How to Start an LLC in Florida

STEP 1: Complete a Florida LLC Search and Choose a Unique Business Name

You will need a distinctive and original name for your Florida LLC that’s not used by any other business in FL. If you’re having trouble coming up with a name, try out Incfile’s Business Name Generator to brainstorm ideas. There are also a few naming rules you’ll need to follow, which you can read about in detail on our section on Florida LLC Business Names.

To find out if another company is using your chosen business name, you can carry out a Florida business entity name search using Incfile’s comprehensive Business Name Search tool, or you can use the Florida Division of Corporation’s Sunbiz website.

STEP 2: Provide an Official Business Address for Your FL LLC

Every Florida LLC must have a designated street address. That could be your home address (if you’re running the company from your residence), your company’s office building or any physical address of your preference. The address can be outside the state of Florida, but it cannot be a P.O. Box.

STEP 3: Assign a Registered Agent for Your Florida LLC

Every FL LLC must have a Registered Agent. This is an official position; the Registered Agent is someone who receives official legal and tax correspondence and has responsibility for filing reports with the Florida Department of State.

This position can be filled by you, another manager in the business or a dedicated Registered Agent service. Your Registered Agent must have a physical street address in Florida and must be present to receive important documents for your company during business hours.

At Incfile, all of our packages include a Florida Registered Agent service that is free for the first year and just $119 per year afterward. We also have a dashboard where you can log in and easily view any document your Registered Agent has received on your behalf.

STEP 4: File Your Certificate of Formation (Form 205) With the Florida Secretary of State

Once you've gathered all the information for your Florida LLC, you’ll need to file a formal document with the FL Department of State. This document is known as your Articles of Organization, and filing the document creates your Florida LLC. Here’s what is typically included:

• A cover letter with your name, address and daytime phone number
• Your business name and address
• Details of your Registered Agent
• Names of managers or members of the LLC at the time of filing
• Addresses of managers or members of the LLC at the time of filing

Download Form 205

You can file your Articles of Organization online on the Sunbiz.org website, mail in a form or have Incfile do it on your behalf for free. The State of Florida charges a $125 fee to file and start an LLC in Florida, but you only need to file your Articles of Organization once.

You only need to file your Articles of Organization with the State of Florida once, but every year after you will need to file an annual report for your LLC, which has its own fees. This is also something Incfile can remind you to do or do for you if you choose to have us handle the paperwork.

Can I Expedite the Formation of My Business in Florida?

The State of Florida does not offer expedited filing for LLCs and will process online filings in the order in which they are received. Incfile can internally expedite your order to ensure the fastest delivery to the state for filing.

STEP 5: Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) From the Internal Revenue Service

You will need an EIN to identify your business to the IRS. You use this number when filing and paying taxes or when submitting payroll information and payments for your employees. You can obtain one directly from the IRS, or we can get one for you as part of the Florida LLC business formation process.

STEP 6: Create a Florida LLC Operating Agreement

An Operating Agreement is a kind of “instruction manual” that outlines how you will run your business. It includes how decisions are made, how the business is divided amongst members and what happens if a member leaves the company.

Many states require that a company have an Operating Agreement in place — it isn’t legally required in Florida, but it’s a good idea to have one nonetheless.

Learn more about operating agreements here