An LLC is a popular form of business structure that offers liability protection and tax advantages for small businesses. In Florida, you can form a single-member or multi-member LLC.
To establish an LLC in the state, you must prepare and file Articles of Organization with the Florida Division of Corporations. The documents can be filed online or by mail. It takes two to five business days for approval.
Articles of Organization
When a limited liability company (LLC) is formed in Florida, it must file articles of organization. These legal documents provide the state with information about your business, such as its name and address.
They also list the registered agent of your LLC. The agent will accept service of process on your behalf and liaise with government agencies and third parties.
In addition, the articles of organization must include an affirmation that the LLC will abide by all applicable state laws. They must be signed by one or more members, and a filing fee of $125 is required.
Once you’ve filed the articles of organization, you can apply for a Certificate of Organization from the Division of Corporations. This document serves as proof that the LLC has been legally formed. You can obtain it online, by mail, or in person at the Division of Corporations’ headquarters in Tallahassee.
Registered Agent
The registered agent is a person or business that receives and responds to official legal papers for a business. This role is vital to establishing and maintaining good standing with the state.
If you don’t have a registered agent, you could face fines and penalties. You might also lose your Certificate of Good Standing, which means you won’t be able to continue doing business.
In Florida, LLCs, corporations, and limited partnerships are required to have a designated registered agent. General partnerships and sole proprietorships don’t need to do this.
A registered agent is a dependable person or business who receives and accepts service of process (notices of lawsuits) on behalf of an entity. They must have a Florida address and be available during regular business hours.
You can choose to be your own registered agent or hire a professional service. A registered agent service will take care of the paperwork and you can focus on growing your business.
EIN
The EIN, or Employer Identification Number, is a nine-digit number that the IRS assigns to businesses for tax purposes. It helps identify a business entity for various federal taxes, and it can also be used when a business needs to register as an employer or open a bank account.
The IRS issues EINs to many different types of businesses, including corporations, partnerships, and LLCs. However, it’s important to remember that your business must be formed legally before it can receive an EIN from the IRS.
This includes registering an LLC with the state of Florida, completing your Articles of Organization, and signing a business plan. It’s also a good idea to have an operating agreement in place to establish how your LLC will operate.
You can apply for an EIN on your own, but it’s a good idea to use an online service like Incfile that offers affordable packages and can complete the entire process for you. They will help you avoid errors and save you valuable time so you can focus on running your business.
Business Plan
Florida is one of the most popular states to form an LLC and for good reason. It’s a great place for entrepreneurs to launch new businesses, especially in industries such as tourism, agriculture and technology.
An LLC is a legal business entity that separates your personal assets from the company and protects you from liability when someone files a lawsuit against your company. Registering your LLC with the state of Florida is a necessary step to establish and maintain this separation.
After your LLC is formed, it’s important to develop a solid business plan for the company. This plan will help guide your company’s growth and ensure that it complies with legal regulations.
A business plan is also an excellent way to communicate your company’s goals and vision to potential investors. ZenBusiness can help you prepare a complete business plan with our affordable Florida LLC formation services starting at $49, plus state fees.
Getting your LLC established and registered is easy, as long as you follow the rules laid out by Florida law. The following are some of the most common steps you need to take: