IRS.

Exact cost: $0 directly from the IRS.

Common mistake: Paying a service for an EIN you can get free in minutes, or applying before your LLC is approved.

Tool to use: The IRS online EIN application (free).

Step 6. File Your Annual Report and Stay Compliant

Filing your annual report means submitting Florida’s yearly informational update through Sunbiz to keep your LLC active and in good standing. It’s due every year between January 1 and May 1 and costs $138.75. Miss the deadline and a non-waivable $400 late fee applies; ignore it entirely and the state administratively dissolves your LLC.

Why it matters: The annual report keeps your LLC active and preserves your liability protection. Failing to file leads to a steep late fee and, ultimately, dissolution — after which operating the business can expose you to personal liability.

How to do it: File online at Sunbiz between January 1 and May 1, verify your information, and pay $138.75 by card (it posts within minutes). Put the May 1 deadline on your calendar, since the state’s reminders are limited.

Exact cost: $138.75 on time; $538.75 if filed after May 1 (includes the $400 late fee).

Common mistake: Missing the May 1 deadline. The $400 late fee cannot be waived, and unfiled reports lead to administrative dissolution in late September.

Tool to use: A calendar reminder for April, or a registered-agent/compliance service that files the report for you.

Florida LLC Cost Breakdown

The total cost to start a Florida LLC is $125, with one mandatory recurring cost of $138.75 per year for the annual report. Everything else is optional. The table below lays out every Florida LLC fee — one-time and ongoing — verified against the Florida Division of Corporations, so you can budget precisely.

Fee Amount When
Articles of Organization (formation) $125 ($100 filing + $25 registered agent) One-time, to form
Annual report $138.75 Yearly, Jan 1–May 1
Annual report (late) $538.75 (includes $400 late fee) If filed after May 1
Registered-agent service (optional) $0–$150/year Ongoing, if you don’t self-serve
Certificate of Status (optional) $5 As needed
Certified copy of record (optional) $30 As needed
Name reservation (optional) $25 Before filing, if desired
Articles of Dissolution (to close) $25 When dissolving

The realistic budget for most people: $125 to start and $138.75 each year after. If you hire a registered-agent or formation service, add their fee. All figures are current as of June 2026; confirm them on Sunbiz before filing, as the state can adjust fees.

What Is the Florida LLC Filing Fee?

The Florida LLC filing fee is $125 total, made up of a $100 fee to file the Articles of Organization and a required $25 registered-agent designation fee. This single payment legally forms your LLC — Florida does not charge a separate business-formation license fee on top of it. You pay it once when you file, by credit or debit card online.

That $125 is among the more affordable LLC formation costs in the country, and it’s the only mandatory charge to get your LLC up and running. There’s no publication requirement or additional state formation tax in Florida. After formation, your next required payment isn’t until the following year’s annual report, so the upfront cost to launch a Florida LLC is genuinely just $125 if you file yourself.

What Is the Florida LLC Annual Report Fee?

The Florida LLC annual report fee is $138.75, due every year between January 1 and May 1. File after May 1 and the state adds a non-waivable $400 late fee, bringing the total to $538.75. If you still haven’t filed by the third Friday in September, your LLC is administratively dissolved at the close of business on the fourth Friday of September.

The annual report isn’t a tax return — it’s an informational filing that confirms your LLC’s name, address, registered agent, and members or managers. It keeps your LLC active and in good standing. Because the $400 late fee cannot be waived under any circumstances and reminders from the state are limited, the single best compliance habit is a calendar alert for April so you always file before May 1. You can file it yourself online at Sunbiz in a few minutes.

Are There Hidden or Ongoing Costs for a Florida LLC?

Beyond the $125 formation and $138.75 annual report, Florida LLCs may face optional or situational ongoing costs depending on the business. None are hidden, but it’s worth budgeting for the ones that apply to you. These are the common additional costs to anticipate.

