Key Takeaways

  • Forming an LLC in Florida typically costs $125 for state-required filings ($100 Articles of Organization + $25 registered agent designation).
  • Optional add-ons include a Certificate of Status ($5) and a certified copy ($30).
  • Florida LLCs must file an Annual Report costing $138.75; late filings after May 1 incur a $400 penalty.
  • Other possible costs include amendments, dissolution filings, name reservations, reinstatements, and conversion or merger certificates.
  • Operating expenses such as registered agent services, business licenses, and professional help can add to the total cost.

LLC fees Florida business owners have to worry about generally start at $180 and go up from there. An LLC is a business that offers the limited liability of a corporation combined with the management methods of a partnership; therefore, it is sometimes referred to as a "hybrid" business model. 

Corporations Fees

New Florida/Foreign Corporation

  • The filing fee to become a new LLC is $35.00 for all Florida and foreign corporations.
  • There is an additional fee of $35.00 to add a Registered Agent Designation.
  • There is an optional $8.75 fee to receive a Certified Copy.
  • There is an optional $8.75 fee to receive a Certificate of Status.
  • The total for all fees equals $87.50.

Annual Reports

  • The non-profit Annual Report fee is $61.25.
  • The for-profit Annual Report fee is $150 (with supplemental fee).
  • The for-profit Annual Report fee is $550.00, if received after May 1st.
  • An Amended for-profit Annual Report fee is $61.25.

Other Filings

  • The filing fee for an Amendment of any record is $35.00.
  • The filing fee for the Articles of Correction is $35.00.
  • The filing fee for the Certificate of Conversion is $35.00. An additional fee for new entities applies, if applicable.
  • The filing fee for a Certificate of Correction is $35.00.
  • The filing fee for the Certificate of Conversion is $35.00. An additional fee for new entities applies, if applicable.
  • The filing fee for a Change of Registered Agent is $35.00.
  • The filing fee for a Dissolution and Withdrawal is $35.00.
  • The filing fee for a Foreign Name Registration is $87.50.
  • The filing fee for Foreign Name Renewal is $87.50.
  • The filing fee for a Merger is $35.00 per party.
  • The filing fee for a non-profit Reinstatement is $175.00. The Annual Report fee is additional.
  • The filing fee for a for-profit Reinstatement is $600.00. The Annual Report fee is additional.
  • The filing fee for Photocopies is $10.00.
  • The filing fee for Resignation of Registered Agent for an active corporation is $87.50.
  • The filing fee for Resignation of Registered Agent for an inactive corporation is $35.00.
  • The filing fee for a Revocation of Dissolution is $35.00.
  • The filing fee for a Substitute Service of Process (ch. 48, f.s.) is $8.75.

Understanding Florida Business Fee Differences

While corporations and LLCs share certain filing types, their fee schedules differ significantly. For example, Florida corporations generally face higher late annual report penalties than LLCs, and nonprofit corporations enjoy reduced filing rates. Corporations also often require additional filings, such as initial and biennial reports in other states, which Florida does not mandate for LLCs. Understanding these distinctions can help business owners decide which entity structure best suits their budget and compliance preferences.

Limited Liability Company Fees

New Florida/Foreign LLC

  • The required filing fee for a new Florida or Foreign LLC is $100.00.
  • The required Registered Agent fee is $25.00.
  • An optional Certified Copy fee is $30.00.
  • An optional fee for a Certificate of Status is $5.00.
  • The total for all fees is $160.00.

Annual Reports

  • The fee for an Annual Report (with supplemental fee) is $138.75.
  • The fee for an Annual Report received after May 1st is $538.75.
  • The fee for an Amended Annual Report is $50.00

Other Filings

  • The filing fee for any other Amendment is $25.00.
  • The filing fee for Articles of Correction is $25.00.
  • The filing fee for the Articles of Dissolution/Withdrawal is $25.00.
  • The filing fee for the Articles of Revocation of Dissolution is $100.00.
  • The filing fee for a Certificate of Conversion is $25.00. A new entity filing fee is additional, if applicable.
  • The filing fee for a Certificate of Merger is $25.00 per party, unless otherwise specified.
  • The filing fee for a Change of Registered Agent is $25.00.
  • The filing fee for a Member, Managing Member, or a Manager Resignation is $25.00.
  • The filing fee for an active Registered Agent Resignation is $85.00.
  • The filing fee for a Dissolved Registered Agent Resignation is $25.00.
  • The filing fee for a Reinstatement fee is $100.00. There's an additional annual report fee  that is not included.

