Key Takeaways

  • The Florida LLC annual report fee is $138.75, with a $400 late penalty if missed.
  • Annual reports must be filed with the Florida Department of State by May 1.
  • Failure to file results in administrative dissolution after the third Friday in September.
  • The report updates business information, not financials.
  • You can file online only at Sunbiz.org, using a credit card, debit card, or Sunbiz eFile account.
  • Foreign LLCs and those with registered agents have additional requirements and fees.
  • Filing reminders are sent, but it’s the LLC’s legal responsibility to file on time.
  • Dissolved LLCs must file for reinstatement and pay associated penalties and fees.
  • There are no extensions for the Florida annual report filing deadline.
  • A Certificate of Status can be requested with the annual report for $5 (LLCs).

Florida LLC annual fees are required to keep your Sunbiz LLC in business. This includes the fee required to file your LLC's annual report. This report must be filed with the Florida Department of State for an LLC to maintain an active status. Without paying the fee and filing the necessary forms, the LLC would be fined $400 and/or dissolved, depending on how late it is paid.

What Happens If You Miss the Florida Annual Report Filing Deadline?

Failing to file your Florida LLC’s annual report by May 1 results in an immediate $400 late fee. If the report is not filed by the third Friday in September, the Florida Department of State will administratively dissolve your LLC. This means your business will lose its legal right to operate in Florida.

To reinstate a dissolved LLC, you must:

  • File a reinstatement application
  • Pay all outstanding fees and penalties
  • Designate a registered agent (if not current)

There is no option to file an extension for Florida annual reports. The state does not offer grace periods beyond these dates, making it critical to track your deadlines accurately.

Understanding the Purpose of the Florida LLC Annual Report

The Florida LLC annual report is designed to keep the state’s business records up to date. It does not include any financial statements or income disclosures. Instead, the report verifies or updates:

  • Principal place of business
  • Registered agent and address
  • Names and addresses of members/managers
  • Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)
  • Nature of business activities

Keeping this information current is required to maintain your LLC’s active status and avoid legal penalties.

Annual Costs Beyond the Report Filing Fee

While the Florida LLC annual report fee is a key recurring expense, other annual costs may apply:

  • Registered Agent Fee: If you hire a commercial registered agent, expect to pay around $100–$150 annually. Florida law requires LLCs to maintain a registered agent with a physical Florida address.
  • Business Licenses: Depending on your location and industry, you may need a city or county business license, with costs that vary by municipality.
  • Franchise Taxes: Florida does not impose a state-level franchise tax on LLCs, but LLCs taxed as corporations may have to file a corporate income tax return.

These costs should be considered part of your annual business compliance budget.

Can You Make Changes While Filing the Annual Report?

Yes, the Florida annual report allows you to make certain changes to your LLC’s records, including:

  • Updating your registered agent
  • Changing the principal address
  • Editing member or manager details
  • Adjusting the business email or mailing address

However, you cannot change your business name through the annual report. To do that, you'll need to file separate Articles of Amendment with the state and pay an additional fee.

Steps to Pay Florida LLC Annual Fees

1. Gather necessary information, including your Federal Employer Identification Number. You will need relevant information related to your business and its members in order to file your paperwork. 

2. Review the list of LLC members and managers. Make necessary updates and changes to the list to make it accurate.

3. Pay the annual fee online by credit card, debit card, or a prepaid Sunbiz eFile account.

  • If you pay the fee before May 1, you will pay $138.75.
  • If you pay after the May 1 deadline, your LLC will be subjected to a $400 late fee that is payable, even if you did not receive a late notice.
  • If you do not pay the fee by the third Friday in September, your LLC will be dissolved.

When and Where to File the Annual Report

The Florida LLC annual report must be filed between January 1 and May 1 every year. Reports must be submitted online through the Florida Department of State’s Division of Corporations website: Sunbiz.org.

Key notes:

  • Do not use third-party websites. Sunbiz.org is the only official site for filing.
  • You can file using a credit/debit card or a Sunbiz eFile account.
  • You’ll receive a confirmation email with a tracking number after submission.