  • Registered-agent service: $0–$150 per year if you hire one instead of self-serving.
  • Sales tax registration and collection: if you sell taxable goods or services, you’ll register with the Florida Department of Revenue and remit sales tax.
  • Local business licenses/permits: many cities and counties require a local business tax receipt and possibly industry permits.
  • Amendments: $25 to change your registered agent, name, or other details after filing.
  • Optional services: certificates, certified copies, accounting, or legal help as your business grows.

For most simple, single-owner businesses, the real ongoing cost is just the $138.75 annual report. Service businesses and retailers should budget for local licenses and sales tax where applicable.

Florida LLC Naming Requirements

Florida LLC naming requirements are that your name must be distinguishable from existing Florida entities and must include “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C.” The name can’t imply a different entity type or a government affiliation, and certain restricted words require approval. Checking availability on Sunbiz before filing is essential.

Specifically, your name must: include an LLC designator; be distinguishable on the Florida Division of Corporations records (not identical or confusingly similar to a registered name); avoid words suggesting a government agency; and avoid restricted terms like “bank,” “trust,” or “insurance” unless you have the required licensing or approval. Run your desired name through the free Sunbiz search first. If you’re not ready to file but want to hold a name, Florida offers an optional $25 name reservation, though most filers simply file once their name is clear.

Florida Registered Agent Requirements

A Florida registered agent must be an individual who is a Florida resident or a business entity authorized to operate in Florida, with a physical Florida street address (not a P.O. box), available during normal business hours to accept legal documents. Critically, the LLC itself cannot serve as its own registered agent. The agent must sign to accept the designation.

The registered agent’s job is to reliably receive service of process (lawsuit notices) and official state correspondence on the LLC’s behalf. You can name yourself, another individual associated with the company, or a commercial registered-agent service — as long as the address is a physical Florida location and someone is available during business hours. Because the agent’s address becomes public record, many owners hire a service to keep their home address private and ensure nothing is missed.

Do You Need an Operating Agreement in Florida?

No, Florida does not legally require an operating agreement to form an LLC — but you should create one anyway. While the state will register your LLC without it, an operating agreement is strongly recommended for every Florida LLC, including single-member LLCs, because it defines ownership, management, and what happens in disputes or ownership changes. It’s an internal document, not filed with the state.

Without an operating agreement, your LLC defaults to Florida’s standard statutory rules, which may not match your intentions. A written agreement lets you set your own terms for profit splits, decision-making, adding or removing members, and dissolution. It also strengthens your liability protection by reinforcing that the LLC is a separate entity, and banks and investors often ask to see it. For a single-member LLC, it clarifies the separation between you and the business. Skipping it is the most common avoidable mistake new owners make.

Do You Need a Business License for a Florida LLC?

Florida does not have a general statewide business license, but most businesses need local and possibly industry-specific licenses. There’s no single “Florida business license” you apply for at the state level to operate an LLC, but your city or county likely requires a local business tax receipt, and regulated professions need state licensing. Requirements depend entirely on your location and industry.

In practice, check three layers: your county and city for a local business tax receipt (sometimes called an occupational license); your industry for any state professional or regulatory license (contractors, salons, restaurants, and many others); and any special permits (signage, health, zoning). Because these vary widely by locality, confirm with your county and city government. For the bigger picture of launching in the state, see our guide on how to start a business in Florida.

How Are Florida LLCs Taxed?

Florida LLCs benefit from the state’s lack of a personal income tax, and by default they’re taxed as federal pass-through entities — profits flow to the owners’ personal federal returns rather than being taxed at the business level. A single-member LLC is taxed as a sole proprietorship (a “disregarded entity”), and a multi-member LLC as a partnership, unless the LLC elects corporate taxation. This combination is a key reason Florida is a popular state to form an LLC.

