In order to form a Florida LLC, there are a series of steps you need to complete. With its warm weather, tourism traffic and world-famous attractions, this is a great place to form your new business.
Follow our thorough guide to help you get your Florida LLC started. Got questions? Reach out to one of our PRIME advisors for a free consultation!
STEP 1: Create a Name for your Florida LLC
Selecting a name for your Florida LLC is the first step in getting started. This name must align with Florida’s state naming requirements and be easy to find by any audience.
Three Questions to Ask Yourself About Your New Florida LLC Name:
1. Does the name follow the naming guidelines for a Florida LLC?
- The name must include the words “limited liability company,” or LLC, L.L.C., Limited, Ltd., Company or Co.
- The name can’t include government agency wording (FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.).
- Additional work may be necessary for restricted words—including Bank, Attorney, University, or others— to be in your Florida LLC name.
- We can assist you through this process with a free consultation call.
2. Is the LLC name available in Florida?
Use the name search tool on the Sunbiz Florida website to make sure the name is available.
3. Is the URL available?
To reserve your web domain, check if it is available before naming your LLC. It is a good idea to reserve the domain ahead of time.
STEP 2: Choose a Registered Agent for the Florida LLC
Every Florida LLC is required to appoint a Registered Agent.
The job of the registered agent is to serve as the entity for receiving important business and legal communication on behalf of the LLC. This includes tax forms, legal documents, notice of lawsuits, and official government correspondence on behalf of your business. The Registered Agent is the state’s point of contact.
Registered Agents must be a full-time Florida resident or it can be a registered agent service. The individual chosen as the Registered Agent can be anyone in the company.
You can serve as your own Registered Agent.
STEP 3: File Your Florida LLC Articles of Organization
You must file a Form LLC-1 – Articles of Organization with the Florida Division of Corporations to register your LLC. You can apply online or by mail. The state filing cost is $125, payable to the Florida Department of State.
These forms are processed in the order they are received and generally take between 2 and 4 weeks to complete.
If the LLC is already in business in another state, the organization should file as a Foreign LLC.
For additional aid in this process, schedule a free consultation with one of our PRIME advisors.
STEP 4: Create an Operating Agreement for Your Florida LLC
Although operating agreements are not legally required in Florida for an LLC, creating one is a best practice.
What is an operating agreement? This is a legal document which breaks down the division of ownership and how the LLC operates.
Why should I form an operating agreement? Creating an operating agreement streamlines communication, reduces risk, and makes sure all owners understand the responsibilities of each member.
STEP 5: Obtain an EIN for your Florida LLC
What is an EIN?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a number provided by the Internal Revenue System (IRS). This number is used to keep track of your LLC’s tax reporting. It serves as a social security number (SSN) for your LLC.
Why do I need an EIN?
An EIN can be used to:
- Open a business bank account
- Track records for Federal and State tax purposes
- Hire employees
Where do I get an EIN?
You can obtain an EIN from the IRS. This can be done by the business owner online or by mail.
Mailing Address:
Internal Revenue Service
Attn: EIN Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999
Starting a Florida LLC: FAQs
How do I make sure my desired Florida LLC name is available?
Use the name search tool on the Sunbiz Florida website to make sure the name is available.
Why should I form an operating agreement?
Creating an operating agreement streamlines communication, reduces risk, and makes sure all owners understand the responsibilities of each member.
Where do I get an EIN?
You can obtain an EIN from the IRS. This can be done by the business owner online or by mail.