Key Takeaways

  • Forming a Florida LLC requires an initial filing fee of $125 (Articles of Organization + registered agent designation), with optional costs like certified copies or certificates of status.
  • Annual maintenance costs include the Annual Report ($138.75) and higher late fees if filed after May 1st ($538.75).
  • Additional potential expenses include name reservation (if done informally), business licenses, and professional service fees for legal or filing assistance.
  • Florida LLCs must meet specific naming, formation, and reporting requirements to maintain good standing.
  • Tax obligations depend on how the LLC elects to be taxed — as a sole proprietorship, partnership, C corporation, or S corporation — each with its own filing forms.

LLC cost Florida, or the cost of starting and maintaining a limited liability company in Florida, encompasses filing fees and tax rates, which can vary depending on your filing choices and what LLC form you elect to use.

In most cases though, forming a Florida LLC is both affordable and easy. Anyone interested in starting one will need to file the proper forms with the Florida Division of Corporations, meet the state’s LLC naming requirements, and pay all the associated fees. These fees are:

  • The filing fee: $100.00
  • The registered agent fee: $25.00
  • The certified copy fee (optional): $30.00
  • The certificate of status fee: $5.00

There are also annual fees associated with filing the state’s required annual report, and these are:

  • The annual report fee (with supplemental fee): $138.75
  • The annual report fee (after May 1st): $538.75
  • The amended annual report fee: $50.00

Thus, to start a Florida LLC, the initial cost will range from $125 to $160,and the annual cost will range from $138.75 to $588.75, depending on date of filing and amendments. There are also additional fees for other optional filings,and all fees are subject to change, so one should check with the Florida Division of Corporations for any adjustments.

In addition to these fees, there are various specifications necessary for creating a Florida LLC, and these should be considered, as well. Understanding the entire scope of the LLC creation process will help you better decide if an LLC is right for you.

LLC Specifications Required in Florida

Florida has a number of specifications required for LLC formation. They are:

  • Registration requirements.
    • Articles of Organization must be filed with Florida Division of Corporations.
    • Such articles must state the LLC’s address and name, the registered agent’s address and name, the member’s and/or manager’s addresses, names, and titles, and the LLC’s effective date if it differs from the filing date.
  • Naming requirements.
    • Each LLC must have its own unique name; no duplication is allowed.
    • Use the Division of Corporations website to check to see if your desired LLC name is available.
  • Formation requirements.
    • Articles of Organization must be filed with the Florida Division of Corporations.
    • Multi-member LLCs are recommended but not required to have an LLC operating agreement for their members.
    • LLC operating agreements set out such details as the members’ roles and voting rights, the management structure, how adding and removal of members is handled, how the LLC may be dissolved, and how the operating agreement may be amended.

Additional Formation and Maintenance Costs

Beyond the standard state filing fees, Florida LLC owners should anticipate other possible expenses during both formation and ongoing operations:

  • Business License or Permit Fees: While Florida does not require a statewide business license, many counties and municipalities require local business tax receipts or permits. Costs vary by location and industry.
  • Registered Agent Services: If you hire a professional registered agent instead of serving as your own, expect to pay $100–$300 annually.
  • Name Registration Costs: Florida does not require pre-reserving an LLC name, but if you choose to secure a matching domain name or trademark, those fees apply separately.
  • Certified Document Fees: Obtaining certified copies of filings costs $30 per document, and a Certificate of Status costs $5.
  • Operating Agreement Preparation: While not legally required, drafting a thorough operating agreement may involve legal fees if prepared by an attorney.
  • Professional Services: Many business owners choose to hire formation companies, accountants, or lawyers to handle filing and compliance, which can add anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars depending on the service level.

