A certificate of formation Florida is a legal document issued by the state of Florida that confirms that your business is legally registered. It is required for licensing purposes, taxes, and certain bank transactions.
To obtain a certificate of formation, you must complete and submit the correct forms and documents to the Florida Department of State. Typically, it takes 7 business days to receive your certificate.
Articles of Incorporation
Articles of incorporation, also known as certificates of formation or articles of organization, are the legal documents that establish a business as a corporation or limited liability company (LLC). These articles of incorporation include information such as a name, the registered office address, and more.
Every state has its own filing requirements, fees, and ways to submit these documents. The key to forming a corporation or LLC successfully is understanding your state’s requirements, including the fees you will have to pay and how long it may take to process these documents.
Nonprofit corporations should also consider including additional statements in their articles of incorporation to qualify for a 501(c)(3) or state tax exemption. This is particularly true for nonprofits that offer services to the public, such as medical or educational organizations.
Once your corporation has been incorporated, you will need to file an annual report and franchise tax each year to keep your corporation in good standing with the state. This is an important step in maintaining your business’s limited liability status and ensuring the integrity of your business.
Certificate of Good Standing
A certificate of good standing is a document issued by the state agency where your business is registered that proves you are in compliance with the laws of the state. This is usually done by filing a request form and mailing it to the agency.
The document shows that you are not administratively dissolved or revoked by the state and your business is not in default of any taxes or annual fees.
This is important because if your business is not in compliance, it can be suspended or even terminated by the state and you could lose your limited liability protection.
In Florida, businesses that are properly registered and pay all yearly fees and annual reports are eligible for a certificate of good standing. These include for-profit and nonprofit corporations, limited partnerships, and limited liability companies.
Registered Agent
A registered agent is a business entity or individual that accepts service of process and official mail for Florida-registered companies. They’re also responsible for forwarding legal, tax and other official documents to the right person or company in your business and letting you know of any deadlines or actions that need to be taken.
A registered agent must maintain a physical address in the state of Florida, where they can be reliably reached during business hours. They’re also required to be available for any service of process that arrives, ensuring your business can depend on them to respond in a timely manner.
Some business owners choose to use a member of their own staff as their registered agent, but this can present issues. Ultimately, a professional registered agent service is the best option. It’s a great way to ensure you are in compliance with Florida state requirements and remain protected from any potential liability issues.
Filing Fee
One of the most important costs associated with forming an LLC is the filing fee. This fee includes the cost to file the Articles of Organization and registering an agent for your company.
You can pay this fee online, by mail, or in person. The fee is $8.75 for a corporation or partnership and $5 for an LLC.
A certificate of status is an important document that demonstrates to banks, investors, and other states that your business has filed and paid taxes. It’s also known as a “good standing” document.
Generally, the process to get a certificate of formation in Florida takes about seven days. Normally, you can order it by mail, but expedited service is available for a small fee. The fee includes a preaddressed prepaid envelope or airbill and a daytime phone number for questions.