At the federal level, you’ll pay income tax on your share of the profits and self-employment tax on active earnings. Florida itself imposes no personal income tax, so there’s no state tax on the pass-through income that owners receive — a meaningful advantage over high-tax states. Depending on your business, you may still owe Florida sales and use tax and reemployment tax (if you have employees). For the federal side, see our complete guide to business taxes, and always confirm specifics with the IRS and the Florida Department of Revenue.

Does Florida Have a State Income Tax on LLCs?

No, Florida does not have a state personal income tax, which means the pass-through income from most LLCs is not taxed at the Florida state level. This is one of the biggest reasons people form LLCs in Florida: as a default pass-through entity, your LLC’s profits land on your personal federal return, and Florida takes no state income tax on them. Florida also has no separate state income tax on individuals.

There is a nuance: Florida imposes a corporate income tax only on entities taxed as C-corporations. So a standard LLC taxed as a pass-through owes no Florida income tax, but an LLC that elects to be taxed as a C-corporation would fall under Florida’s corporate income tax. For the vast majority of small-business LLCs using default pass-through taxation, the takeaway is simple: no Florida state income tax on your business profits.

What Taxes Does a Florida LLC Pay?

A Florida LLC typically pays federal income tax (through its owners), federal self-employment tax, and — depending on the business — Florida sales and use tax and reemployment tax. There’s no Florida state income tax on pass-through LLCs, but other taxes can apply based on what you sell and whether you have employees. Here’s what to plan for.

  • Federal income tax: paid by owners on their share of profits (pass-through by default).
  • Self-employment tax: on active owners’ earnings, covering Social Security and Medicare.
  • Florida sales and use tax: the state rate is 6% (plus a county surtax that varies) on taxable goods and many services — register with the Florida Department of Revenue if this applies.
  • Reemployment tax: Florida’s version of unemployment tax, owed if you have employees.
  • Local taxes/fees: any city or county business taxes that apply.

The exact mix depends on your business. A solo consultant may owe only federal income and self-employment tax, while a retailer must also collect sales tax. For details on collecting and remitting Florida sales tax, see our Florida sales tax guide for businesses, and verify rates with the Florida Department of Revenue.

Can You Be Your Own Registered Agent in Florida?

Yes, you can be your own registered agent in Florida if you’re at least 18, have a physical Florida street address, and are available during normal business hours to accept legal documents. Many single-owner LLCs save money by having the owner serve as the registered agent. The main trade-offs are privacy and availability, not eligibility.

The downsides of self-serving are worth weighing: your address becomes part of the public record, you must be reliably present during business hours to receive service of process, and being served a lawsuit at your place of business in front of customers can be awkward. If you travel, work from home and value privacy, or simply don’t want to manage it, a registered-agent service (often $0–$150/year) handles this for you. Eligibility-wise, though, acting as your own agent is perfectly allowed.

Can You Form a Florida LLC Online?

Yes, you can form a Florida LLC entirely online through the Florida Division of Corporations’ Sunbiz portal, and online filing is the fastest method. You complete the Articles of Organization, enter your registered agent and member information, and pay the $125 fee by card — all on the state website. Online filings are processed faster than mailed paper forms.

Filing online at Sunbiz.org is the route most people use because it’s quick, trackable, and avoids mail transit time. You’ll receive an email confirmation with your LLC’s document number once it’s accepted. There’s no need to hire anyone to file online — the state’s system is designed for self-service — though formation services can do it for you for an added fee if you’d prefer the convenience.

How Do You Form a Single-Member LLC in Florida?

You form a single-member LLC in Florida using the exact same process as any other LLC: file the Articles of Organization, appoint a registered agent, and pay $125. The only real difference is tax treatment — by default, a single-member LLC is a “disregarded entity,” meaning its income is reported on your personal federal tax return. The formation steps are identical to a multi-member LLC.

As a disregarded entity, your single-member LLC’s profits and losses flow onto your personal Schedule C federally, while you still get the liability protection of the LLC structure. You should still create an operating agreement (it reinforces the separation between you and the business) and get an EIN for banking and to avoid using your Social Security number. You can also elect S-corp taxation later if it becomes advantageous as your income grows.

