The first step in forming an LLC in Florida is filing Articles of Organization with the Division of Corporations. This document officially registers your business within the state and provides the government with key information about how your company will operate.
You can act as your own registered agent or hire a professional registered agent service. Choosing a registered agent can help protect your privacy and keep your address off public records.
Company Registration
To start a business in Florida, you need to register your company with the state. You can either do it yourself or use an online service that provides business formation services.
First, you need to choose a name for your new LLC or corporation. This is one of the most important decisions you will make when launching your business.
Second, you need to appoint a registered agent for your company. A registered agent will be listed on the public record and is responsible for receiving official legal notices and forwarding them to you.
A registered agent can be an individual or a business entity that offers this service. In addition, the registered agent must be a Florida resident who is 18 or older and has a physical address within the state.
Another important aspect of registering your business is obtaining a Tax ID Number. Getting an EIN is free and takes a few minutes to complete.
Registered Agent
When you form an LLC in Florida, it is required that you select a registered agent to accept legal mail and service of process. This role may be handled by you, an LLC member, or a friend or family member.
A Florida registered agent must have a street address in the state and be available during normal business hours to receive legal notices and accept service of process for your company. They also act as the general point of contact for receiving business and tax notices, payment reminders, and other documents.
The benefits of choosing a professional Florida registered agent include having them focus on compliance, tracking and maintaining compliance by paying applicable fees, and submitting legal documents when required. In addition, they can help ensure that your LLC stays in good standing with the state by ensuring that you meet deadlines for filing annual reports and tax returns.
Northwest is my top choice for a Florida registered agent, as they offer all the basic services – a Florida business address and mail forwarding, scanned and uploaded essential documents, and access to all important compliance notifications online – at a reasonable rate. Plus, they have a US-based support team who can help you with small business advice.
Annual Reports
If you have a Florida LLC, you will need to file an annual report with the state every year. This is done to keep the state updated on your business information and keep you in good standing with the state.
Unless you are filing an amended report, the first annual report must be filed by May 1 of each year. This report will confirm the information that the Florida Department of State has on record for your company, such as your registered agent.
In addition to keeping your information up-to-date, an annual report is also a public record that can be found on the Florida Department of State website. It is important to file the annual report by the required deadline so that your business can continue operating in the state.
The Florida Department of State will notify you if you do not file your annual report on time, and they will fine you for failure to comply with state law. This can cause your business to be administratively dissolved.
Taxes
Florida is a very tax-friendly state for small businesses. As a result, many entrepreneurs choose to form an LLC rather than a traditional corporation. However, taxes are still a complex subject and you should consult a professional to determine the right taxing method for your business.
An LLC can be structured to take advantage of various tax classifications offered by the IRS. For example, LLCs can elect to be treated as a partnership, which results in reduced federal income taxes.
Alternatively, an LLC can be treated as a sole proprietorship or as an S corporation to lower taxes and provide more flexibility. Regardless of your business structure, an LLC can help reduce the overall tax rate by providing a separate accounting system.
When establishing an LLC in Florida, there are a few things you need to know. Among them is the importance of a registered agent. The person or firm you choose must accept legal mail on behalf of your business and provide a physical address in the state.