LLCs offer liability protection, tax advantages and other benefits for businesses. Forming an LLC in Florida is a straightforward process that can help you set up your business quickly and easily.
You’ll need to name your LLC, prepare Articles of Organization and get a registered agent. You can also write an operating agreement for your Florida LLC if you want to create a more customized structure.
Registering a business name
If you want to create an LLC in Florida online, you first need to choose a name for your business. That name must be unique and not in use by any other company or corporation in Florida.
When you select a name, you must search Florida’s business name database to ensure it is available. You should also be sure to check to see if the name you select is free of trademark or service mark rights.
Once you have a name, it’s time to register the name with the state. You can do this through the Florida Department of State’s online portal, Sunbiz.
Filing Articles of Organization
An LLC is a legal business entity in Florida, offering strong liability protection and flexibility in management. To create an LLC in Florida, you must file Articles of Organization with the Florida Division of Corporations.
The articles include your business name, address, registered agent, authorized managers/members and effective date. They also outline the responsibilities of owners, managers and officers.
Typically, it takes about 10 days to three weeks for the state to process your filings, depending on how busy they are.
You can submit the documents online through the Florida SunBiz Services Portal or by mail. There’s a $125 filing fee, which you can pay with a credit card or a Sunbiz account.
Getting a registered agent
A registered agent is a person or business that has a physical address in the state, and can receive legal documents on behalf of your LLC. This may include service of process notices, correspondence from the Secretary of State, official government notifications, tax forms and other important communications.
You can appoint yourself or another individual to serve as your LLC’s registered agent, or you can hire a company providing registered agent services. Choosing to use a registered agent service takes one responsibility off of your plate and frees you up to focus on the rest of your business.
Some registered agents offer nationwide services, so you can form entities in multiple states. But you should consider value, not price, when choosing your registered agent.
Getting an EIN
An EIN, or Employer Identification Number, is a unique nine-digit number issued by the IRS to identify businesses. It’s like a social security number for your business, and is required by the federal government.
It’s essential for filing taxes, registering your business, opening a bank account and more. Getting one is easy.
The application process is straightforward and can be done online or through the mail. Make sure you have the information required to complete the application properly before submitting it.
The first step is to select the type of entity you want your EIN applied for. The most common entity type is limited liability company, or LLC.
Writing an operating agreement
A Florida LLC operating agreement is a legal document that details how an LLC will operate and how it will be managed. It is not required by law, but it can help prevent disputes among members and ensure asset protection.
The operating agreement should outline how money is contributed to the LLC, distributions of profits and losses, and other important aspects of company ownership. It also needs to specify how changes in the membership structure will be handled.
In addition, conflict resolution terms should be included in the operating agreement. This can include arbitration or hiring a mediator.