STARTING A FLORIDA BUSINESS · 3 MIN READ
How to Create an LLC in Florida
By Hevia & Hevia CPA Firm · Published
Reviewed by Alexander Hevia, CPA, J.D., LL.M. (Taxation) —
A Florida LLC is formed by delivering Articles of Organization to Florida’s Division of Corporations, designating an eligible registered agent, and paying the required filing fees. Confirm acceptance and the effective date before treating the entity as formed. Additional tax registrations, licenses, and internal arrangements may still be needed. Florida Statutes, section 605.0201
The following steps explain the ordinary formation process. Multiple owners, professional practices, foreign owners, and existing businesses being reorganized can require additional planning.
1. Confirm the structure and intended owners
Before filing, discuss who will own and manage the business, what it will do, and whether an LLC fits those needs. Review tax treatment separately: a legal LLC can have different federal tax classifications depending on its ownership and elections. IRS: LLC classifications
2. Choose a compliant name and registered agent
The name must meet Florida’s requirements, including an appropriate LLC designation and distinguishability on state records. A preliminary search does not itself approve the name.
The registered agent accepts service of process and must have a Florida street address. The LLC cannot serve as its own registered agent, although an eligible individual associated with it may serve. Florida: Articles of Organization instructions
3. Prepare and submit the Articles of Organization
Follow the current form instructions for the principal office, mailing address, registered agent’s acceptance, authorized signature, and other applicable fields. Select an effective date deliberately rather than assuming it must match the day you submit the form.
The state’s required formation charges currently total $125: $100 for the Articles and $25 for registered-agent designation. Optional copies and certificates add fees. Florida: LLC filing information
4. Confirm the filing and organize the records
Retain the acknowledgment, filed Articles, payment record, document number, and effective date. Review the completed record for errors. Sunbiz acceptance does not approve every aspect of the business’s operations. Florida: Formation instructions
5. Put ownership and management arrangements in writing
We recommend an operating agreement tailored to the business, especially when there are multiple owners. Address contributions, authority, distributions, admissions and departures, and how disagreements will be resolved. Florida law governs matters not otherwise addressed, subject to statutory limits. Florida Statutes, section 605.0105
6. Arrange tax identification, banking, and registrations
Determine whether an EIN is needed and obtain it directly from the IRS when appropriate. The IRS advises legal entities to form through the state before applying for an EIN. IRS: Get an EIN
Set up business banking and bookkeeping. Determine whether Florida sales tax, reemployment tax, professional licensing, or local requirements apply to the activity. Florida tax registration
7. Build the compliance calendar
Add the annual report, applicable tax returns, payments, and license renewals to a calendar with named responsibilities. The Sunbiz annual report is a separate filing from a federal or Florida tax return. Florida: Annual report guidance
Get the tax decisions connected from the beginning
Hevia & Hevia CPA Firm helps new owners understand how an LLC’s records, tax classification, and owner returns fit together. Discuss business tax preparation or contact our team for support in Miami or remotely throughout Florida.
General information checked October 26, 2026. Filing fees and procedures should be confirmed with Sunbiz before submission.
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