Key Takeaways

  • The filing fee for a Florida LLC is currently $125, which includes a $100 Articles of Organization fee and a $25 registered agent designation fee.
  • Annual maintenance costs include the Annual Report fee of $138.75, due each year by May 1, with a $400 late fee if missed.
  • Optional expenses include name reservation ($25), certified copies ($30), and a Certificate of Status ($5).
  • A registered agent is required; using a professional service typically costs $100–$300 annually.
  • Additional costs may include operating agreement drafting, business licenses, and industry-specific permits.
  • Online filings are generally processed faster than mail filings, which can take longer depending on volume.

Calculating Florida LLC cost is an important step when considering to start a Limited Liability Company (LLC). This cost is determined by the state's special requirements. 

What is an LLC?

When you structure your business as an LLC, the benefits you gain are protection from personal liability and efficient tax filing. LLCs combine characteristics of partnerships and corporations, making them a hybrid of those two popular business structures.

LLCs can have an unlimited number of members, which is another major benefit of this business structure. 

Members can be:

  • Individual people;
  • Other limited liability companies;
  • Foreign entities;
  • Corporations.

How to Start a Business in Florida?

When starting a business in Florida, the first step  is choosing a business idea that sparks your interests and fits your skills. After identifying an idea for your business, you need a business plan. With a business plan in place, you are ready to file formation documents.

After filing the documents, you must do the following:

  • Acquire permits and licenses for your business;
  • Register for taxes in your state;
  • Open a bank account for your business.

Unique LLC Requirements of Florida: Registration

To create your LLC in Florida, you must file the Articles of Organization with the Florida Division of Corporations. When filing the Articles of Organization, you must also include a cover letter with:

  • Your name;
  • Your address;
  • Your email;
  • A daytime phone number;
  • The name of your LLC.

You will also need to pay a $125 filing fee when submitting these documents. Because fees frequently change, you should check with the Florida Division of Corporations what the current filing fees are.

When submitting your forms, make sure to include:

  • The name and address of your LLC;
  • The name, signature, and address of your registered agent;
  • The names, contact information, and titles of all managers or members of your LLC;
  • The formation date of your LLC if this date differs from the filing date;
  • The signature of your LLC's authorized representative or one of its members.

Your LLC's effective date should be either five days before or ninety days after the receipt of your forms. If you do not include an effective date, the Florida Division of Corporations will activate your LLC once the documents have been processed. You can submit your documents by mail or online. You will receive a physical copy of your Articles of Organization if you file your forms by mail. After your LLC has been registered, you will get a letter of acknowledgement.

Florida LLC Filing Costs and Breakdown

When determining how much is an LLC in Florida, the primary cost is the $125 state filing fee for the Articles of Organization. This amount is split into a $100 filing fee and a $25 fee for registered agent designation.

Other potential costs during registration may include:

  • Name reservation (optional): $25 if you wish to reserve your LLC name before filing.
  • Certified copy of filings (optional): $30 per document.
  • Certificate of Status (optional): $5, often used to prove your LLC is in good standing.

Filing online through the Florida Division of Corporations is the fastest method, while mail submissions can take longer to process depending on workload.

Unique LLC Requirements of Florida: Forms and Fees

Any person registering an LLC in the State of Florida must file the Articles of Organization. When submitting your Articles of Organization, you must pay the required fee, either by check, credit card, or with a money order.

Annual Maintenance Costs for Florida LLCs

In addition to your initial filing costs, Florida requires LLCs to file an Annual Report to maintain active status. The Annual Report fee is $138.75, due by May 1 each year. Missing this deadline results in a $400 late penalty, which is in addition to the report fee.

The Annual Report updates or confirms your company’s information on record, including addresses, registered agent details, and member/manager names. Reports can be filed online, and no paper form is provided.

Unique LLC Requirements of Florida: Timeline

Typically, it takes between two and 14 business days to process your submission. However, this can vary depending on your payment method and whether you need to submit additional documentation.

Processing Times and Methods

For online submissions, processing usually takes just a few business days, while mailed filings may take up to several weeks during peak periods. To speed up approval:

  • File online instead of by mail.
  • Ensure all required information and payments are correct and complete.
  • Avoid peak filing times, such as late April before the Annual Report deadline.

Unique LLC Requirements of Florida: Naming

Many people are confused with the requirements for naming an LLC. It is best to choose a name that will make your business distinct from other Florida LLCs. The name must include all the required words. To make naming your LLC easier, make sure to check with the Division of Corporations if your chosen name is available.

When you name your Florida LLC, you must include either the “LLC” or “L.L.C.” abbreviations or the phrase “Limited Liability Company.” Reserving your LLC name is not required. Often, reserving your preferred name requires a payment of additional fees and complicates the filing process.

Unique LLC Requirements of Florida: Formation Requirements

When your LLC has multiple members, it is advisable to develop on operating agreement that all members agree to follow.

An operating agreement is a document that outlines such terms as:

  • Each member's role in the LLC;
  • The voting rights of the members;
  • Who will manage the LLC and how management will occur;
  • The process for adding new members or removing current members;
  • The process of dissolving the LLC;
  • How the LLC or the operating agreement can be amended.

Additional and Ongoing Expenses to Consider

Beyond state filing and annual report fees, you may encounter other expenses:

  • Registered agent service: If you use a professional registered agent rather than serving yourself, expect to pay $100–$300 per year.
  • Operating agreement drafting: While not filed with the state, having one prepared professionally can range from $50 to $500 depending on complexity.
  • Business licenses and permits: Costs vary by location and industry. For example, local business tax receipts may be required by your city or county.
  • Amendments and other filings: Changing your LLC name, members, or registered agent may involve amendment fees ranging from $25 to $50.

Being aware of these costs can help you accurately budget for starting and running a Florida LLC.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much is the filing fee for an LLC in Florida?

The current filing fee is $125, which covers the Articles of Organization and registered agent designation.

2. What is the annual fee for a Florida LLC?

Florida LLCs must pay $138.75 each year for the Annual Report, due by May 1, with a $400 late fee if missed.

3. Do I need to reserve my LLC name in Florida?

Name reservation is optional and costs $25. Most owners skip this and file directly to save time and money.

4. Can I be my own registered agent in Florida?

Yes, you can serve as your own registered agent if you have a Florida address, but many choose a professional service for privacy and reliability.

5. Are there other costs to starting an LLC in Florida?

Yes. Additional expenses may include professional registered agent fees, business licenses, permits, and optional document copies or certifications.

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