How to Form an LLC in Florida (2026)

1. 1Choose a name for your LLC and verify availability by searching the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz) database. Your name must include "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C."
2. 2Appoint a registered agent with a physical street address in Florida. The agent must be a Florida resident or a business authorized to do business in Florida.
3. 3File Articles of Organization with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz) online. The filing fee is $125. Online filings process in 1-2 business days, among the fastest in the country.
4. 4Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS at no cost.
5. 5Create an operating agreement. Florida does not legally require one, but it is strongly recommended to protect your limited liability status.
6. 6Open a business bank account with your Articles of Organization, EIN, and operating agreement.
7. 7Obtain any required local business licenses. Florida does not have a general state business license, but most counties require a local business tax receipt.
8. 8File your first annual report by May 1. The fee is $138.75 — a $400 late fee applies if filed late.

• ✓Obtain an EIN from the IRS (free, apply online at irs.gov)
• ✓Open a dedicated business bank account
• ✓Register for a Florida sales tax certificate if selling taxable goods (free, through the Department of Revenue)
• ✓Get a local business tax receipt from your county
• ✓Get business insurance (general liability at minimum)
• ✓Set up an accounting system to track income and expenses
• ✓Set a reminder for the May 1 annual report deadline ($138.75) — late fees are steep ($400)

Your Florida LLC name must contain "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C." It cannot include words that imply it is a different type of entity. Restricted words like "Bank," "Insurance," or "Trust" require additional licensing. The name must be distinguishable from existing entities in the Sunbiz database. You can reserve a name for 120 days for $25.

Florida has no state personal income tax, making it one of the most tax-friendly states for LLC owners. LLC members keep 100% of their profits after federal taxes. Florida does not impose a franchise tax on LLCs. The only ongoing state cost is the $138.75 annual report. Florida does charge a 5.5% corporate income tax, but this only applies if your LLC has elected to be taxed as a C-Corp.

LLC vs. other structures in Florida

Florida is excellent for LLCs thanks to no state income tax, fast processing, and affordable fees. The $138.75 annual report is your only ongoing state cost. For profitable LLCs, consider an S-Corp election to reduce self-employment taxes. Florida is the third most popular state for LLC formation after Delaware and Wyoming.

• •File your annual report by May 1 each year — $138.75 fee (a $400 late fee applies after May 1)
• •Maintain a registered agent with a physical address in Florida at all times
• •Keep your operating agreement current and update it when members join or leave
• •Renew your local business tax receipt annually
• •File federal tax returns (Form 1065 for multi-member LLCs, Schedule C for single-member)

Florida has higher-than-average LLC costs. Weigh the total cost of formation and annual maintenance against your expected revenue before deciding.

In general, you should form your LLC in the state where you physically live and conduct business. Forming in a "tax-friendly" state like Wyoming, Delaware, or Nevada sounds appealing, but if you operate in Florida, you will still need to register as a foreign LLC there — paying fees in both states.

An LLC is almost always a better choice than operating as a sole proprietorship because of the personal liability protection it provides. However, if your LLC is highly profitable, you should talk to a CPA about electing S-Corp tax treatment to potentially reduce your self-employment tax burden.

What Florida LLC Owners Need to Know

• •Florida has no state income tax, so LLC members keep more of their profits
• •Annual report is $138.75 and due by May 1 every year — a $400 late fee applies after
• •Florida processes online filings in 1-2 business days, among the fastest in the country
• •Florida is the third most popular state for LLC formation after Delaware and Wyoming

Frequently Asked Questions

Official Florida Resources

• Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz)
• File Articles of Organization Online
• Annual Report Filing