What Is a Florida Protected Series LLC?

A Florida Protected Series LLC is a new structure, effective July 1, 2026, that lets a single “parent” LLC create multiple internal “protected series,” each with its own assets, liabilities, and members — and a liability shield separating each series from the others. Florida added this option through Senate Bill 316 and House Bill 403, which created new sections 605.2101 through 605.2802 of the Florida Revised Limited Liability Company Act. It’s designed for owners juggling multiple properties or business lines.

The appeal is efficiency: instead of forming a separate LLC for each rental property or venture, an owner can form one parent LLC and designate a protected series for each — potentially reducing redundant filings and registered-agent costs while still isolating risk between series. To create one, the parent LLC files a “protected series designation” with the Division of Corporations, and the parent’s annual report must list all active series. Crucially, the liability shield is not automatic: it depends on strict separation of assets, separate bank accounts, and meticulous recordkeeping for each series. Because the law is brand new (taking effect July 1, 2026) and the state’s filing forms and fees were still being finalized, confirm the current process and costs on Sunbiz and consider consulting a Florida attorney before forming one.

Do You Need to File a Beneficial Ownership (BOI) Report?

No — as of mid-2026, a Florida (domestic) LLC does not need to file a federal Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report. Under a FinCEN interim final rule issued in March 2025, all entities created in the United States — and their beneficial owners — are exempt from BOI reporting under the Corporate Transparency Act; only foreign companies registered to do business in the U.S. must report. This reversed the earlier requirement that applied to most LLCs.

Important caveat: FinCEN issued this as an interim rule and has said it intends to finalize the rule, so the requirement could change again. Because BOI rules have been in legal flux, do not rely on this status without checking the current rule directly. Confirm the latest requirements at FinCEN.gov before deciding whether your LLC must file, and consider professional guidance if you’re unsure. As written today, domestic Florida LLCs have no BOI filing obligation and no deadline to meet.

LLC vs Sole Proprietorship in Florida: Which Is Better?

An LLC is generally better than a sole proprietorship for Florida business owners who want liability protection, while a sole proprietorship is simpler and free to start but offers no separation between you and the business. A sole proprietorship is the default when you operate without forming an entity; an LLC requires the $125 filing but shields your personal assets. The right choice depends on your liability risk and goals.

Florida LLC Sole Proprietorship
Liability protection Yes — personal assets separated No — you’re personally liable
Cost to start $125 + $138.75/year $0 (no state filing)
Taxes Pass-through by default; can elect S/C-corp Pass-through on your personal return
Credibility Higher (formal entity, “LLC” name) Lower
Best for Most businesses with any liability risk Very low-risk, casual side income

For most people running a real business — anyone with customers, contracts, employees, or assets to protect — the LLC’s liability shield is well worth $125. A sole proprietorship can make sense for a very low-risk side hustle, but it leaves your personal assets exposed. For a full comparison including S-corps, see our guide to business structures.

Should You Use an LLC Formation Service or File Yourself?

Filing yourself directly with Sunbiz is the cheapest option at just the $125 state fee, while a formation service costs more but handles the paperwork and adds convenience features. Both result in the same legally formed LLC — the choice comes down to whether you value saving money or saving time. Florida’s online filing is simple enough that many people comfortably do it themselves.

File Yourself (DIY) Formation Service
Cost $125 (state fee only) $125 state fee + service fee
Effort You complete the filing (~30–60 min) They handle the paperwork
Extras None unless you add them Often include RA service, operating agreement, EIN
Best for Simple LLCs, cost-conscious owners Those wanting convenience or bundled services

DIY is straightforward for a standard single- or multi-member LLC and saves the most money. A formation service makes sense if you want a registered agent, operating agreement, and EIN bundled, or simply prefer to offload the task. Either way, never pay extra for the EIN itself — it’s free from the IRS.

