If you’re ready to start a business in Florida, you’ll need to research federal, state, and local licensing. Whether you’re a restaurant or an insurance agency, you’ll need a business license to operate legally.
When your LLC is approved, you’ll be able to track its status online. However, some states require a fee to access this information.
Initial Filing
Once you’ve completed the initial filing, the state will review your articles and approve them. This is the first step in creating your LLC, and the process can take 2 to 4 weeks.
Once your Florida LLC is approved, you can begin conducting business operations. During this time, you will need to comply with certain business licenses and permits.
The type of licenses and permits you will need depends on the industry or profession that your business will operate in. You can find out what is required in your specific industry by visiting the Small Business Administration’s business licensing guide.
Once you’ve formed your Florida LLC, the next step is to get an EIN for your company. An EIN allows you to open a business bank account and file your tax returns with the IRS. You can apply for an EIN online or hire Sunshine Corporate Filings LLC(r) to get one for you. You will also need an EIN to receive tax benefits such as the S corporation status available to Florida LLCs.
Articles of Organization
A limited liability company (LLC) is a business entity that gives its owners protection from personal liability. It also reduces its tax rate based on the laws of its state.
When a LLC is formed, it must file Articles of Organization with its state office. These documents outline basic details about the company, such as its name and purpose.
You can submit your articles of organization online, by mail or in person. Typically, online filings are processed the most quickly.
The process is fairly straightforward, but you need to understand your state’s requirements to ensure you have everything you need. Getting this part right can prevent delays and other problems later on.
To form a Florida LLC, you must first choose a name for the business. This should be unique and not already in use by another company. Your name must include the phrase “limited liability company” or one of its abbreviations, such as L.L.C. or LLC.
Operating Agreement
After you submit your LLC formation articles with the state, the Florida Division of Corporations will issue a certificate of approval. This is a sign that your company is officially incorporated as an LLC and can be used to obtain an Employer Identification Number, business licenses and bank accounts.
Once you’ve received your Certificate of Good Standing, it’s time to consider drafting an operating agreement for your new LLC. This document will help you establish the rules for how your business is run, and prevent disagreements among members.
It should include rules for bringing in new members, how they will be voted on and their responsibilities. It should also describe how the owners’ interests are protected.
If you are unsure about drafting an operating agreement for your LLC, consult with an attorney. You can post your legal need in UpCounsel’s marketplace to find a top-tier attorney who is ready to work with you on creating this important document for your business.
Registered Agent
You can check the status of your LLC’s Articles of Organization online. The state will review them and approve or reject them.
Once your articles are approved, you can download a copy and store them with other business records. The state will usually take a week to process articles filed online, and a couple of weeks to process articles that are mailed in.
The next step is to appoint a Florida registered agent for your LLC. A registered agent is responsible for receiving important tax forms, legal documents, and notices of lawsuits on behalf of your LLC.
You can be your own registered agent or hire a service to do this for you. Regardless of who you choose, they must have a Florida street address and be reachable during normal business hours.