Florida requires that all LLCs file an annual report before May 1. This document is a yearly checkup of your company and updates the state on the status of your business.
It includes your LLC name, principal office address, registered agent information, and member/manager names and addresses. If you don’t submit your annual report by the deadline, you’ll be assessed a $400 late fee.
Articles of Organization
The Articles of Organization for your Florida LLC are an important part of creating your limited liability company. They outline your business’s structure, rights, and obligations.
Your articles must include your LLC’s name, principal business address, registered agent, authorized managers/members, and effective date. You can also add optional provisions, such as a list of your board members or the purpose of your limited liability company.
You may file your LLC’s Articles of Organization online or by mail. The process takes about 12 business days by mail, and 5 business days by online filing.
It’s best to get help from a Florida LLC lawyer who understands your goals and can provide advice throughout the entire process. They can guide you through the process while avoiding legal mistakes that could cost you money in the long run.
Annual Report
Every year, Florida LLCs are required to file an annual report with the state. This standardized form provides the Florida Department of State with important business information about your company.
This information is crucial to keeping your business in good standing with the state. It also allows creditors and other interested parties to find your business if needed.
The Florida annual report must be filed by May 1. If you fail to file your annual report before this date, you will be assessed a $400 late fee and your LLC will be administratively dissolved.
Having your Florida LLC filed on time is critical to the success of your business. Fortunately, there are companies who can help you stay in compliance with the state’s annual filing requirements.
Shareholders
An LLC is a business entity that offers limited liability for members. This allows the owner to shield their personal assets from business debts and liabilities.
Florida allows LLCs to be single or multi-member entities. Generally speaking, single-member LLCs are managed by one member, while multi-member companies consist of several members who have different roles within the company.
Whether you form a Florida LLC with more than one member or with only one member, it is important to establish an equal ownership percentage. This is usually determined in a written operating agreement that specifies how the members will manage the LLC.
To avoid the threat of dissolution, an LLC must file annual reports with the state. Failure to do so can result in a $400 late fee and the administrative dissolution of the business.
Registered Agent
If your LLC isn’t already a registered business in Florida, you will need to have someone named as the registered agent. They’re responsible for receiving and forwarding legal documents on behalf of your LLC.
The basic requirements for a Florida registered agent are that they have a Florida street address and are available during normal business hours to accept delivery of official notices. You can choose to be your own registered agent, hire a registered agent service or ask a friend or family member to serve as the agent for you.
A good registered agent should be able to provide a variety of additional services, such as filing your annual report before the deadline or assisting you with license renewals and other compliance issues. These extra services can be worth paying for.
If you want to change your registered agent, you’ll need to submit a Statement of Change of Registered Agent Form to the Florida Secretary of State. It takes about a week to process the change.