Optional and Ancillary LLC Costs in Florida

Beyond the basic LLC filing fees in Florida, business owners may encounter several optional or situational costs:

  • Name Reservation (optional): Although not required, reserving your business name before filing costs $25 and holds the name for 120 days.
  • Certified Copies & Certificates: Many banks or licensing agencies require a Certified Copy of your filing ($30) or a Certificate of Status ($5).
  • Reinstatement Fees: If your LLC becomes administratively dissolved, reinstatement costs $100 plus all past-due annual report fees.
  • Registered Agent Service: While you can serve as your own registered agent, hiring a professional service typically costs $100–$300 per year.
  • Operating Agreement Preparation: Not filed with the state, but professionally drafting this internal document may cost $100–$1,000 depending on complexity.

Factoring these potential expenses into your budget ensures you avoid surprises when starting and maintaining your LLC in Florida.

Ongoing Compliance Costs and Penalties

Florida LLCs must remain in good standing by filing an Annual Report each year between January 1 and May 1. The standard fee is $138.75, but missing the deadline triggers a $400 late penalty, bringing the total to $538.75. This penalty is strictly enforced and non-negotiable. Additionally, LLCs that fail to file risk administrative dissolution, requiring reinstatement fees and past-due report payments.

Other potential ongoing costs include:

  • Business Licenses and Permits: Vary by county and industry.
  • Professional Licensing Fees: Required for regulated professions such as contractors, accountants, and medical practitioners.
  • Local Business Taxes: Some municipalities levy annual business taxes in addition to state fees.

Proactive compliance can save your LLC significant money over time.

General Partnership Fees

Partnership Statements

  • The fee for a Partnership Registration Statement is $50.00.
  • The fee for a Statement of Denial is $25.00.
  • The fee for a Statement of Dissociation is $25.00.
  • The fee for a Statement of Dissolution is $25.00.
  • The fee for a Statement of Partnership Authority is $25.00.
  • The fee for a Statement of Qualification for a Florida or Foreign Limited Liability Partnership is $25.00.
  • The fee for a Statement or Registration Amendment is $25.00.
  • The fee for a Statement or Registration Cancellation is $25.00.

Certificates

  • The fee for a Certified Copy of a Certificate is $52.50.
  • The fee for a Certificate of Conversion is $52.50. New entity filing fees are not included, if applicable.
  • The fee for a Certificate of Merger is $25.00 per party.
  • The fee for a Certificate of Status $8.75.

Comparing LLC and Partnership Costs in Florida

While general partnerships in Florida have lower initial and maintenance fees than LLCs, they do not provide the same personal liability protection. Partnerships pay $50 to register and smaller fees for amendments or dissolutions, but partners remain personally responsible for business debts and obligations. By contrast, LLCs require higher state fees but shield owners’ personal assets from most business liabilities. This trade-off is a critical factor for entrepreneurs weighing short-term savings against long-term risk management.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does it cost to start an LLC in Florida?

The state filing fee is $100 for the Articles of Organization plus $25 for registered agent designation, totaling $125. Optional services like a Certificate of Status ($5) or certified copy ($30) are extra.

2. What is the annual cost to maintain a Florida LLC?

The Annual Report fee is $138.75, due by May 1 each year. Late filings incur a $400 penalty.

3. Are there hidden costs for a Florida LLC?

Beyond filing and annual fees, you may pay for name reservations, registered agent services, business licenses, and operating agreement preparation.

4. What happens if I don’t file my Annual Report?

Missing the deadline results in a $400 penalty and possible administrative dissolution of your LLC, requiring reinstatement fees and back payments.

5. Is a registered agent required for a Florida LLC?

Yes. You must designate a registered agent with a Florida street address. You can serve as your own agent or hire a professional service.

The complete list of fees may be found on the Florida Department of State website. If you need help with LLC fees in Florida, you can post your job on UpCounsel's marketplace. UpCounsel accepts only the top 5 percent of lawyers to its site. Lawyers on UpCounsel come from law schools such as Harvard Law and Yale Law and average 14 years of legal experience, including work with or on behalf of companies like Google, Menlo Ventures, and Airbnb