How to Start an LLC in Florida (2025 Guide)

How to Form an LLC in Florida in 5 Steps

In order to form your LLC in Florida, you will need to complete the following steps:

1. Name Your LLC
2. Choose a Registered Agent
3. File Your Articles of Organization
4. Create an LLC Operating Agreement
5. Obtain an EIN

Step 1: Name Your Florida LLC

Before you get started, you will need to pick a suitable name for your Florida LLC.

Your LLC’s name needs to follow Florida’s naming regulations. Plus, it should be memorable and easily searched for by potential customers. 

1. Important Naming Guidelines for Florida LLCs:

• Your name must include “limited liability company” or one of its abbreviations (LLC or L.L.C.).
• Your name cannot include words that could confuse your LLC with a government agency (FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.).
• Restricted words (e.g., Bank, Attorney, University) may require your LLC to obtain a specific business license or hire a licensed individual, such as a doctor or lawyer, to be part of your Florida LLC.
• Your name must be distinguishable from other businesses registered with the state. Changes in suffixes, articles (e.g., the, an, etc.), and punctuation do not make a name distinguishable.
• Names cannot imply that the LLC was formed for a purpose other than the ones listed in its Articles of Organization.

For a complete list of naming rules in Florida, we recommend checking out Florida’s official Naming Guidelines.

2. Conduct a Business Name Search in Florida

To check whether your business name is available, you’ll need to perform a business entity search using the Sunbiz Florida Entity Name Search tool.

If you’re not going to start your LLC right away, it might be a good idea to consider reserving your name for up to 120 days, with a $25 processing fee.

For more information, you can have a look at our Florida LLC Name Search guide.

3. Conduct a Domain Name Search

You should check online to see if your business name is available as a web domain. Even if you don’t have immediate plans to develop a business website, securing a domain early is essential to ensure that others can’t claim it and can potentially save you considerable time and resources in the future.

Once you have verified your name is available, you can select a professional service to complete the LLC formation process.

FAQ: Naming a Florida LLC

Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent in Florida

After you’ve decided upon a name for your LLC, it’s time to elect a Florida registered agent. This is a requirement for all LLCs in Florida.

What is a registered agent? A registered agent is an individual or business entity responsible for receiving necessary tax forms, legal documents, notices of lawsuits, and official government correspondence on behalf of your business. Your business’s registered agent essentially acts as your primary point of contact with the state.

Who can be a registered agent? A registered agent must be a corporation or a full-time resident of Florida — such as a registered agent service, business attorney, or individual within your company (e.g., yourself, etc.) — that is authorized to conduct business in the state.

FAQ: Nominating a Registered Agent

Step 3: File Florida LLC Articles of Organization Online

To register your Florida LLC, you must file the Articles of Organization with the Florida Division of Corporations. You can do this online or by mail.

Before filing, make sure you have completed your Articles of Organization correctly. You will need to have filled in the information:

• The name of your LLC
• The mailing address and principal office Address of Your LLC
• The name, address, and consent signature of your registered agent
• The names and addresses of each person authorized to manage the LLC (optional unless you’re a financial institution)
• The effective date (if it’s different from the date of filing)
• Any other special provisions

File the Articles of Organization

OPTION 1: File Online With the Florida Department of State Sunbiz Website

File Online

– OR –

OPTION 2: File by Mail

Download Form

Florida Filing Cost: $125 (including the registered agent designation fee), payable to the Florida Department of State. (Nonrefundable)

Mail to:
New Filing Section
Division of Corporations
P.O. Box 6327
Tallahassee, FL 32314

For help completing the form, visit our Florida Articles of Organization guide.

If you’re expanding your existing business to the state of Florida, you’ll need to register as a foreign limited liability company (LLC).

FAQ: Filing Florida LLC Documents

Step 4: Create a Florida LLC Operating Agreement to Protect Your Business

An operating agreement is not required for an LLC in Florida, but having one is a good practice.

An operating agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures of an LLC.

A comprehensive operating agreement ensures that all LLC members are on the same page and reduces the risk of future conflict.

You can use the free tool in our Business Center to create a custom operating agreement in minutes — or download our free templates:

• Florida Single-Member LLC Operating Agreement
• Florida Multi-Member LLC Operating Agreement

FAQ: Creating a Florida LLC Operating Agreement

Step 5: Get an EIN for Your Florida LLC

You can get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for free. It is used to identify a business entity and keep track of a business’s tax reporting. It is essentially a Social Security number (SSN) for the company.

Why do I need an EIN? An EIN is required for the following:

• To open a business bank account for the company
• For federal and state tax purposes
• To hire employees for the company

Where do I get an EIN? An EIN is obtained from the IRS (free of charge) by the business owner after forming the company. This can be done online or by mail.

FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS: You do not need an SSN to obtain an EIN. Read our guide to getting an EIN for international entrepreneurs.

Get an EIN

Option 1: Request an EIN from the IRS

Apply Online

– OR –

Option 2: Apply for an EIN by Mail or Fax

Download Form

Mail to:
Internal Revenue Service
Attn: EIN Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999

Fax: (855) 641-6935

Fee: Free

FAQ: Getting an EIN

Best LLC Services in Florida Compared

For a comprehensive comparison, read our Best LLC Services review. We reviewed and ranked the top LLC formation services to help you determine the best fit for your new business. 

