If you want to start a business in Florida, one of the first things you’ll need to do is form an LLC. That means filing articles of organization and paying a state fee.
You’ll also need to pay for a registered agent. This service ensures that your LLC is able to receive legal correspondence and official documents from the government.
Articles of Organization
The Articles of Organization are the primary documents that establish your LLC. They tell the state key information about your business, including its name, address, business activities, and members.
They also define the liabilities, powers, duties, rights and other obligations of your LLC. You should carefully consider the details you include in your articles.
You can use a form from the Florida Division of Corporations, or draft your own. Then, have your attorney review it before filing.
You can file your articles of organization online or by mail, and the one-time fee is $125. This cost includes a state levy for registration ($100) and a $25 registered agent fee.
Registered Agent
LLCs in Florida are a tax-friendly way to run your business. However, the formation of an LLC carries some fees that you’ll have to budget for.
In addition to the filing fee for Articles of Organization, you also have to pay a $25 registered agent fee. These fees are a one-time cost, and you can pay them by credit card online.
Every LLC that does business in the state of Florida must designate a registered agent with a physical street address in Florida. This person or service is responsible for receiving and forwarding legal notices, such as lawsuits, to the LLC.
While it’s possible to act as a registered agent yourself, the responsibility is often much more complicated than most people think. It’s best to hire a professional agent to take care of these tasks on your behalf. They’ll be able to handle sensitive legal documents and keep your business compliant. Plus, they’ll be able to provide you with better privacy and convenience.
Reserved Name
Before forming an LLC in Florida, it is important to perform a name search to make sure that your chosen name is available and not already in use by another entity. The name you select should be unique to avoid infringing on trademarks or triggering copyright law violations.
Once you’ve settled on a name, you can reserve it with the state. This process will protect your preferred name while you’re preparing to register it with the state and for 120 days afterward.
You can do this through the Florida Department of State online. You’ll need to submit a request for a reservation along with a $25 fee.
Once you’ve reserved your name, it will be unavailable to any other companies that are trying to form an LLC in Florida. It also prevents other companies from changing their name or registering it with that state office.
Certificate of Status
In Florida, you can get a Certificate of Status from the Division of Corporations that confirms your company is legally registered. This document is helpful when you need to get a loan, obtain funds from lenders or investors, register your LLC in another state, or acquire licenses to legally operate your business.
Your Florida LLC must also file an annual report each year. This report provides the state with up-to-date information about your LLC’s name, address, registered agent, and any changes in the identity of members or managers.
To file the Annual Report, you must pay a fee of $139 by May 1 each year. Failure to do so will result in late filing penalties and interfere with your company’s operations.
You can order a Certificate of Good Standing from the Department of State by mail, fax, or online. You will need to provide your 6- or 12-digit business number, payment, and specific request.