What Are the Best LLC Formation Services for a Florida LLC?

The best LLC formation services for a Florida LLC include ZenBusiness, Northwest Registered Agent, Bizee, and LegalZoom, each suited to a different priority — budget, privacy, speed, or added legal services. All file your Articles of Organization with Sunbiz and typically add a registered-agent option; the right pick depends on what you value. Because their pricing and promotions change frequently, confirm current rates on each provider’s site.

  • ZenBusiness — popular all-in-one option with budget-friendly formation plus optional compliance and registered-agent services.
  • Northwest Registered Agent — known for strong privacy practices and included registered-agent service.
  • Bizee — offers low-cost formation with a free first year of registered-agent service.
  • LegalZoom — established brand with access to broader legal services and attorney add-ons.

Many of these advertise low or “$0 plus state fee” formation, but features and renewal prices vary, so compare what’s actually included (registered agent, operating agreement, EIN) and confirm current pricing before buying. Remember: the cheapest route of all is filing directly with Sunbiz yourself for $125.

What to Do After Forming Your Florida LLC

After forming your Florida LLC, the key next steps are getting an EIN, opening a business bank account, obtaining any required licenses and permits, getting business insurance, and setting up accounting. These steps turn your newly formed LLC into a fully operational, compliant business. Completing them protects your liability shield and gets you ready to operate.

  1. Get your EIN from the IRS (free) if you haven’t already.
  2. Open a business bank account to keep business and personal finances separate — essential for preserving liability protection. See our banking guide for choosing an account.
  3. Get local licenses and permits from your city and county, plus any industry licenses.
  4. Obtain business insurance appropriate to your industry (general liability at minimum).
  5. Set up accounting and bookkeeping and a system to track the May 1 annual report deadline.

The single most important step is separating your finances with a dedicated business bank account — commingling personal and business money can undermine the liability protection your LLC provides.

Is Forming an LLC in Florida Worth It?

For most business owners, forming an LLC in Florida is worth it: for $125 plus $138.75 a year, you get personal liability protection, tax flexibility, and added credibility — in a state with no personal income tax. The protection of separating your personal assets from business debts and lawsuits alone justifies the modest cost for anyone running a real business. The main trade-off is the small ongoing upkeep.

Weigh it this way. The benefits — liability protection, pass-through taxation with no Florida income tax, professional credibility, and flexibility to elect S-corp taxation later — are substantial for a low cost. The downsides are minor: the $125 setup, the $138.75 annual report, and basic recordkeeping. If you have any meaningful liability risk, customers, or assets to protect, an LLC is almost always worth it. For a very low-risk casual side income, a sole proprietorship might suffice — but the moment real money or risk is involved, the Florida LLC is a smart, affordable choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Florida LLCs

How Much Is an LLC in Florida per Year?

A Florida LLC costs $138.75 per year for the required annual report, due between January 1 and May 1. That’s the only mandatory recurring state cost. If you use a registered-agent or compliance service, add their fee (often $0–$150 per year). Filing the annual report late adds a non-waivable $400 fee, bringing the total to $538.75, so filing on time is essential.

Can a Non-Resident Form an LLC in Florida?

Yes, a non-resident — including someone living in another state or another country — can form an LLC in Florida. You don’t need to be a Florida resident or a U.S. citizen to own a Florida LLC. You do, however, need a registered agent with a physical Florida street address, which is why many non-residents hire a registered-agent service. Non-residents should also confirm any federal tax obligations that apply to their situation.

How Do You Dissolve an LLC in Florida?

To dissolve a Florida LLC, you file Articles of Dissolution with the Florida Division of Corporations and pay a $25 fee. Before dissolving, you should wind down the business — settle debts, distribute remaining assets, file final tax returns, and close accounts. Filing the Articles of Dissolution formally ends the LLC’s existence with the state, stopping future annual report obligations. Doing it properly protects you from ongoing fees and liability.

Scroll to Top