Florida Annual Report LLC: Everything You Need to Know
A Florida annual report LLC must be filed annually to update or confirm the records filed with the Division of Corporations with the Department of State. 3 min read
A Florida annual report LLC must be filed annually to update or confirm the records filed with the Division of Corporations with the Department of State. The report must be filed to maintain your business in active status.
Tips for Filing a Florida Annual Report LLC
- When filling out the annual report online at the Division of Corporation's website, you must include the document number. This number is between 6 and 12 digits and assigned at the time the business was registered.
- Use the legal name of the business as it was first registered.
- If you want to change the name of the business, you must fill out and submit an amendment form. Mail the form and applicable fee to the Division of Corporations.
- The report requires the 9-digit Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN). This is the number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service to be used as identification when filing taxes.
- Enter the FEIN number on the annual report form. Do not include your Social Security number.
- You must have a FEIN number to proceed. If you previously applied for a FEIN number and have not received it, contact the IRS for information on how to proceed.
- Add the principal street address where the business office is located on the form. Do not use the business mailing address if it is different from the principal street address.
- Provide the name, address, and signature of the registered agent who has been designated as the person responsible for accepting/processing services on behalf of the business. The registered agent's address must be a physical street within the state of Florida. P. O. Boxes are not acceptable.
- Enter the names and addresses of the principal people involved with the company. These include managers, authorized representatives, officers, and directors. The name of at least one principal must be listed on the report. Principals of the business can serve in multiple roles.
- If you need to add or change a partner of the business, you must file a Certificate of Amendment. The address of the partner can be changed but not the person.
Things to Know About Filing an Annual Report
- An annual report must be filed regardless of whether changes were made.
- The annual report must reflect the most current data.
- When filing the annual report, you cannot change the business name. It must contain the legal name used when initially registered with the Division of Corporations.
- A business cannot name itself as the registered agent. The exception is any individual associated with the business may be named as the registered agent.
- Annual Reports are filed electronically (e-file). There is no option for downloading and filling out the form.
- The due date for filing an Annual Report is January 1. If not filed by May 1st, the report is put into delinquent status.
- At one time, the Division of Corporations could waive the late fee of $400 for Annual Reports that were filed after May 1st. This is no longer the case due to the waiver being repealed in s. 607.193(2)(b) F.S. in 2010 by the state legislature.
- Annual reports that remain delinquent will result in the business being revoked or dissolved in the database through administrative steps. A business may apply for reinstatement, but all fees, which include the reinstatement fee and annual report fee plus a reinstatement application, are required.
FAQs
- What is a Certificate of Status?
The certificate certifies that the business is actively operating and is up-to-date on all applicable fees.
- Why does an annual report need to be filed with the state?
The Department of State wants to maintain accurate records of any business registered in the state of Florida. An Annual Report keeps the state's database current and up-to-date on registered businesses.
- How do I request a Certificate of Status and what is the fee?
When filing an annual report, you'll have the option of requesting a certificate. The certificate is sent to the email you have on file with the department as an attachment. The fee for an LLC certificate is $5.00.
- Can I change the Federal Employer Identification Number when I file the Annual Report?
Yes. The number can be changed or updated.
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