A limited liability company, or LLC, is a business structure that has been popular for several years now. It offers several advantages, including tax flexibility and legal protection for its owners.
However, not all states allow non-US residents to form LLCs. If you want to do business in Florida but live elsewhere, you will need to form an LLC as a foreign entity. This is called foreign qualification and you can do this online, by mail, or in person.
Forming an LLC in Florida
If you live in another state and want to start an LLC in Florida, there are a few different steps you’ll need to take. First, you’ll need to form the entity in your own state and then register it with the Florida Department of State’s Division of Corporations.
In addition, you’ll need to appoint a registered agent for your LLC in Florida. This person will be responsible for receiving important legal mail and forwarding it to you. You can serve as your own registered agent, or you can appoint someone else or use a registered agent service to do the work for you.
Next, you’ll need to choose a name for your LLC. This name must meet Florida naming requirements and be unique from other businesses on file with the Division of Corporations.
Registering an LLC in Florida
Florida has long been a popular destination for business owners to form limited liability companies (LLCs). These entities offer tax flexibility, legal protection and more.
To register your LLC in Florida, you must prepare Articles of Organization and file them with the Florida Division of Corporations. Taking this step is important because it ensures your business follows all state laws.
Your company name and principal place of business must be registered with the Florida Secretary of State. You must also choose a registered agent who will receive all official mail for your business.
You can use an online service to file this information with the state or mail it in. Your registered agent will be responsible for receiving government notices and contacting you as the LLC’s owner in case of any legal action.
When forming an LLC in Florida, you should be sure to choose a name that is unique and different from any other business entity currently in operation. You may want to perform a preliminary search on the Division of Corporations’ business name registry.
Getting an EIN for an LLC in Florida
When forming an LLC in Florida, it’s essential to obtain an EIN. Often referred to as an Employer Identification Number, an EIN can promote the long-term growth of your business. It protects your privacy by keeping your SSN out of business matters and allows you to hire employees.
An EIN is required by the IRS for any company with one or more members. It’s also necessary for businesses that file business taxes.
Once you’ve formed an LLC, you can apply for an EIN online. It’s easy to do and doesn’t cost much.
During this step, you’ll provide your LLC’s legal name. This is the same name that appears on your LLC’s formation documents.
Next, you’ll enter your LLC’s physical address. This must be located in the United States and cannot be a PO box.
Once you’ve entered all the information, you’ll be taken to a summary page that shows the information you’ve provided so far. Make sure that everything is correct before clicking “Submit.”
Getting a registered agent for an LLC in Florida
In order to maintain compliance with Florida law, all limited liability companies (LLCs) and corporations must designate a registered agent. This person or company must have a physical address in the state and be available to receive legal notices on behalf of your business.
If you are a business owner who is interested in forming an LLC in Florida, there are several options for getting a registered agent for your new company. You can be the registered agent yourself or you can hire an agency that provides this service.
You may also choose to have a friend or family member serve as your registered agent. In that case, you should be sure to trust that they will do a good job and keep your privacy protected.
If you are considering forming an LLC in Florida, it is best to choose a registered agent who provides comprehensive services. This will save you time and stress, and help you focus on your business.