Corp Nation — State Guide
How to Form an LLC in Florida (2026)
Florida is one of the easiest and most affordable states to start an LLC. Here’s exactly how to do it.
Florida is one of the fastest-growing business states in the country. With no personal income tax, a booming population, and one of the lowest LLC filing fees in the US, it’s an ideal home for entrepreneurs at every stage.
Why form an LLC in Florida?
- No personal state income tax — profits pass through without Florida-level tax
- Low formation cost — $125 is well below the national average
- Fast filing — processed in 1–2 business days online
- No residency requirement — anyone can form a Florida LLC, including non-US residents
- Strong asset protection laws — some of the most debtor-friendly in the country
- Massive market — 22 million residents plus year-round tourism
How to form a Florida LLC: step by step
Choose your LLC name
Your name must include “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C.” and be unique in Florida. Check availability at sunbiz.org. You can reserve a name for 120 days for $25.
Appoint a registered agent
Every Florida LLC must have a registered agent with a physical Florida street address (not a P.O. box) available during business hours. Corp Nation includes this free for year one.
File your Articles of Organization
Filed with the Florida Division of Corporations through sunbiz.org. You’ll provide your LLC name, Florida business address, registered agent details, and member/manager names.
Create an operating agreement
Florida doesn’t legally require one, but banks ask for it. It defines ownership percentages, decision-making, and profit distribution.
Get your EIN
Required to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file taxes. Get it free at irs.gov or let Corp Nation handle it as part of your order.
Open a business bank account
Open a dedicated account once your LLC is approved. Mixing personal and business funds can void your liability protection.
Get licenses and permits
Florida has no general state business license, but you may need a local business tax receipt, a Florida sales tax certificate (floridarevenue.com), or a professional license.
We file your Articles of Organization, provide your registered agent (free year one), and prepare your operating agreement — all for $99 flat.
Florida LLC filing fees
| Filing type | Fee | Processing time |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (online) | $125 | 1–2 business days |
| Articles of Organization (mail) | $125 | 5–7 business days |
| Name reservation (optional) | $25 | Immediate online |
| Annual Report (due May 1 each year) | $138.75 | Required every year |
| Annual Report late penalty | $400 extra | After May 1 |
Florida LLC taxes
No personal state income tax
Florida has no personal income tax. For single-member and multi-member LLCs, profits pass through to your federal return — no Florida state income tax owed.
Annual Report — the most critical ongoing requirement
Every Florida LLC must file an Annual Report by May 1 each year. It is not a tax — it’s a compliance filing that keeps your LLC active and in good standing with the state.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Annual Report fee | $138.75 |
| Due date | May 1 every year |
| Late penalty (after May 1) | $400 additional |
| Failure to file | LLC dissolved by the state in September |
Frequently asked questions
Florida is wide open. Your LLC should be too.
Florida added more new businesses last year than almost any other state in the country. Entrepreneurs are pouring in — from New York, from California, from everywhere — because the math is simple: no state income tax, low cost of living, and one of the fastest LLC filing processes in the US.
The question isn’t whether you should form an LLC in Florida. The question is why you haven’t done it yet.
Maybe it felt complicated. Maybe you weren’t sure where to start. Maybe you kept telling yourself you’d do it when things slowed down — and things never slowed down.
Here’s the reality: your Florida LLC can be filed today and approved in 1–2 business days. That’s it. That’s the whole timeline.
Here’s what Corp Nation does for you the moment you place your order:
- We prepare and file your Articles of Organization with the Florida Division of Corporations — same day
- We serve as your registered agent, so your home address stays off public records
- We hand you a completed operating agreement, customized for your LLC, ready to sign
- We help you apply for your EIN so you can open a business bank account immediately
- We send you a compliance reminder every year before your Annual Report is due — so you never get dissolved
You built the business idea. You’ve been doing the work. The only thing missing is the legal structure that protects everything you’re building.
Let’s make it official. Your Florida LLC starts here.
Form your Florida LLC today
Same-day filing. Registered agent included. Operating agreement ready to sign. $99 flat.
Start my Florida LLC — $99 + $125 state fee Takes about 10 minutes. We handle everything after that.Free Download: LLC Formation Checklist
Get our step-by-step checklist so you never miss a deadline or filing. Sent instantly to your inbox.
Frequently Asked Questions — Florida LLC
How much does it cost to form an LLC in Florida?
The total cost to form an LLC in Florida is $125 for the state filing fee plus Corp Nation’s $149 service fee — a total of $274. After formation, you’ll pay $138.75/yr for the Annual Report. Corp Nation handles everything included in the service fee: Articles of Organization, registered agent for year one, and operating agreement.
How long does it take to form an LLC in Florida?
Standard LLC formation in Florida typically takes 3–5 business days when filing online through the Secretary of State. Corp Nation’s service includes expedited handling to keep your filing moving. Once approved, you’ll receive your formation documents and can immediately apply for your EIN.
Do I need an operating agreement for my Florida LLC?
Florida does not legally require an operating agreement for LLCs, but you absolutely should have one. Banks require it to open a business account. It defines ownership percentages, voting rights, profit distributions, and what happens when a member wants to exit. Without one, Florida’s default LLC rules govern your business — and those defaults almost never match what business owners actually intend. Corp Nation includes a customized operating agreement with every formation.
Do I need a registered agent for my Florida LLC?
Yes. Every LLC in Florida is legally required to maintain a registered agent with a physical Florida address. The registered agent receives lawsuits, state correspondence, and compliance notices on your behalf. Corp Nation provides registered agent service in Florida included in the Starter Package for the first year.
What are the taxes for an LLC in Florida?
A single-member LLC in Florida is taxed as a sole proprietorship by default — profits pass through to your personal tax return. At the federal level, you’ll pay income tax plus self-employment tax (15.3%) on active business income. At the state level, Florida has no state income tax. Notable: Florida has no state income tax. Many LLC owners elect S-Corp status once profits exceed ~$50,000/year to reduce self-employment tax.
Can I form a Florida LLC if I don’t live in Florida?
Yes. You can form an LLC in Florida regardless of where you live. However, if you don’t live or operate in Florida, you’ll need a registered agent with a Florida address (Corp Nation provides this), and you may need to register as a foreign LLC in your home state if you’re doing business there. For most non-residents, it makes more sense to form in your home state — but there are legitimate reasons to form in Florida, particularly if Florida has no state income tax.