If your LLC is registered in another state and you want to do business in Florida, you must file an Application by Foreign Limited Liability Company for Authorization with the Florida Division of Corporation. This is an online filing process.
Enter your business name and other information. You must also choose an Organizer. This is the person who will sign your filing and submit it to the state.
Articles of organization
The articles of organization are the basic document that creates a Florida limited liability company. These articles provide the Division of Corporations with the information that establishes your LLC. They include the legal name of your business, the purpose for which you are creating the LLC, and the authorized representatives or managers.
You will also need to specify a Florida registered agent. This is a person or entity that accepts service of process, official legal documents and government notices on behalf of your LLC. This person or entity must be located in Florida and be on-site and available during regular business hours.
Once your Florida LLC’s articles of organization are filed, you must schedule an organizational meeting. You can do this online through Sunbiz. During the meeting, you will need your articles of organization and your operating agreement to discuss issues like ownership and member roles. After the meeting, you should get an IRS Employer Identification Number (EIN). This can be done immediately online or within four business days by fax or mail.
Certificate of existence
The certificate of existence is the official state document that proves your Florida LLC has been properly registered. It is often required to open business bank accounts, credit card merchant accounts, and apply for certain types of permits and licenses. You can request a copy from the Division of Corporations.
The next step is to draft your LLC’s operating agreement, which will establish how your LLC will function internally. This is a legal contract that sets out how the members will manage and run their company, as well as how ownership will be transferred. It also determines how your LLC will be taxed, if at all. It can help preserve your limited liability by showing that your LLC is a separate business entity.
You will also need to obtain an employer identification number, or EIN, for your LLC. This nine-digit number acts like a Social Security number for your business, and it is required if you plan to hire employees or take advantage of some tax elections available to LLCs. You can apply for an EIN online or hire a service to do it for you.
Registered agent
A registered agent is a person or business that agrees to receive legal documents and service of process on behalf of a Florida LLC. They must also have a physical address in the state where they can be found during regular business hours. This person or business is often responsible for filing annual reports and other important paperwork. A registered agent can be a member of the LLC or a non-member.
Some people choose to act as their own registered agents, but many small businesses hire a professional service to do this for them. This can save them time and money while providing a layer of privacy and security. It can also help them avoid being served in front of family, friends, and customers.
The best registered agent services will provide a range of additional services, such as online account access and compliance support. They will also notify you of important deadlines, such as the requirement to file an annual report with the Florida Division of Corporations.
Annual report
An annual report is a form that every Florida limited liability company, partnership or other business entity must file with the Division of Corporations. It must be filed on or before May 1 each year and includes information such as the business name, address, and FEIN. It also states whether the business is active or inactive. Failure to submit an annual report can result in fines and even dissolution.
The process for filing an annual report is simple. First, log into Sunbiz and enter your document number (a 12-digit number assigned to your entity by the state). Enter the required information and click the “Continue” button. Then, review the data and ensure all information is correct.
Once you’ve reviewed your data, click “Finish” and save a receipt to your computer. You can pay the fee by credit or debit card, or you can send a check or money order to the Florida Department of State.