Key Takeaways

  • Filing Articles of Organization is a required step to legally form an LLC in Florida, and they must meet statutory requirements to be accepted.
  • Essential details include your LLC’s name, principal office address, registered agent information, and management structure.
  • The name must be unique, compliant with Florida naming rules, and include a required designator such as “LLC” or “Limited Liability Company.”
  • Filing can be completed online or by mail through the Florida Division of Corporations, with specific accepted payment methods.
  • Some businesses, such as professional service providers, may need to list a specific purpose in their filing.
  • The Articles must be written in English and updated annually via the Florida LLC Annual Report.
  • Choosing a registered agent with a Florida physical address is mandatory; the LLC cannot serve as its own registered agent.

Florida LLC Articles of Organization require your company to submit information about how your company will operate. The articles lay out the structure for your corporation as well as provide the government with the information that it needs to accurately assess your corporation for its needs. Filing the articles is one of the most critical steps to getting your corporation up and running.  Each year, your LLC will need to file an annual report to confirm that the information listed in your corporation's articles of organization is still correct. Your articles of organization must include five articles, including the company's name, mailing information, and contact information for its members. Once the articles of organization are filed and approved, the LLC is in business.

Frequently Asked Questions about Florida LLC Articles of Organization

What forms of payment are accepted by the state of Florida when filing the Articles of Organization?

When you file the Articles of Organization online, you can pay with a credit or debit card, as well as a prepaid Sunbiz eFile account. You can use Visa and MasterCard, and American Express and Discover are also accepted for credit-card payments.

Do the Articles of Organization need to be filed?

Yes, the Articles of Organization are required, and any LLC that does not file them can be dissolved. 

How long does it take to process the Articles of Organization? 

Sunbiz can process and post them within three business days when the office is not in its busy season. Processing can take longer during the busy business season. Using a credit card to file and pay online can cause a slight delay in processing during the busy season. Paying by check or money order can cause non-peak processing to take up to five days. 

Is my LLC required to list a purpose in its Articles of Organization?

Professional companies may be required to list a purpose in their articles of organization. However, non-professional companies are not required to do so. It is an option for non-professional companies that can help to clarify business goals and operations.

My business's primary language isn't English. What language do its Articles of Organization need to be in?

Florida is a diverse state, where it is possible to operate a business in a language other than English. However, the articles of organization for any LLC must be written in easy-to-read English. If you submit your articles of organization in a different language, it will be rejected.

Why become an LLC over a partnership or sole proprietorship?

When you choose to become an LLC, you are creating a separate entity from your individual person. This means that the business will be taxed separately from your personal finances and that it will have its own liability. If someone sues the LLC, they are not suing the owners personally. They sue the business separately. This can have serious tax and financial implications for the LLC.

Additional Filing Requirements and Best Practices in Florida

When preparing your LLC organization in Florida, it’s important to go beyond just filling in the required blanks. Consider the following best practices and additional filing points to strengthen your application and set your business up for compliance:

  • Confirm Name Availability Early: Use the Sunbiz name search tool to ensure your proposed LLC name is not only unique but also does not closely resemble another registered business.
  • Check for Restricted Words: Florida law limits the use of certain words—such as “Bank,” “University,” or “Insurance”—unless your LLC is authorized to provide those services.
  • Include Optional Provisions: While not always required, you can add clauses clarifying management rights, duration, or limitations of authority to help avoid disputes later.
  • Use a Reliable Registered Agent: Select a registered agent with a permanent Florida street address who can reliably handle legal notices and state correspondence.
  • Plan for Annual Report Filing: The Annual Report is due between January 1 and May 1 each year, with late fees applying after the deadline.
  • Keep Copies for Your Records: Maintain both physical and digital copies of your filed Articles and confirmation receipt for reference in banking, licensing, and tax registration.

Florida LLC Articles of Organization Steps

1. Start by examining sample articles of organization documents to see how information is formatted and phrased. This information can be used as a guideline to create your own Articles of Organization document. 

2. Create a name for your LLC that includes the words “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC," or “L.L.C.”

  • If you are starting a Professional Limited Liability Company, the name must include “Professional Limited Liability Company,” “P.L.L.C.,” “PLLC,” or “Chartered” in it.
  • The name must be unique and not already be in use.
  • You can find out if a name is currently in use by completing a search on the Sunbiz.org website.

3. Include the name and addresses of the company, the registered agent, and any members or managers.

  • P.O. boxes are not allowed as the address for the registered agent.
  • The registered agent must sign a document that acknowledges that he understands the obligations of being a registered agent for an LLC.
  • The LLC cannot be its own registered agent. Instead, choose a person or business with an active registration in Florida.
  • The business's physical address must be listed.

4. If your company has employees, detail the authorized person to manage Workers' Compensation. 

5. Have your legal counsel review the LLC documents before submission. 

  • It is important to ensure that your articles of organization comply with statutory requirements.

How to File Florida Articles of Organization Online and By Mail

Florida offers two main filing methods:

  1. Online Filing via Sunbiz.org
    • Complete the online form provided by the Florida Division of Corporations.
    • Pay with Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, or a prepaid Sunbiz eFile account.
    • Once submitted, you’ll receive an email confirmation and, after approval, a link to download your filed Articles.
    • Online filings are generally processed within three business days outside of peak season.
  2. Mail Filing
    • Download the Articles of Organization form from Sunbiz.org.
    • Complete all required sections, including signatures from the registered agent and authorized representative.
    • Pay by check or money order payable to the Florida Department of State.
    • Mail to:
      Division of Corporations, P.O. Box 6327, Tallahassee, FL 32314
    • Mailed filings may take up to five business days to process, excluding mailing time.

Pro Tip: Whether filing online or by mail, double-check all entries for accuracy to avoid rejection or costly amendments.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing in Florida

Many LLC formation delays occur because of preventable errors in the Articles of Organization. Avoid these common pitfalls:

  • Using a P.O. Box for the Registered Agent: Florida requires a physical street address for the registered agent’s office.
  • Omitting the Registered Agent’s Signature: The agent must sign to accept the appointment; failure to do so will result in rejection.
  • Misspelling the LLC Name: Even minor spelling inconsistencies between documents can cause processing issues.
  • Failing to Specify Management Type: Indicate whether your LLC is member-managed or manager-managed to clarify operational authority.
  • Not Aligning with Business Licenses: Ensure your business purpose and name match other license or permit applications to prevent compliance conflicts.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I reserve a name before filing my Florida LLC Articles of Organization?
    Yes. Florida allows name reservations for 120 days by filing a Name Reservation Request with the Division of Corporations.
  2. What is the filing fee for Florida LLC Articles of Organization?
    As of 2025, the fee is $125, which includes the $100 filing fee and $25 registered agent designation fee.
  3. Do I need an operating agreement for a Florida LLC?
    While not filed with the state, an operating agreement is strongly recommended to outline member roles and protect your LLC’s limited liability status.
  4. Can I change my registered agent after filing?
    Yes. You can update your registered agent by filing a Statement of Change with the Florida Division of Corporations and paying the required fee.
  5. How soon after filing can I start doing business in Florida?
    You may start once your Articles are approved and you have obtained any required local licenses or permits. Approval typically takes 3–5 business days.

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