Reinstating a Florida LLC After Dissolution

If your LLC is administratively dissolved for failing to pay the Florida LLC annual report fee, you must reinstate it to return to active status. The process includes:

  1. Filing an Application for Reinstatement
  2. Paying:
    • The $138.75 report fee
    • $400 late penalty
    • A reinstatement fee of $100

You may also be required to submit updated business information and verify your registered agent status. Once approved, your LLC is retroactively restored to active status as of the original dissolution date.

Tips to Stay Compliant with Florida LLC Reporting Requirements

To avoid costly late fees or dissolution, consider the following best practices:

  • Mark your calendar: Set annual reminders for the May 1 deadline.
  • Use a professional service: Many business owners use compliance services or legal platforms to manage filings.
  • Keep contact info current: Ensure Sunbiz has your correct email address to receive filing reminders.
  • Request a Certificate of Status: This can confirm your LLC is in good standing and may be required by banks or partners.

If you need help with Florida LLC annual compliance, you can post your legal need on UpCounsel to connect with a qualified business attorney.

Filing the Annual Report Online

Florida LLCs must file their annual reports online through the state’s official portal, Sunbiz.org. This site is operated by the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, and is the only authorized platform for submitting annual reports. Avoid third-party sites to ensure your information is processed securely and on time.

Methods of Paying the Annual Report Fee

You can pay the Florida LLC annual report fee using several methods. Online payments are accepted via credit card, debit card, or a prepaid Sunbiz eFile account when you file electronically. In some cases, physical payments by check or money order may be accepted, though deadlines for physical payments may vary and are subject to change by the state.

Purpose of the Annual Report

The annual report is a mandatory filing used to confirm and update your LLC’s public record with the Florida Department of State. This report includes information such as the business address, registered agent, and names of members or managers. It does not include any financial details or accounting data—it is strictly for maintaining accurate business records.

Who Must File the Report

Every Florida LLC must file an annual report, even if there are no changes to its business information. This requirement applies regardless of business size or industry. Failing to file by the May 1 deadline leads to penalties and can result in the administrative dissolution of the LLC.

Verifying Your Report Has Been Filed

Once your annual report is submitted, you can request a Certificate of Status to confirm that your LLC is in good standing. This certificate serves as official proof that your company has met the state’s filing and fee requirements and is authorized to operate.

Requesting a Certificate of Status

You can request a Certificate of Status at the time of filing your annual report. While this document is optional, it is commonly used when applying for loans, entering contracts, or verifying good standing with business partners. Even if you do not request a copy, the certificate will remain on record with the Florida Division of Corporations.

Fees for Certificate of Status

There is a nominal fee to obtain a Certificate of Status. For LLCs, the cost is $5. For corporations and limited partnerships, the fee is $8.75. These fees are separate from the Florida LLC annual report fee.

Filing Reminders from the State

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services typically sends a reminder 60 days before the report is due. This notice is mailed to your registered agent’s listed address. To avoid delays or missed reminders, ensure that your registered agent’s address is a valid physical location rather than a P.O. box.

Reporting Requirements for Closed or Closing Businesses

If your LLC has closed or will close permanently before the annual report deadline, you generally do not need to file a report for that calendar year. However, it’s important to officially dissolve your business with the state to avoid unnecessary penalties or confusion regarding your company’s status.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Florida LLC annual report fee in 2025? The filing fee is $138.75. If filed after May 1, a $400 late fee applies.

Can I get an extension on the annual report deadline? No. Florida does not offer filing extensions for LLC annual reports.

What happens if I don’t file the annual report? Your LLC will be administratively dissolved after the third Friday in September if you don’t file. Reinstatement requires paying all fees and penalties.

Can I change my LLC’s name on the annual report? No. To change your business name, you must file Articles of Amendment with the state.

Is the annual report required even if there are no changes to my LLC? Yes. The report must be filed annually regardless of whether there are updates to your business information.

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