Starting a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Florida is one of the most effective ways to protect your personal assets and operate your business legally.
Florida is a business-friendly state — no state income tax, straightforward registration, and affordable fees make it a top destination for entrepreneurs.
In this 2025 guide, you’ll learn how to form an LLC in Florida step-by-step, including registration requirements, costs, taxes, and compliance tips to keep your company in good standing.
🧾 1. What Is an LLC?
An LLC (Limited Liability Company) is a legal structure that offers limited personal liability for its owners (called “members”) while providing flexibility in taxation and management.
Main benefits of an LLC in Florida:
- Protects your personal assets from business debts and lawsuits.
- Allows “pass-through” taxation (profits go directly to owners).
- Requires fewer formalities than corporations.
- Builds business credibility.
Florida has over 3 million small businesses, and most choose the LLC structure for its simplicity and protection.
🏛️ 2. Step-by-Step: How to Form an LLC in Florida
Follow these 7 key steps to create your LLC successfully:
Step 1: Choose a Name for Your LLC
Your business name must:
- Include “Limited Liability Company” or abbreviations like “LLC” or “L.L.C.”
- Be unique — no duplicates of existing Florida businesses.
- Avoid restricted terms like bank or insurance unless properly licensed.
🔍 Check name availability using the Florida Division of Corporations search tool:
👉 https://search.sunbiz.org
Pro Tip: You can reserve a name for 120 days by filing a Name Reservation Request for a small fee.
Step 2: Appoint a Registered Agent in Florida
Every LLC in Florida must designate a Registered Agent — a person or company authorized to receive legal and tax documents.
Requirements:
- Must have a physical address in Florida (P.O. boxes are not allowed).
- Must be available during business hours.
You can be your own registered agent, but most business owners hire professional services for privacy (average cost: $50–$150/year).
Step 3: File the Articles of Organization
To legally form your LLC, file the Articles of Organization with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz).
You’ll need to include:
- LLC name
- Principal office address
- Registered agent details
- Names of members or managers
Filing Fee: $125 (as of 2025)
You can file online here:
👉 https://efile.sunbiz.org/llc_file.html
Once approved, you’ll receive a Certificate of Formation, your LLC’s official proof of existence.
Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement
Although not required by Florida law, an Operating Agreement is crucial.
It defines ownership structure, profit sharing, and management responsibilities.
Include:
- Each member’s ownership percentage
- Roles and voting rights
- Procedures for adding/removing members
- Distribution of profits and losses
Having this document protects your LLC’s legal integrity if disputes arise.
Step 5: Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number)
An EIN is like a Social Security number for your business.
You’ll need it to:
- Open a business bank account
- File taxes
- Hire employees
✅ Apply for free on the IRS website:
👉 https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online
Step 6: Register for Florida State Taxes and Business Licenses
Even though Florida has no personal income tax, certain businesses must register for sales tax, reemployment tax, or professional licenses.
Check with:
- Florida Department of Revenue: https://floridarevenue.com
- Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation: https://www.myfloridalicense.com
If you sell goods or services, register for a sales tax permit online.
Step 7: Open a Business Bank Account
Keep your business finances separate to maintain legal protection.
You’ll need:
- LLC’s EIN
- Articles of Organization
- Operating Agreement
Florida banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Truist offer small business accounts with minimal fees and online management tools.
💰 3. LLC Costs in Florida
| Expense | Cost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization | $125 | Required to form the LLC |
| Registered Agent | $50–$150/year | Recommended |
| Operating Agreement | $0–$100 | Optional but important |
| EIN | Free | IRS registration |
| Annual Report | $138.75/year | Required to maintain active status |
Total first-year cost: Around $175–$250, depending on services used.
⚖️ 4. Florida LLC Taxes
Florida LLCs enjoy several tax advantages:
- No state income tax on individual profits.
- LLCs pay federal income tax through owners’ returns.
- Optional S-Corporation status can reduce self-employment tax.
- Sales tax: 6% (plus local rates).
If your business sells taxable goods or hires employees, register for appropriate taxes at floridarevenue.com.
📋 5. Annual Reports and Ongoing Requirements
Every LLC in Florida must file an Annual Report to keep its status active.
- Due date: May 1 each year.
- Fee: $138.75 (late fee: $400).
- File at: https://efile.sunbiz.org/annualreport
Failing to file the annual report may result in administrative dissolution of your LLC.
🧠 6. Benefits of Starting an LLC in Florida
✅ No personal state income tax
✅ Low startup and maintenance costs
✅ Strong asset protection laws
✅ Easy online registration
✅ Growing business ecosystem
✅ No residency requirement to form an LLC
Florida is particularly attractive for freelancers, e-commerce stores, real estate investors, and service providers.
⚠️ 7. Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Using a name that’s already taken
❌ Forgetting to file the annual report
❌ Mixing business and personal funds
❌ Skipping the Operating Agreement
❌ Ignoring tax registration requirements
Avoiding these mistakes will help your LLC stay compliant and protected.
🧭 8. Best Services to Form an LLC in Florida
If you prefer a fast, hands-off process, these services can form your LLC online in minutes:
| Service | Best For | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| ZenBusiness | All-in-one LLC setup | $0 + state fees |
| Incfile | Free filing + great dashboard | $0 + state fees |
| Northwest Registered Agent | Privacy and fast service | $39 + state fees |
| LegalZoom | Legal expertise and templates | $79 + state fees |
They handle registration, EIN setup, and annual report reminders automatically.
✅ Conclusion
Forming an LLC in Florida is a smart business move in 2025 — easy, affordable, and highly protective.
By following these seven steps — from choosing a name to filing your annual report — you’ll establish a solid legal foundation for your business.
With no personal state income tax and a simple online filing system, Florida remains one of the best states to start and grow your LLC.
Start today and build your business with confidence — your Florida LLC can be approved in just 24–48 hours.