Florida LLC (2026): How to Start an LLC in Florida

Why Form an LLC in Florida?

Florida is consistently one of the top states for new businesses, and the appeal is practical. There's no personal state income tax, so your LLC's pass-through profits aren't taxed again at the state level. The filing system, Sunbiz, is fully online and fast. And the all-in cost is reasonable: $125 to form and $138.75 per year to stay active.

Forming in Florida makes sense if you live or do business here — you avoid the foreign-LLC double registration that traps people who form in Wyoming or Delaware while operating elsewhere. The eight steps below are the exact process, each linking to a detailed Florida-specific guide.

Ahmad Adil's TakeFlorida is one of the few states where the "no income tax" advantage is real for residents — but the $138.75 annual report and its strict May 1 deadline catch people off guard. Put it on your calendar the day your LLC is approved.

The 8 Steps to Start a Florida LLC

Search & Choose Your LLC Name

Your name must include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company" and be distinguishable from existing Florida entities. Check availability free on Sunbiz before filing.

Step 1: Florida LLC Name Search

Appoint a Florida Registered Agent

Florida requires a registered agent with a physical street address in the state, available during business hours. You can serve yourself or use a service to keep your address private.

Step 2: Florida Registered Agent

File the Articles of Organization

This is the document that creates your LLC. File it online with Sunbiz and pay the $125 fee. Online filings are typically processed within a few business days.

Step 3: Florida Articles of Organization

Create an Operating Agreement

Florida doesn't require you to file one, but you should have it. It defines ownership and management and helps protect your liability shield. A free template works for most LLCs.

Step 4: Florida Operating Agreement

Get Your Free EIN from the IRS

Your federal tax ID — needed for a business bank account and taxes. It's always free at IRS.gov; never pay a third party for it.

Step 5: Florida LLC EIN Number

File Your Annual Report (Every May 1)

File on Sunbiz between January 1 and May 1 and pay $138.75. Miss it and there's an automatic $400 late fee — and dissolution risk by the third Friday in September.

Step 6: Florida Annual Report

Get Business Licenses & Permits

Florida has no general statewide business license, but your county/city and industry may require one — and many businesses need a sales tax permit from the FL Dept. of Revenue.

Step 7: Florida Business Licenses

Understand Your Florida LLC Taxes

No personal state income tax. By default your LLC is pass-through, so you pay federal income tax plus 15.3% self-employment tax. Some businesses register for Florida sales tax.

Step 8: Florida LLC Taxes

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Florida LLC Cost Summary (2026)

Cost	When	Amount
Articles of Organization	One time	$125
Registered agent	Yearly (free if DIY)	$0–$125
Operating agreement	One time	$0 (template)
EIN (IRS)	One time	$0
Annual Report	Every year by May 1	$138.75
Typical first-year total (DIY)	—	~$264

Don't miss May 1Florida's $400 late fee is automatic and non-negotiable — more than triple the annual report fee itself. File anytime from January 1 to be safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Florida LLC — FAQs

How much does it cost to start an LLC in Florida?

The filing fee is $125 (one-time), then a $138.75 Annual Report every year by May 1. Your EIN is free, and a registered agent is free if you serve yourself. A typical DIY first year runs about $264.

How long does it take to form a Florida LLC?

Online filings through Sunbiz are typically processed within a few business days and posted quickly once reviewed. Mailed filings take longer. Your EIN from the IRS online afterward is instant.

Does Florida tax LLC income?

Florida has no personal state income tax, so a standard pass-through LLC's profits aren't taxed at the state level on the owner's return. You'll still owe federal income tax and 15.3% self-employment tax. LLCs taxed as C-corps owe Florida corporate income tax, and many businesses must collect Florida sales tax.

When is the Florida annual report due?

Between January 1 and May 1 each year, $138.75 on Sunbiz. Your first report is due the year after formation. Miss May 1 and a $400 late fee applies automatically; fail to file by the third Friday in September and the state dissolves your LLC.

Do I need a registered agent in Florida?

Yes. Every Florida LLC must have a registered agent with a physical Florida street address (not a P.O. box) available during business hours. You can be your own agent for free, or hire a service to keep your home address off Sunbiz's public records.

Can I form a Florida LLC if I don't live there?

Yes — you don't need to be a Florida resident or U.S. citizen, but you must have a registered agent with a Florida street address. If you live and operate in another state, you'll likely also need to register the Florida LLC as a foreign LLC in your home state, which adds cost.

About the Author

Ahmad Adil

Ahmad Adil is the founder and CEO of LLC School. Every Florida figure on this page was verified against the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz) and is updated whenever the state changes its requirements.

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How to Start an LLC in Florida (2026 Step-by-Step Guide)