If you’re considering starting a business in Florida, it’s important to understand the state’s legal processes. One of the first steps is to form an LLC.
To establish an LLC in Florida, you must file articles of organization with the state and pay a $125 filing fee. These documents formally establish your limited liability company and outline its purpose, principal place of business and initial members or managers.
Articles of organization
When forming an LLC in Florida, it’s important to submit articles of organization with the state. This document officially establishes the authority of your business and lays out important information about your company.
In addition to stating the name of your business and its address, you’ll also want to indicate whether you’re operating a member-managed or manager-managed LLC. This can have a significant impact on your business’s tax and financial structure.
Your business’s registered agent will be the person or entity designated to receive official legal notices on behalf of your LLC. They will also liaise with third parties and the government when your LLC needs to provide official documents or responses.
In Florida, the process for filing your LLC’s articles of organization can take up to three weeks. You can either file your documents online or mail them in-person to the Division of Corporations.
Registered agent
When you form an LLC in Florida, you must also choose a registered agent. This is the person or business entity that will be responsible for receiving and forwarding legal documents and tax notices to your company. The registered agent can be an active Florida business or an individual resident of the state.
The registration agent’s name and address must be on file with the secretary of state. You’ll need to provide them with this information when filing your Articles of Organization.
Most states also require you to set up a registered office address for your company. It must be a physical address, and not just a post office box.
Certificate of formation
Once you have formed your LLC and chosen a name for it, the next step is to file a certificate of formation. This is the official document that the state government issues to confirm that your business has been duly established and is recognized as a legal entity in Florida.
The certificate of formation requires that you provide a list of basic information about your LLC. This includes your company’s name, effective date and management structure.
You must also include the name and address of your registered agent. A registered agent is responsible for receiving and delivering any official legal documents on behalf of your LLC.
Besides requiring you to meet certain criteria, being a registered agent can be time-consuming and complex. This is why many businesses choose to use a registered agent service, which will take care of this task for you. Using one of these services also frees you up to focus on other aspects of your business.
EIN
If you’re forming an LLC in Florida, you need to get an EIN (employer identification number). An EIN is a unique, nine-digit number that identifies your business and serves as a legal identifier.
Obtaining an EIN is free and can benefit your business in many ways, from protecting your identity to keeping your business and personal taxes separate. It also makes it easier to open a business bank account and apply for business loans.
You can get an EIN by applying online or filing a fax or mail application. If you file a fax or mail application, it can take up to four weeks for the IRS to process your application and issue an EIN.
Before you apply for an EIN, be sure your business is formed properly. If it isn’t, the IRS will revoke your tax-exempt status.