Whether you are looking to start a new business in Florida or want to relocate your existing business, the decision of what type of business entity you will form is an important one. An LLC is one of the most popular options for small businesses in the state, offering many benefits and flexibility.
The Principal Office Address
A Florida LLC’s principal office address is the physical location where the business is primarily located. It is a place where the members of the LLC meet to make important decisions and discuss changes to the business.
It can be a home, an office or a shop. However, Florida law requires that the Principal Office address be a street address.
In most cases, the Principal Office address is also where the LLC’s registered agent will be located. This is because the Registered Agent is responsible for accepting services of process and other legal documents on behalf of the company.
For this reason, you should not use your home as the address for your Florida LLC. It may be tempting, especially if you have a small company, but it could harm your privacy and put your personal information on public record.
The Mailing Address
If you plan to do business in Florida, your LLC’s mailing address is a key element of its legal identity. The address is publicly accessible and can be used by customers and competitors alike to contact your business.
It’s important to choose an address that’s secure and privacy-friendly, especially if you have an online business. While using your home address is tempting, it could potentially expose your personal information to the public and pose a safety risk.
One way to minimize the risk is to use a Sasquatch Mail LLC address. This is a real street address, not a PO Box.
In addition to an address, every Florida LLC must also have a registered agent, which is a person or company that accepts legal papers on behalf of your business. The agent must be available during normal business hours to receive these documents and notify you if they are served. This can be a time-consuming task for some people, so it’s often advisable to hire a service.
The Registered Agent Address
Any company that operates in the state of Florida must name a registered agent. This person will accept any legal notices that your business receives and forward them to you.
Your LLC’s registered agent can be a person or a company (not your LLC), and they must have a Florida street address where delivery of service of process can be made. This address can be a home, office, or a commercial space.
Another important aspect of being your registered agent is that they must be available to sign for and accept any packages, mail, or legal documents delivered to them. This could be in person or online.
The benefit of using a registered agent service is that you can use their address in place of yours, and this will prevent your personal address from being listed on public records. This will give you a lot more privacy and convenience, while still complying with Florida law.
The EIN Address
A Florida LLC needs a unique nine-digit number, known as an EIN, to be identified by the IRS. This number is similar to an individual’s social security number and is necessary for filing taxes, opening a business bank account, obtaining a loan or paying invoices.
Depending on the tax classification of your business, you may need an EIN. For example, an LLC that has more than one member or that has employees must apply for an EIN.
If your business is a sole proprietorship or a single-member LLC without employees, you don’t need an EIN. However, if you plan to hire employees or open a business bank account in the state of Florida, an EIN is required.
You can get an EIN from the IRS online by filling out Form SS-4. The process is fast and easy, and your EIN will be issued within minutes of completing the application. This is the most convenient and fastest way to get an EIN for your Florida LLC.