If you’re a new business owner looking to form a limited liability company (LLC) in Florida, there are several things that you need to do. These include filing your LLC’s Articles of Organization, choosing a registered agent, and getting an EIN from the IRS.
A registered agent is an individual or firm responsible for receiving important tax forms, legal documents, and notices from the state on behalf of your business. They also help ensure that only the business assets are used to pay off debts and lawsuits.
Articles of Organization
Florida’s Articles of Organization are the documents that establish your company in the state. They contain the company name, the registered agent for service of process, and other important information.
The articles of organization for file LLC online Florida are easy to complete and can be submitted in person, by mail, or by fax. You can also file them online on the Florida Secretary of State’s website.
In addition to the name of the business, the articles of organization for file LLC online Florida should include a statement about the purpose and duration of the business. The statement should also include a mailing address where the principal business of the LLC will be located.
The articles of organization for file LLC online Florida must be filed with the state before your LLC can begin to operate legally. They must also contain the name and address of the LLC’s registered agent for service of process.
Registered Agent
A Florida LLC requires a registered agent, which is someone that accepts documents and important tax information on behalf of the company. This person or company is expected to have a legal, physical address in the state of Florida and must be available during normal business hours.
The registered agent is responsible for receiving important tax and legal documents on behalf of the LLC, and must maintain up-to-date records of the company. The Florida Department of State can administratively dissolve (shut down) an LLC that does not have a registered agent.
A Florida LLC can serve as its own registered agent, but it is more beneficial to hire a professional registered agent service. An expert registered agent can help you avoid late fees, stay in compliance with Florida law, and save you time and effort.
Filing Fee
An LLC is a business entity that offers flexibility along with protection. Its benefits include personal liability protection, tax flexibility, minimal compliance paperwork, management freedom, distribution flexibility, and more.
In Florida, LLCs can be formed by filing Articles of Organization and paying the filing fee to the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations. You can file these documents by mail, in person, or online.
The filing fee for a single-member LLC is $125. However, if you want to form a Florida Series LLC (a type of LLC that involves a parent LLC and any number of “child” LLCs), the filing fee will go up.
In addition to the filing fee, you’ll also need to pay a $25 Registered Agent Designation fee. This fee is mandatory regardless of who you decide to appoint as your registered agent, and it’s an important part of your Florida LLC formation process.
Operating Agreement
An LLC operating agreement is a legal document that establishes how an LLC will be managed financially and operationally. It is typically kept with other crucial company records and drafted by the managing members.
A Florida LLC operating agreement can be customized to suit specific business needs. It will cover important issues relating to the management structure of the LLC, voting rights, distribution preferences, etc.
This type of contract can also be used to address disputes that may arise between LLC members. It provides clarity and protection in a number of situations, including conflicts regarding the purpose of the LLC, the way profits or losses are distributed between members, who is responsible for distributing the remaining funds upon the death of a member, and how to dissolve the LLC.
A well-written Florida LLC operating agreement will protect the interests of your business and its owners. It can save you time and money in the long run, and it will give you greater control over your business operations.