How to Form an LLC in Florida | 2026 Guide

Thinking about launching your business in Florida? If you want liability protection, tax flexibility, and a straightforward setup process, forming a Florida LLC is a smart move. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to form an LLC in Florida—step by step.

You’ll learn exactly what forms to file, what it costs, how to stay compliant, and why so many entrepreneurs choose Florida as their business base. Whether you're a local or based out of state, this article will help you set up your business entity with confidence and avoid the common pitfalls. Let’s get started. We'll also discuss the Wise Business account. The global account that can help your company with all things cross-border.

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How to Start an LLC in Florida (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Choose a Name for Your Business

Your first step is to select a unique name that follows Florida’s naming rules. The name must include “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C.,” to identify it as a legal business entity. It also can’t conflict with any existing Florida business names on file. To check availability, use the official Sunbiz business search tool¹ from the Florida Division of Corporations.

Although Florida doesn’t require you to reserve your name before filing, you have the option to do so. Suppose you’re not quite ready to submit your Articles of Organization. In that case, you can reserve your chosen name for 120 days by submitting a written request to the Division along with the appropriate fee. This helps ensure no one else registers it while you're preparing the rest of your documents.

Step 2: Appoint a Registered Agent

Every LLC in Florida must designate a registered agent who agrees to receive legal documents, government notices, and compliance-related correspondence on behalf of the company. This person or entity must have a physical street address in Florida (P.O. Boxes are not allowed) and must be available during normal business hours.

You can act as your own registered agent if you meet the requirements, but many business owners prefer to hire professional registered agent services. These services handle all official communications and help maintain your privacy by keeping your personal address off the public record. Annual costs typically range from $35 to $150, depending on the provider.

Step 3: File Articles of Organization

To officially establish your Florida LLC, you’ll need to file Articles of Organization with the Florida Division of Corporations. This is the legal document that registers your company with the state. You can file online through the Sunbiz website², which is the fastest option, or you can choose to mail in a paper application.

When completing your filing, you’ll need to provide:

• The official LLC name.
• Your principal business address and mailing address.
• The name and address of your registered agent.
• Names and addresses of all members or managers.
• An optional effective date if you want the LLC to start on a future date.

The filing fee for Articles of Organization in Florida is $125. Once approved, your LLC will be considered a valid business entity under state law.

Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement

While not required by the state, an operating agreement is highly recommended. This internal document outlines the ownership structure, management roles, and operational procedures. It’s especially important for multi-member LLCs to prevent future disputes and to reinforce personal asset protection.

For multi-member LLCs, an operating agreement is essential to prevent misunderstandings or disputes between partners. It lays out expectations and procedures in writing, making it easier to resolve issues when they arise.

Even if you’re forming a Florida single-member LLC, an operating agreement strengthens your company’s legitimacy by proving that the business is separate from your personal finances. This separation is vital for preserving your personal asset protection if your LLC ever faces legal action.

Step 5: Get an EIN from the IRS

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is like a Social Security number for your business. The EIN is required by the IRS to pay federal taxes, hire employees, and comply with tax reporting requirements. Most importantly, you’ll need an EIN to open a separate business bank account.

You can apply for an EIN quickly and at no cost through the IRS website³. Even if you run a single-member LLC with no employees, having an EIN is still important for keeping your business finances separate from your personal accounts and for maintaining your legal protections.

Step 6: Open a Business Bank Account

Once your LLC is formed and you’ve obtained your EIN, you should open a business bank account in the name of your LLC. This is one of the most important steps for preserving your personal asset protection. Using the same bank account for business and personal expenses can blur the legal line between you and your company, something that could be used against you in court.

To open the account, most banks will ask for your EIN, your approved Articles of Organization, and sometimes a copy of your operating agreement. Keeping your business finances separate not only protects your personal assets but also helps you stay organized for taxes and accounting.

Step 7: Obtain Licenses and Permits

Depending on the type of Florida business you plan to operate, you may need additional licenses or permits at the state or local level. At a minimum, most LLCs must get a business tax receipt from their city or county. This serves as your local license to operate.

If your business involves selling goods or taxable services, you may also need to register for sales tax collection with the Florida Department of Revenue. And if you work in a regulated profession—like construction, health care, or cosmetology—you’ll need the proper professional license.

Always check with your local government agency to verify what’s required for your specific business activity and location.

Step 8: File the Florida Annual Report

To remain in good standing with the state, your LLC must file a Florida annual report every year. This report sends updates on your business's current contact details, member/manager information, and registered agent to the state.

The report must be filed between January 1 and May 1 each year. The filing fee is $138.75. If you miss the deadline, there’s a steep $400 late fee. Continued failure to file can result in administrative dissolution, which means your business loses its legal standing in Florida.

Filing your annual report on time is a simple but critical task to maintain your LLC's protection and compliance.

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Once you have established your business with an LLC, you’ll need a business account to manage your US finances. A Wise Business account is easy to open online and comes with no monthly fees. You can convert funds from your home currency to USD with low, transparent fees.

Wise is not a bank, but a Money Services Business (MSB) provider and a smart alternative to banks. The Wise Business account is designed with international business in mind, and makes it easy to send, hold, and manage business funds in currencies. You can get major currency account details for a one-off fee to receive overseas payments like a local. You can also send money to countries.

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What Are the Business Requirements for a Florida LLC?

