If you’re starting a business in Florida, it’s important to register your LLC. This gives you a legal foundation to conduct your business and protects you from liability.
Your LLC’s registered agent will be responsible for receiving legal notices on behalf of your company. You can serve as your own registered agent, appoint another person, or hire a registered agent service.
Articles of organization
The Articles of Organization are a key step in registering business in Florida LLC. These documents lay out basic information about your company, including the name of your LLC and its purpose.
A Florida limited liability company (LLC) is a form of business that protects personal assets and offers tax benefits for small businesses. Creating an LLC requires filing articles of organization and selecting a registered agent, both of which are necessary to make your company legal.
The registered agent is an entity or person who receives court documents and other legal notices on behalf of your LLC. They typically also provide your company’s mailing address and liaise with the government when your LLC needs to handle official correspondence. In Florida, you can designate a registered agent yourself or use a professional service to do the job.
Registered agent
A registered agent is the person listed on your LLC’s Articles of Organization that receives legal documents from the state and the federal government. They are responsible for making sure that your business is in compliance with Florida law.
It is important to choose a registered agent that can be reached at the company’s address during normal business hours. If something comes in the mail, or a lawsuit is filed against your company, the registered agent needs to be there to accept it and sign for it.
Some companies default to choosing an employee or manager as their registered agent, but that can be risky. For example, if someone travels frequently and is not available at the registered agent’s address during normal business hours, then it is unlikely that your LLC will receive important legal documents in time to comply with state filing requirements.
You can save money and time by hiring a professional registered agent service that offers one-year service packages with all the services you need to be legally compliant. Harbor Compliance is one of the best Florida registered agents, offering affordable, top-quality service that will help you stay in compliance with Florida and other states.
Annual report
Florida requires that every business entity, including LLCs, file an annual report each year. This allows the state to keep accurate records of each company’s management or membership information, registered agent details and principal office address.
In addition, businesses may file an amended report when necessary. This includes changes in the name of the company, officers or directors.
An amendment can be filed at any time during the year that an LLC’s information changes. It must be submitted no later than May 1 of the following year.
Failure to file an annual report by this deadline will result in a $400 late fee for each entity, whether it’s an LLC, corporation, LP or LLP. Nonprofit corporations are exempt from these fees.
To avoid late fees, file your annual report by the May 1 deadline. Submitting your annual report online is the best way to do this. After completing the form, you can pay your filing fee using a credit card or debit card. A payment voucher will automatically download for you to print.
Operating agreement
Florida LLCs are a popular business form because they offer benefits distinct from other types of corporate forms. These include limited liability protection, asset protection, and tax advantages.
While LLCs don’t have to have an operating agreement, drafting one is highly recommended to clarify how your business will operate and protect the interests of all members. It’s also a great reference point for solving problems or disagreements down the road.
The operating agreement lays out the relationships between the members, managers, ownership structure, and other important internal policies. It can also set important disclosure limitations to protect member information.
Regardless of your company’s size, having an LLC operating agreement in place can make a big difference in how smoothly things run for you. It can help you keep track of your company’s finances, prevent disputes with other business owners, and protect your limited liability status.