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

Given Florida’s booming economy and lucrative tourism industry, it's no surprise that the state has seen an influx of new businesses. Starting a Florida LLC may seem challenging, but the legal formation process is fairly straightforward. You will need to file formation documents, and it may take some time before the state processes and approves your LLC formation application. 

From start to finish, Florida’s LLC approval process takes 1-2 days for online filing and 3-4 weeks if filing by mail. This guide will walk you through Florida’s LLC approval process and timeline.

We recommend using a professional LLC formation service to handle your business’s formation paperwork so you can focus on what matters most — running your business.

Florida LLC Approval Time

The LLC approval time refers to the length of time it takes to get your LLC approved from the minute you’ve submitted your formation documents. The LLC approval time includes the document’s transit time (if filing by mail) as well as the time it takes the state of Florida to process your LLC formation documents and enter it into their records. With online filing, you can easily upload and download formation documents. Online filing allows for a quicker turnaround time.

Florida LLC Processing Time

The LLC processing time is the amount of time it takes the state of Florida to review your LLC formation paperworks and input your information into their systems. This does not include transit time and simply reflects how quickly the state handles formation paperwork. Paperwork is processed by Florida’s Division of Corporations and can be submitted online using their Sunbiz portal or by mail. Processing time depends on how you file your documents:

• Online: The Sunbiz processing time is 1-2 business days
• By mail: 5-7 business days

Keep in mind that processing time is just a part of the approval process and does not include the document transit time. The LLC approval time is a better indicator for determining how long it will take to form your LLC from the day you send in your formation documents.

Expedited Filing for a Florida LLC

Florida does not offer expedited filing. For the quickest service, we recommend filing online. With online filing, your business should be approved in 1-2 business days.

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

When you file your Florida Articles of Organization, you will need to pay a $125 filing fee. If you are paying by check, then checks should be made to The Florida Department of State.

You may also elect to pay an extra $30 for a certified copy, and you can pay an extra $5 for a certificate of status. A certified copy is a copy of your formation document endorsed by the state government to help provide additional authenticity, and a certificate of status shows that your entity is operating in compliance with state laws.

LLC Formation Service

A professional LLC formation service won’t speed up your LLC’s approval time, but it can save you the hassle of filing paperwork. Using a professional ensures that your LLC paperwork is done right the first time, and some LLC formation services like Northwest will even offer registered agent services so you can use their address and keep your personal address private. 

Read our LLC Formation Services Review to learn more

Should I Form an LLC Florida?

LLCs are formal business structures that provide owners with limited liability protection and pass-through taxation. If you plan to do business in Florida, an LLC may be beneficial, and Florida is a great place for starting an LLC. 

No State Income Taxes

Florida does not have a state income tax. Since LLC profits pass through to an individual’s income tax return, this makes Florida a tax advantaged state for forming and operating an LLC. For context, some states have an individual income tax rate higher than 10%, so this could potentially save your business thousands of dollars in taxes.

A Growing Population

Florida is currently one of the fastest growing states. In fact, during 2021-2022, Florida’s population grew by 2%, making it the fastest growing state that year. Florida’s rapid growth doesn’t necessarily mean your business will succeed, but in general, more people equates to more potential local customers and additional opportunities and resources.

A Thriving Tourism Industry

The sunshine state is well known for its beautiful beaches and theme parks. Each year, numerous tourists travel from across the country and world to visit Florida, and this has created a lucrative tourism industry within the state. Even if your business does not cater directly to tourists, Florida’s tourism industry has contributed to the state’s strong economy and provides business owners with a fresh set of potential customers.