If you’re planning to start a business in Florida, it’s important to know how long it takes to register your new entity. This includes everything from fees to processing time.
There are many options for registering your business in Florida, including filing online or through an LLC filing service. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.
Fees
One of the main costs associated with registering your business in Florida is the fee to file your business’s Articles of Organization. This document is filed with the state to create a limited liability company (LLC).
Other fees include registration and renewal fees, licensing fees for a business in “skilled trades,” and tax receipts from the local county and city governments. Depending on your operations and where you do business, these costs can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars or more.
If you’re not sure whether your business needs a license, check with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation or the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Those agencies have licensing requirements for businesses in many different fields, from barbers to architects to veterinarians.
You can also hire a registered agent to be your registered agent, which helps you keep track of important legal, tax and government correspondence for your business. They can receive notices in the mail and accept them for you if needed.
Getting Started
As America’s third-largest state by population, Florida is a popular destination for new business owners. It boasts hundreds of miles of beaches, glitzy cities, unique natural beauty and low property taxes.
Starting a business in Florida is easier than you think. The state offers a number of tax incentives to businesses, including no state income tax and relatively low property taxes.
The first step is to choose a name for your company and register it with the Florida Department of State. Then, you must file your articles of organization.
The next step is to create an operating agreement for your limited liability company (LLC). An LLC operates as a separate entity and is less formal than a corporation. An operating agreement covers your company’s rules, how finances will be handled, how members will be appointed and who is responsible for decisions.
Articles of Incorporation
In most states, the first step in registering a business is to file Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State. These documents establish the legal structure of a new corporation and are essential for obtaining government licenses, opening bank accounts, and more.
The articles must include a name, street address of the corporation’s initial principal office (if applicable), the number of authorized shares and par value, and a registered agent. If your company is a nonprofit, you’ll also need to include a provision for 501(c)(3) tax exemption and other eligibility statements.
The articles must also include the names, titles, and addresses of the initial officers of the corporation, if applicable. You may also wish to specify a delayed date for the effective date of the articles, which can’t be more than five days before the Secretary of State receives the papers or up to 90 days after filing.
Registered Agent
Every business in Florida is required to name a registered agent. This person or company is responsible for receiving official documents and government notifications on behalf of the business entity.
A registered agent must have a physical address in Florida and be available during regular business hours to ensure the delivery of legal notices. This can be a challenge if an individual has non-standard work schedules or is out of town for extended periods.
Many companies choose to use a commercial registered agent service for these reasons. These services are able to receive and scan mail for you, answer your phone, provide virtual office space and more.
Having an effective registered agent is important for your Florida business. A good registered agent will help you get started quickly and make sure that you comply with state laws. They will also help you file your paperwork, including annual reports, on time and correctly.