How to Start an LLC
in Florida
Everything you need to know: $125 state filing fee, 3–5 day processing, no personal income tax. File it yourself or let EleetAI handle everything for $324 all-inclusive.
Florida LLC at a Glance
6 Steps to Form a Florida LLC
Choose your LLC name
Your Florida LLC name must be distinguishable from all other entities registered with the Division of Corporations. It must include "Limited Liability Company", "LLC", or "L.L.C." in the name. Check availability at the Sunbiz.org entity search.
You can reserve a name for 120 days by filing a Name Reservation with the Division of Corporations ($25 fee). Restricted words like "bank", "insurance", or "trust" require additional state licensing.
Designate a registered agent
Every Florida LLC must have a registered agent with a physical street address in Florida (no P.O. boxes). The registered agent must be available during normal business hours to accept legal documents — lawsuits, subpoenas, and state correspondence.
You can serve as your own registered agent if you have a Florida address. However, your address goes on the public Sunbiz record permanently. Most owners use a professional service for privacy. Eleet AI includes first-year registered agent service with every Florida LLC formation.
File the Articles of Organization
The Articles of Organization is the official document that creates your Florida LLC. File online through Sunbiz.org (recommended) or by mail.
The form requires: your LLC name, principal address, mailing address, registered agent name and address, manager/member names and addresses, and effective date. The filing fee is $125, payable by credit card online.
Tip: Florida defaults to member-managed LLCs. If you want manager-managed, you must specify this in the Articles. Choose member-managed if all owners participate in operations. Choose manager-managed for passive investors with designated managers.
Create an operating agreement
Florida does not legally require an operating agreement, but you should have one. This internal document defines ownership percentages, profit distribution, voting rights, and what happens if a member leaves or the LLC dissolves.
Banks typically require an operating agreement to open a business account. It also strengthens your liability protection — without one, Florida's default LLC Act rules govern your LLC, which may not match your intentions.
Get an EIN from the IRS
An EIN is your LLC's federal tax ID. You need it to open a business bank account, file taxes, and hire employees. Apply for free at IRS.gov — takes about 5 minutes, EIN issued immediately.
Warning: Some services charge $70–$99 for EIN filing. The IRS provides this for free. Eleet AI offers it as an optional $49 add-on, but we always tell you the free option exists.
Stay compliant: annual report
Florida LLCs must file an annual report by May 1 each year. The filing fee is $138.75.
- • File online at Sunbiz.org. The report updates your registered agent, address, and member/manager info.
- ! Miss the deadline? $400 late fee. Miss it entirely by the third Friday of September? Your LLC is administratively dissolved. Reinstatement costs $600+.
Note: Your first annual report is due the year after formation. If you form in November 2026, your first report is due May 1, 2027.
Florida LLC Cost Breakdown
What you'll actually pay — no surprise fees, no hidden add-ons.
| Item | DIY Cost | Eleet AI |
|---|---|---|
| State filing fee (Articles of Organization) | $125 | Included |
| Formation service fee | $0 (you do it) | Included |
| Registered agent (first year) | $0 (if you serve) / $125+ | Included |
| EIN application | Free (IRS.gov) | $49 optional |
| Annual report (next year) | $138.75 | $138.75 |
| Total (first year) | $125–$250+ | $324 |
Eleet AI's $324 includes everything: formation filing, $125 state fee, and registered agent. Annual report fee ($138.75) is a separate state requirement due the following year.
Why Form an LLC in Florida?
No personal income tax
Florida is one of 9 states with no personal income tax. LLC members keep 100% of their pass-through income at the state level — a significant advantage over states like California (13.3%) or New York (10.9%).
Strong charging order protection
Florida provides robust charging order protection for both single-member and multi-member LLCs. A creditor of an LLC member generally cannot seize the LLC's assets or force distributions to satisfy personal debts.
Low filing fees
At $125, Florida has one of the more affordable state filing fees for LLC formation. Compare with California ($70 + $800 annual franchise tax), Massachusetts ($500), or Texas ($300).
Sunbiz — transparent online system
Florida's Division of Corporations (Sunbiz.org) provides one of the best online filing systems in the country. File Articles, annual reports, and amendments online with real-time status tracking.
Florida LLC — Common Questions
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Florida?
The Florida Division of Corporations charges a $125 filing fee for Articles of Organization. If you file yourself, that is the only mandatory cost (plus $138.75 for the annual report due the following year). If you use a formation service, add the service fee: Eleet AI charges $324 total (which includes the $125 state fee, formation filing, and first-year registered agent service). Other services advertise "$0" but add the $125 state fee, registered agent ($125-$299/yr), and upsells separately — real total is typically $375-$700+.
How long does it take to form an LLC in Florida?
Online filings with the Florida Division of Corporations are typically processed in 3-5 business days. Mail filings take 5-10 business days. Florida offers expedited processing for faster turnaround. Eleet AI offers expedited processing for an additional $50, which typically reduces processing to 1-2 business days.
Does Florida have a state income tax?
No. Florida has no personal income tax, making it one of the most tax-friendly states for LLC owners. Single-member LLCs and multi-member LLCs taxed as partnerships pay no state income tax on pass-through income. However, LLCs that elect to be taxed as C-corporations are subject to Florida's 5.5% corporate income tax on income over $50,000.
Do I need a registered agent in Florida?
Yes. Every Florida LLC must designate a registered agent with a physical street address in Florida. The registered agent receives legal documents (lawsuits, subpoenas) and official state correspondence. You can be your own registered agent if you have a Florida address, but most owners use a professional service for privacy and reliability. Eleet AI includes first-year registered agent service with every Florida LLC formation.
Can I form a Florida LLC if I don't live in Florida?
Yes. Florida does not require LLC members or managers to be Florida residents. You can form a Florida LLC from any state or country. You will need a registered agent with a physical Florida address, which Eleet AI provides. Many non-residents form Florida LLCs for the favorable tax climate and strong asset protection laws.
What is the Florida LLC annual report?
Every Florida LLC must file an annual report with the Division of Corporations by May 1 each year. The filing fee is $138.75. The report updates the state on your LLC's registered agent, principal address, and manager/member information. If you miss the May 1 deadline, there is a $400 late fee. If the report is not filed by the third Friday of September, your LLC will be administratively dissolved.
What are Articles of Organization?
Articles of Organization is the official document filed with the Florida Division of Corporations to create your LLC. It includes your LLC name, principal address, registered agent information, manager/member names and addresses, and the LLC's effective date. Once approved, the Division issues a confirmation as proof your LLC legally exists. Florida uses "Articles of Organization" rather than "Certificate of Formation" (used by Texas and other states).
What do I need to do after forming my Florida LLC?
After the Division of Corporations approves your Articles of Organization: (1) Apply for an EIN at IRS.gov (free, takes 5 minutes online), (2) Open a business bank account using your EIN and Articles of Organization, (3) Draft an operating agreement, (4) Register for any required state or local business licenses, (5) If you have employees, register with the Florida Department of Revenue and Department of Economic Opportunity. Mark May 1 on your calendar for the annual report.
Ready to start your Florida LLC?
$324 covers everything — formation, $125 state fee, and registered agent. No hidden fees.
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