LLC Registration Process

There are a number of specific steps you must follow to register your LLC in Florida. They are:

  1. Choose a business name.
    • Florida LLC names must end in “Limited Liability Company” or some variation thereof, like “L.L.C.,” “LLC,” or “Ltd. Co.”
    • Some words are restricted, like “bank,” “attorney,” and “university,” and require special paperwork and a licensed individual, like a lawyer or doctor, to be in the LLC.
    • Some words are prohibited, like “FBI,” “Secret Service,” and “Treasury.”
    • Florida has no option for name reservation.
    • It may be a good idea check if your desired LLC name has a similar web address (URL) or email address available. Even if you don’t want one now, you may want one in the future.
  2. Choose a registered agent.
    • This is a person or corporation that accepts legal papers for the LLC. They must have a permanent Florida address.
  3. Get an employee identification number (EIN).
    • If your LLC is multi-member, an EIN is required for tax purposes. These can be garnered from the IRS.
  4. Form an operating agreement.
    • Florida LLCs do not have to have an operating agreement, but it is recommended if your LLC is multi-member.
    • Such agreements are recognized by the State of Florida as governing documents.
  5. Get a Florida bank account.
    • Florida LLCs must have a bank account in the state to operate.
  6. Get familiar with your legal obligations.
    • Your LLCs annual report is of most importance here. Florida LLCs must file these to maintain their active status in the state. The filing window runs between January 1st and May 1st.

Processing Times and Expedited Filing Options

The Florida Division of Corporations typically processes online LLC filings within 2–5 business days, while mailed submissions may take up to 10 business days. Florida does not offer an official expedited filing service, but:

  • Filing Online is the fastest method and provides instant confirmation.
  • Third-Party Services may offer same-day preparation and submission for an additional fee.
  • Peak Filing Seasons (January–May) can extend processing times, especially near the Annual Report deadline.

Planning filings outside of peak periods or submitting well before deadlines can help avoid delays and late fees.

Florida Taxes for LLCs

Florida LLCs are considered either corporations, single-member LLCs, or limited liability partnerships for tax purposes and are thus subject to federal income tax classifications. Taxes for various LLC forms include the following:

  • LLC treated as a limited liability partnership.
    • These must file Form 1065 and show equal distribution of losses, profits, and credit on a Schedule K-1.
  • LLC treated as a C corporation.
    • These must file Form 8832 and elect to be treated as a corporation. They are then required to file Form 1120.
  • LLC treated as an S corporation.
    • These must file Form 1120S along with a report by each owner showing the equal distribution of losses, profits, and credit to the IRS.
  • LLC treated as a sole proprietorship.
    • These must report income and business expenses on the sole proprietor’s Schedule C 1040.

So along with your filing fees, LLC taxes will contribute to additional costs, but such costs will vary depending on your particular situation.

Ongoing Compliance and Penalties for Non-Filing

To keep a Florida LLC in good standing, you must file the annual report between January 1 and May 1 each year. Failure to file by the deadline triggers a $400 late fee in addition to the $138.75 report fee. If you still do not file:

  • The LLC will be administratively dissolved or revoked in September.
  • Reinstatement requires paying all past-due fees and a reinstatement fee of $100.
  • Dissolution can cause loss of limited liability protection and require re-filing as a new LLC.

Maintaining compliance also means updating your registered agent information promptly and ensuring all local licensing requirements are met.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How much does it cost to start an LLC in Florida?
    The base cost is $125 for the Articles of Organization and registered agent designation, with optional costs for certified copies, certificates of status, and professional services.
  2. What is the annual cost to maintain a Florida LLC?
    You must pay $138.75 for the annual report, or $538.75 if filed after May 1. Late filings also incur a $400 penalty.
  3. Are there any hidden or ongoing fees besides the annual report?
    Yes. You may need to pay for a registered agent, local business licenses, and professional services like accounting or legal assistance.
  4. Can I expedite my Florida LLC filing?
    Florida does not offer an official expedited service, but online filing is processed faster than mail, and third-party services may expedite preparation.
  5. What happens if I don’t file the annual report?
    Failure to file results in a $400 late fee, and continued non-filing leads to administrative dissolution, requiring reinstatement and additional fees.

If you need help understanding LLC cost Florida, you can post your legal need on UpCounsel’s marketplace. UpCounsel accepts only the top 5 percent of lawyers. Lawyers on UpCounsel come from law schools such as Harvard Law and Yale and average 14 years of legal experience, including work with or on behalf of companies like Google, Menlo Ventures, and Airbnb.