Forming an LLC is one of the best ways to protect your personal assets and run a business. It’s also easy to maintain and comes with tax flexibility.
In Florida, you can file an LLC online or by mail. You will need to fill out articles of organization and pay a $125 filing fee.
Articles of organization
The articles of organization are a necessary document when you form a limited liability company in the state of Florida. You can file your LLC’s articles of organization online through Sunbiz or by mail.
You’ll also need to appoint a registered agent. This person will be responsible for ensuring that the state receives legal notices about your LLC.
If you have more than one person who can act as a registered agent, you’ll need to list each of them in your filing. If you don’t want to list anyone, leave this section blank.
Managers are important to the success of your Florida LLC because they can manage your business without you having to do it yourself. It’s best to choose a manager who has experience in the industry you’re forming your business in.
If your LLC is formed between October 1 and December 31, you can forward date the LLC’s effective date to January 1. This saves you money on the annual report and can also save you on taxes if you’re not expecting to be in business during those months.
Registered agent
When filing your LLC articles of organization, you will need to designate a registered agent for the company. This can be an individual, a business, or even a service provider.
As a registered agent, this person needs to have a physical address in Florida and be available during normal business hours for receiving and responding to any legal mail that is received on behalf of the LLC. This includes delivery of any service of process such as complaints, summonses, or subpoenas that may arise.
A professional Florida registered agent service will also help you meet your compliance obligations, including providing you with reminders for filing documents for registration or annual reports. They will also maintain copies of key LLC documents so that you have a backup in case your business is ever unable to make any important filings on your own.
Some of the top options for a Florida LLC registered agent include Harbor Compliance, Better Legal, and Rocket Lawyer. These providers all offer standout customer service and provide many helpful online resources to help your business thrive.
Operating agreement
The operating agreement for your Florida LLC is a document that outlines the relations between members and managers, the ownership structure, and how the business will conduct itself. The operating agreement can also provide for specific penalties or consequences if a member fails to comply with its terms.
Even though the state of Florida does not require an LLC to have an operating agreement, it makes good business sense to create one. An operating agreement can reduce misunderstandings and conflicts that could lead to lawsuits or other legal issues.
A Florida LLC operating agreement can also help a company maintain its limited liability status by preventing creditors from seeking to collect on judgments against the company. It can also prevent the company from being subject to taxation rules that could negatively impact its bottom line.
Tax ID number
If you’re a Florida LLC filing online, you may be required to obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number). This nine-digit number is similar to a social security number and is used for tax purposes.
If your business has employees, you’ll need an EIN to file taxes, open a bank account and hire workers. You can get your tax ID number by submitting Form SS-4 with the IRS.
You can also apply for a tax ID number by mail. However, this can take up to four weeks. It’s much faster to file online. You can also work with a specialist service provider to help you apply for your EIN.