If you’re looking to start a limited liability company (LLC) in Florida, you need to know how to do it legally. An LLC is a popular business structure in the state because it’s easy to form, offers tax flexibility and offers legal protection for owners.
To start your LLC, you’ll need to prepare Articles of Organization and file them with the Division of Corporations. These articles can be filed online or by mail.
Legal name
If you’re planning on starting an LLC in Florida, you’ll need to choose a name that meets the state’s naming requirements. For example, business names must not contain words that imply the corporation is a banking or financial institution, or that it’s affiliated with a government agency.
When you have a name in mind, you can perform a search of the Florida Secretary of State’s business name database to ensure that no one else has it. You can also reserve a business name for up to 120 days before filing your articles of organization with the state.
Once you have the right name, you can register your LLC online or with Incfile. This will make your business an official LLC in the eyes of the state.
Registered agent
Registered agents are an important part of the process of forming your LLC in Florida. They are the people or companies that receive all of the official legal documents from the state on behalf of your LLC.
They can also help you stay compliant with your state requirements. That includes receiving any notices that you need to comply with such as tax payments, lawsuits or judgments.
You can hire a professional registered agent service to do this for you or you can choose to act as your own registered agent. The main advantage of acting as your own registered agent is that it costs a lot less than hiring a qualified professional.
A professional registered agent service will be able to provide you with a secure online account where they can store all of the paperwork that needs to be filed. They will also receive any service of process for your business and discreetly deliver it to you.
Employer identification number (EIN)
Getting an employer identification number, or EIN, is an important step for any Florida LLC. It helps to separate your business finances from your personal finances, and can be used for bank account applications and payroll taxes.
An EIN is a nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue Service. It works like a social security number for your business, letting you file tax returns and pay federal taxes.
You can apply for an EIN online or by phone, fax or mail. It will take up to four weeks to get a mailed application processed.
To begin, choose the type of entity you are applying for (LLC, sole proprietorship or partnership). Then, indicate the number of members and your state of operation. After that, read the instructions on the page and click “Continue.”
Operating agreement
An operating agreement is a legal document that is used to define how a Florida limited liability company will operate. The document includes information about how the business will pay taxes, distribute profits and losses, and manage itself.
The operating agreement also includes important information about the ownership structure of an LLC. It typically describes who the members are, how much they have invested in the company and the extent of their interest in its assets.
A properly drafted LLC operating agreement can help a new LLC protect its limited liability status and head off financial and management misunderstandings. It may also strengthen a business owner’s position when creditors attempt to collect on LLC debts.