LLCs are a hybrid business structure that offers limited liability to its members. They are reasonably priced and relatively easy to form.
To form an LLC, you must register with the Florida Division of Corporations. You can do this online, through the mail, or in person.
Costs
When it comes to owning an LLC in Florida, there are a few costs you should be aware of. These include the fees required to form your business, as well as the state and federal taxes owed by your company.
First, you must pay the state a one-time filing fee of $125 for the Articles of Organization. You can file your articles online or by mail.
You must also choose a registered agent for your company, which is a person or company that accepts and responds to legal, tax, and financial documents on behalf of your business. You can choose to hire a professional agency or be your own registered agent, but it’s best to select one carefully.
Finally, you need to file an annual report and pay sales and use and employer taxes. These are mainly state-based, but they can add up quickly if you fail to pay them. In addition, you may need to file for a federal EIN (Employer Identification Number) if your LLC employs people.
Taxes
Limited liability companies offer owners a number of advantages over other business structures. The main one is protection of personal assets.
The owners have a choice in how the LLC is taxed and managed. They can choose to be taxed as a disregarded entity, a partnership, or a corporation.
If you opt for an S corporation, you’ll be taxed at a federal rate that is generally lower than a personal income tax rate. This allows you to avoid double taxation on corporate income, which can be a significant savings for small businesses.
You’ll also need to file an annual report each year with the state. If you fail to do so, a late fee of $400 will be applied.
Once your Florida LLC is formed, you’ll need to obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number). This nine-digit number enables your company to file taxes at the state and federal level. It also lets you open a bank account and hire employees.
Licensing and Permits
Florida is an excellent state for starting a business because of its low taxes and a huge population base. The state also offers a lot of benefits to new entrepreneurs, including no corporate or franchise taxes.
There are a few things you will need to do to set up your LLC in Florida, including naming the company, filing articles of organization and obtaining a registered agent. Once you have all of these requirements, you can start conducting business in the state.
Name Requirements: A Florida LLC must have a unique business name. This name must be distinguishable from other names that are already on file with the Florida Division of Corporations.
Registering a Registered Agent: Every Florida LLC must have a registered agent who is responsible for receiving legal documents on behalf of the company. This person must be a resident of the state.
Creating an Operating Agreement: A Florida LLC must have an operating agreement that lays out how the company will operate and who the owners (or members) are. A well-drafted operating agreement can avoid future disputes between owners by identifying their roles and responsibilities in the company.
Insurance
An LLC is a business entity that gives you liability protection. This can help you avoid personal injury lawsuits and reduce your business’s exposure to legal claims.
The best way to ensure that your LLC is protected is by getting the right type of business insurance. Talk to your insurance agent about your specific needs.
In addition to insurance, you will need to establish a registered address for your Florida LLC. This is a place where you can receive official mail, notifications and tax documents from the state.
A Florida LLC must also have a registered agent who will accept legal papers on behalf of your LLC. This agent can be an individual or a business entity authorized to do business in Florida.
An LLC should have a operating agreement, which is a document that sets out the rules and procedures of the company. It will help you and your fellow owners stay on the same page.