Important Next Steps to Protect Your Florida LLC

After you’ve formed your LLC, you’ll need to complete key steps in order to:

• Separate your personal and business assets
• Stay compliant with state and federal laws

Get a Business Bank Account & Credit Card

Using a dedicated business banking account and business credit card is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your LLC is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.

You can protect your business with these two steps:

1. Opening a business bank account:

• Separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
• Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

2. Getting a business credit card:

• Helps you separate personal and business expenses.
• Builds your company’s credit history, which can be useful to raise capital later on.

Get Insurance

Even though an LLC offers limited liability, you’ll still likely need to purchase some form of business insurance to protect your LLC’s assets. The most common types are:

• General Liability Insurance: A broad insurance policy that protects your business from lawsuits. Most small businesses get general liability insurance.
• Professional Liability Insurance: A business insurance for professional service providers (consultants, accountants, etc.) that covers against claims of malpractice and other business errors.
• Workers’ Compensation Insurance: A type of insurance that provides coverage for employees’ job-related illnesses, injuries, or deaths. In Florida, businesses with one or more employees, including LLC members and corporate officers, are required by law to have workers compensation insurance.

Want to learn exactly what coverage your Florida business may need? Read our full Florida Business Insurance Guide.

Obtain Business Licenses If Needed

While Florida doesn’t require a general state business license, your LLC may need specific licenses or permits based on its industry, location, and activities.

• State-Level Licenses: Visit the Florida Department of State website to determine if your business requires any state-issued licenses or permits.
• Local Licenses: Check with your city or county clerk’s office to identify any local licensing requirements, such as zoning permits or health department approvals.
• Federal Licenses: If your business activities are regulated by a federal agency (e.g., selling alcohol, firearms, or operating in transportation), consult the U.S. Small Business Administration’s guide to determine necessary federal licenses or permits.

For a comprehensive overview and step-by-step instructions, refer to our Florida Business License Guide.

Pay Florida LLC Taxes

Your Florida LLC will have several key tax obligations: 

Federal LLC Tax Requirements

As a pass-through entity, profits typically flow to your personal tax return. LLC members pay self-employment tax (15.3%) on their earnings.

Sales and Use Taxes

Whether you’re selling physical products or simply engaging in business in Florida, you will need to obtain an Annual Resale Certificate for Sales Tax, also known as a seller’s permit. 

This certificate allows your business to collect sales tax on taxable sales. 

To obtain your Annual Resale Certificate for Sales Tax in Florida, you can apply online, by mail, or in person with the Florida Department of Revenue. 

Read our sales tax guide to find out more.

Income Taxes

Florida imposes a flat corporate income tax rate of 5.5% on corporations, including LLCs that have elected to be taxed as C Corporations. This tax does not apply to LLCs taxed as S Corporations, unless they report federal taxable income at the corporate level on Line 23c of IRS Form 1120S. This line includes built-in gains tax, excess net passive income tax, and other applicable entity-level taxes.

If your LLC has elected to be taxed as a C Corporation, it must file Florida Form F-1120 (Corporate Income/Franchise Tax Return) annually, regardless of whether it owes any tax. Note that the first $50,000 of taxable income is exempt from Florida’s corporate income tax.

Business Privilege Taxes

Certain sectors and industries in Florida are regulated with a specific statewide tax or charge that LLCs must pay for the privilege of conducting particular business activities. Some of the most common ones present in Florida include:

• Fuel Tax
• Gross Receipts Tax on Dry Cleaning Businesses
• Motor Vehicle Warranty Fee
• New Tire Fee
• Prepaid Wireless Fee
• Secondhand Dealers and Secondary Metal Recyclers

You can find a complete list of all the statewide taxes on the Florida Department of Revenue website.

Local Taxes 

Some Florida cities have their own tax requirements that may affect your LLC. These include discretionary sales surtaxes, local option fuel taxes, tourist impact tax, and more. 

You can view the full list of local tax requirements on the Florida Department of Revenue website. Most Florida LLCs must file their state tax returns by April 15. For help understanding your full tax obligations — and making sure nothing gets missed — check out our full Florida LLC Tax Guide.

File Your LLC Annual Report

In order to maintain the active status of your Florida LLC, you’re required to file an annual report with the Florida Division of Corporations by May 1 of each year.

You can submit your annual report, along with the $138.75 filing fee, online using Florida’s Annual Report-Sunbiz page.

Note: Be sure to file your annual report on time, as Florida charges a $400 penalty fine, and will dissolve your LLC if the fine is not paid by the third Friday of September. 

To stay on top of this deadline and other important compliance tasks, we recommend hiring a professional registered agent service — they can help ensure you never miss a filing.

Florida Business Resources

• TRUiC Business Center
• Local Resources
• Florida Department of State – Division of Corporations
• Florida Department of Revenue
• Contact Division of Corporations – Florida Department of State
• Florida LLC Statutes