In Florida, the limited liability company (LLC) has been one of the most popular business structures for years. This type of business structure offers liability protection and tax flexibility for owners.
The process to form a new LLC in Florida is simple. However, it does take time to get all of the necessary paperwork completed.
Articles of organization
A Florida LLC is an ideal business structure for businesses that want strong liability protection and taxation flexibility. It can be managed by members or managers, and it can operate as a pass-through entity or a corporation.
The first step to starting an LLC in Florida is to file articles of organization with the Division of Corporations. This document officially creates your company and identifies its registered agent.
It also specifies the effective date of the LLC. You can choose a date five days prior to the day you file, or up to 90 days after filing.
Once your LLC is established, you should update its articles of organization if any changes occur. This is important because it helps keep the LLC current and relevant with its members’ agreements. For example, if a new member is added, you should amend the Articles of Organization to include the details of their rights and responsibilities as an owner of the LLC.
Registered agent
The registered agent is a person (or company) who will receive service of process and other legal documents on behalf of the LLC. Florida allows you to list yourself, your business, a lawyer or a trusted friend as the registered agent.
A registered agent is responsible for receiving and forwarding important documents to your business, so it’s vital that they remain available at all times. They will also keep you informed of any deadlines or actions that need to be taken on your behalf.
A good registered agent will be available to accept your business’s documents during regular work hours and help you get your LLC up and running in a timely manner. They will also help you maintain your business’s good standing with the state, which is a critical aspect of business growth and success.
Operating agreement
The operating agreement is an important document for establishing your LLC. It provides information about the business purpose, registered agent details, and LLC members. It also contains your initial capital contribution and management structure (member-managed or manager-managed).
A Florida limited liability company operates much like a corporation, but there are some differences. One is that the LLC members contribute money, services, or other forms of property to the business rather than just cash.
Another is that the members can customize how they want their LLC to operate. For example, they can dictate how profits and losses are distributed to them and how voting rights are handled.
Operating agreements can also help settle disputes between members if they ever arise, such as corporate divorces. It’s also helpful for clarifying verbal agreements that may not be clear or in the best interests of all parties involved.
EIN
A business needs an EIN (Employer Identification Number) in order to file taxes, hire employees, open a business bank account and more. It also protects your personal assets from business liabilities.
The EIN is usually required for a company to get federal tax-exempt status. You can apply for an EIN online, by fax or via mail.
You’ll need to provide your name and address, the type of entity you formed, your LLC purpose, and your registered agent. You can also submit additional documents to support your application.
You can also submit a copy of your Articles of Organization and Operating Agreement. The process for these documents can take from 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the amount of information you provide.