If you want to set up an LLC in Florida, the first step is to file your articles of organization with the Division of Corporations. This will establish your limited liability company’s legal existence and allow you to do business in the state.
Your Articles of Organization must include your name, Florida street address and registered agent information. It must also specify the management structure and intended duration of your LLC.
Online Filing
Forming an LLC in Florida is an enticing choice for business owners. It offers personal asset protection, avoids double taxation, and is more flexible than corporations.
When forming an LLC, you’ll need to file Form LLC-1 – Articles of Organization with the state of Florida. You can apply for this document online or by mail.
Once you’ve filed, the state will review your documents and enter them into its system. The process normally takes 1-2 days if you file online and 5-7 business days if you file by mail.
You’ll need to name your LLC, establish a registered agent and choose a tax filing status for your company. You can choose to be taxed as a pass-through entity, which means that each member reports their business earnings and losses on their individual tax forms.
A registered agent is an individual or a legal service firm that accepts important tax forms, official government correspondence and other business mail on behalf of your company. This person must be a resident of Florida.
Mail Filing
An LLC is a form of business entity that offers many benefits, including personal asset protection, flexible management and taxation, and strong liability protection. Filing for an LLC in Florida involves submitting Articles of Organization to the state and paying the required filing fee.
Once your filing is complete, the Florida Division of Corporations will process it and notify you of the approval. This typically takes a few days to weeks, depending on how busy they are and how many other filings they receive at once.
After your LLC is approved, you can begin working on an operating agreement for your new company. It’s a great way to lay out the rules your company will follow and how finances will be handled.
Florida requires that each LLC have a registered agent, which is a person or business that accepts legal notices on behalf of the company. This agent must have a Florida street address and be available to accept documents during regular business hours.
Fax Filing
Fax filing is a way to submit documents electronically. It works by optically scanning documents and encoding them using a two-dimensional coding system called Modified READ.
In this process, the first scanned line is encoded with an MH code, and each subsequent line is compared to that to ensure that it is identical to the previous one. The fax file then is sent.
The fax file is then received by the Florida Division of Corporations, which enters the information into its system. Once it is done, the state returns the authorized documentation to you electronically or by mail.
Florida LLCs are a flexible business entity that can be taxed as either a corporation or a pass-through entity. They also offer strong liability protection.
To start an LLC, you must submit Articles of Organization to the Florida Division of Corporations. This document lays out basic information about your business and officially establishes it. You’ll then need to pay a $125 filing fee.
Expedited Filing
Depending on how you choose to file, it can take a few days for the state to process your LLC filing. It takes longer if you file online, which is why we recommend you do your first few filings in-person or by mail to get your LLC paperwork processed faster.
In Florida, if you want to reduce the processing time for your LLC, you can request an expedite filing. This will allow you to receive your filings faster, so you can begin to build your business sooner.
Your LLC’s articles of organization are the initial legal documents that establish your company’s name, address, and structure. You can amend your Articles of Organization as needed to make changes to the business’s name, principal/mailing address, or member/manager information.
After you’ve filed your Articles of Organization, it’s important to maintain ongoing compliance with state laws. This includes filing annual reports, obtaining a registered agent, and ensuring your business is in compliance with tax law.