Once your LLC is formed, you’ll need to meet ongoing compliance obligations to maintain your legal protections. These include:

• Keeping a registered agent with a valid Florida address.
• Filing an annual report.
• Maintaining a valid operating agreement.
• Keeping business finances separate from personal use.
• Obtaining required local licenses and permits.
• Collecting and remitting sales tax, if applicable.

These requirements help ensure your business stays active and enjoys the tax advantages Florida offers.

What Are the Benefits of Starting an LLC in Florida?

If you're forming a business in Florida, here's what you can expect right away:

• No state income tax on individual earnings: This means profits that pass through to members aren’t subject to additional Florida income tax.
• Personal asset protection: LLCs shield your home, savings, and other personal property from business debts and lawsuits.
• Low startup costs: With a relatively low filing fee and no requirement to publish your formation in a newspaper, Florida is cost-effective.
• Flexible management structure: LLCs can be managed by members or designated managers, giving you control over operations.
• Non-resident ownership: There’s no residency requirement to start or manage an LLC in Florida.

How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in Florida?

Expense	Cost
Articles of Organization Filing	$125
Registered Agent (if outsourced)	$35–$150/year
Florida Annual Report	$138.75/year
Business Licenses & Tax Receipt	Varies by county
EIN (from IRS)	Free

Keep in mind that these are just startup and basic annual costs. Additional services like legal advice or accounting fees can add to your budget.

Can I Open an LLC in Florida Without Living There?

Yes. Florida allows nonresidents to open and manage LLCs, provided you maintain a registered agent with a physical street address in the state. You do not need to be a Florida resident to own or operate a Florida business.

Can a Nonresident Open a Company in Florida?

Absolutely. There are no citizenship or residency restrictions for forming an LLC in Florida. Foreign nationals can start a business here by:

• Choosing a unique LLC name.
• Appointing a registered agent with a Florida address.
• Filing the Articles of Organization.
• Obtaining an EIN from the IRS.
• Complying with U.S. tax and licensing laws.

Many global entrepreneurs choose Florida because of its simplified structure and tax advantages.

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Comparison with Other States

Feature	Florida	Texas	Delaware	New York
Formation Filing Fee	$125	$300	$90	$200
Annual Report / Franchise Tax	$138.75 (Annual Report)	No Annual Report; Franchise Tax	$300/year (Franchise Tax)	$9 Biennial Report + Publication Fees
State Income Tax	None	None	None	Yes (up to 10.9%)
Registered Agent Required	Yes (physical street address required)	Yes	Yes	Yes
Non-Resident Formation	Allowed	Allowed	Allowed	Allowed
Privacy Protections	Moderate (owner names are public)	Moderate	High (owners not listed in filings)	Low (public records + publication)
Sales Tax	6% state + local (varies)	6.25% + local (varies)	No state sales tax	4% state + local (varies)
Flexible Management Structure	Yes (member- or manager-managed)	Yes	Yes	Yes

Florida gives business owners solid privacy, personal asset protection, and zero state income tax—ideal for small to mid-sized LLCs.

Texas has no income tax but requires a franchise tax, and its high filing fee may deter budget-conscious startups.

Delaware is great for investors and startups focused on legal protections, but the ongoing franchise tax adds cost.

New York is the most complex of the four, with high compliance burdens and additional state income tax.

FAQs About Florida LLCs

Does Florida Offer Privacy Protections for LLCs?

Florida LLC filings are part of the public record, meaning your name and business address will appear in the state’s online database. If you want to keep your personal address private, you can hire a registered agent service with a physical street address in Florida to act as your public point of contact. While the operating agreement is a crucial internal document, it does not need to be filed with the state and remains entirely private.

Why Do People Use Florida for LLCs?

Florida is a popular state for LLC formation because it combines tax advantages with ease of use. There’s no state income tax on LLC profits, which means more money stays in your pocket.

Entrepreneurs also appreciate Florida’s efficient online filing system, relatively low startup costs, and flexible management structure that allows you to choose how your business is run. These factors make it especially appealing for small business owners, remote founders, and international entrepreneurs.

Is a Florida LLC Tax-Free?

While forming an LLC in Florida comes with major tax perks, it’s not entirely tax-free. Florida does not impose a state income tax on LLC income that passes through to members, which is a big benefit. However, LLCs may still be responsible for sales tax, depending on the nature of their business. You’ll also need to comply with federal tax obligations through the IRS, and some industries may face special state-level tax requirements.

What Are the Disadvantages of a Florida LLC?

The downsides of forming an LLC in Florida include:

• Limited privacy: Your name and business details become part of the public record when you file with the Florida Division of Corporations.
• Annual reporting requirement: You must file a Florida annual report each year and pay the $138.75 filing fee, or face a $400 late penalty.
• Local licensing complexity: Cities and counties often require a business tax receipt, and requirements vary by location.
• No centralized licensing system: Florida does not have a single portal for all business licenses, so you’ll need to check with each relevant government agency individually.

Conclusion

If you want to start a business in Florida, consider an LLC. You get protection for personal assets, zero state income tax, and a simple setup process. File your Articles of Organization, name a registered agent, open a business bank account, and keep everything separate from your personal finances.

Don’t skip your Florida annual report, and make sure you’ve got any local licenses or business tax receipts. That’s it—you’re ready to run your business with confidence.

Learn How to Form an LLC in State
Alaska
Alabama
Georgia
Hawaii

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Sources:

1. Florida Sunbiz – Entity Name Search
2. Florida LLC Filing Instructions – Sunbiz eFile
3. Apply for an EIN – IRS