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Florida creates an LLC in a single filing, the Articles of Organization, sent to the Division of Corporations through its Sunbiz website. The Division's LLC fee page lists $125 for a new Florida or foreign LLC. Use the Sunbiz e-file portal to file. For the breakdown over several years, see our Florida LLC cost guide. Our Florida guide shows how to search records.
What is inside the $125?
Two parts, both required: a $100 filing fee and a $25 registered agent fee. The second charge is not paid to a private agent. It is the Division's designation fee, collected on every new LLC filing. Pay a private agent only if you hire one, and that price is separate.
What must the Articles of Organization state?
Under section 605.0201, one or more authorized representatives sign and deliver the articles. They must state three things: the LLC name, the street and mailing addresses of the principal office, and the name and Florida street address of the initial registered agent, with that agent's written acceptance.
Everything else is optional. The articles may say whether the LLC is manager-managed, and may name managers or members. The company is formed when the articles are effective and at least one person is a member. The person who signs affirms that the company has, or will have, at least one member.
Is there a faster way to file?
No. The Division says it offers no expedited service. What it does promise is that records update daily, and online annual reports paid by card or a Sunbiz account post within 24 hours, with the daily batch at 6 pm Eastern. Plan your launch date around a normal filing, not a rush, and file early if a bank or landlord is waiting on the paperwork. Our Florida guide shows how to confirm the new record has appeared.
What rules apply to the LLC name?
Under Florida Statute 605.0112 the name must contain "limited liability company" or the abbreviation L.L.C. or LLC. It must be distinguishable on the Division's records from other filings. These differences do not make a name distinguishable:
- A suffix or an article.
- The word "and" or the symbol "&".
- A singular, plural or possessive form.
- A punctuation mark or symbol.
The name also may not imply a link to a state or federal government agency.
One more point surprises people. The statute says a name is filed for public notice only. Filing alone does not create a presumption that you own it. So a registered LLC name does not stop a competitor from using a similar trademark, and you should search trademarks separately.
A name reservation costs $25 for an LLC and lasts 120 days. Check availability first with the name availability guide and the name reservation guide.
Who can be the registered agent?
A Florida resident, or an authorized entity such as a corporation, LLC, LLP or limited partnership (s. 605.0113). The agent must file a written acceptance of the appointment. The Division says an entity cannot serve as its own agent, though an individual within the business may be the agent. Our Florida registered agent page has the change and resignation fees.
How do you file, step by step?
- Choose the name and confirm it on the Sunbiz search.
- Pick the agent and get the agent's written acceptance, which the articles must include.
- Open the e-file portal and complete the Articles of Organization.
- Pay the $125.
- Save the approved articles and the document number.
What do you do after the filing is approved?
Draft an operating agreement. Read the Florida operating agreement page and the general guide. Then request a free EIN through the EIN guide.
What does Florida want every year?
An annual report, due by May 1. You can use it to add, delete or change the names and addresses of managers and authorized members, so it doubles as your yearly check on who the state thinks runs the company. For an LLC the fee is $138.75. Miss the date and a $400 late fee applies, so the total becomes $538.75. A dissolved LLC pays a $100 reinstatement fee plus each year's report fee. The annual report deadlines guide compares other states.
An LLC formed in another state registers for the same $125. See foreign LLC registration. For neighbours, compare the Georgia LLC and Alabama LLC guides.
Ready to file? Use the start an LLC form.
After approval, check the rules in our Florida business license guide.