Key Takeaways

  • The average Florida LLC cost includes a $100 filing fee plus a $25 registered agent designation fee.
  • Annual maintenance requires a $138.75 annual report fee, due by May 1 each year.
  • Optional costs, like name reservations, operating agreement drafting, and expedited filing, can increase total startup costs.
  • Registered agent services typically cost $100–$300 annually but are essential for compliance and privacy.
  • Ongoing compliance expenses—such as business licenses, state taxes, and professional filings—should be budgeted alongside formation fees.

The LLC in Florida cost for registration is $100, including a $25 fee for adding a registered agent. Before deciding to register a business in Florida, you must first determine if an LLC structure would suit your business goals. An LLC is a business entity that gives business owners certain flexibilities and tax advantages. It combines the structure of a corporation with the benefits of a limited liability partnership.

Its most notable quality is that it affords LLC owners with personal liability protections and protects the personal assets of members.

Another prime quality is that LLCs are easy to register in Florida, and they are affordable to create. Also, state authorities do not place restrictions on the number of members, and the IRS does not tax LLCs. LLCs operate under pass-through taxation, where profits and losses pass from the business to individual members. Members would then note such losses and profits on their individual returns and only pay taxes from the income they receive from the LLC. LLCs also do not pay business income taxes.

Florida does come with unique requirements when it comes to LLC regulation. You would register the LLC via the Florida Division of Corporations through the filing of forms and paying the applicable fines. The most important document to keep in mind is the articles of organization, which creates your LLC.

Articles of Organization

The document must be accompanied with the following:

  • Cover letter
  • Applicant name
  • Email
  • Address
  • Contact number
  • LLC name

Also, you need to note if your LLC is manager-managed or member-managed. Fees may change, which is why should check with the Corporations Division before submitting payment. You can submit the paperwork online or via mail.

You should ensure that your articles of organization contains the necessary information:

  • LLC address and name
  • Registered agent name, signature, and address
  • Address, title, and names of managers and/or members
  • Creation date
  • Signature of representative

Once you submit the paperwork, an acknowledgement letter will be sent to your address once you register the business. The processing time ranges from two to 14 business days, which depends on such factors as how you pay the fee or submit the document.

Initial Filing Fees and Breakdown

Forming an LLC in Florida involves several required state filing fees. The core cost is $100 for filing Articles of Organization with the Florida Division of Corporations, plus $25 for designating a registered agent. These two charges make up the baseline $125 state fee most new LLCs must pay.

Other optional but common startup expenses include:

  • Certified Copies ($30): Useful for legal or banking purposes.
  • Certificate of Status ($5): Often required by lenders or when registering to do business in other states.
  • Expedited Processing ($30–$50): Optional fee for faster approval, typically reducing processing time to 24–48 hours.

Although Florida does not require you to reserve your business name, conducting a name search before filing is free and highly recommended. Reserving a domain name or trademark for your business name may add additional costs, often ranging from $10–$100+.

Name Your LLC

The first step when creating your LLC is the naming process. You should do your research to ensure that the name suits your business properly and that the name is not already in use. The best way to ensure that your name is unique to make sure it’s distinguishable, does not sound too similar to other names, and easily findable. You may also choose any name you like, so long as it ends with such designators as “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” or “Limited Liability Company.”

Moreover, you must be aware of certain restricted words:

  • Bank
  • Attorney
  • University

Such names come with additional licensure, and restricted words should be avoided to prevent confusion from the public.

Also, you must be aware of prohibited words:

  • FBI
  • Treasury
  • Secret Service

You cannot use words that associate your LLC with government agencies.

When it comes to name reservation, Florida does not have a reservation system. Instead, you have to search for your intended name to see if it’s available. Also, you should get the domain as well, even if you have no intention of creating an online presence. Getting the domain name prevents businesses and individuals from using your name online.

Operating Agreement

An operating agreement is not mandatory in Florida, but you should have one in place. An operating agreement establishes the management structure of your LLC. It should contain such provisions as:

  • Roles and responsibilities
  • Voting rights
  • Managerial staff
  • Admission and removal of members
  • LLC dissolution procedures
  • Amending the agreement

Florida officials recognize operating agreements as government documents, and you do not have to file it with authorizes.

Annual Maintenance and Compliance Costs

The Florida LLC cost extends beyond the initial filing. To keep your business in good standing, you must meet certain annual requirements:

  • Annual Report Fee: All LLCs must file an annual report with the Florida Division of Corporations by May 1 each year, with a fee of $138.75. Late filings result in a $400 penalty, so setting calendar reminders is crucial.
  • Registered Agent Renewal: If you hire a third-party registered agent, expect to pay $100–$300 per year for continued service.
  • Business Licenses and Permits: Depending on your industry and location, you may need local licenses or professional permits, which can range from $50 to $500 annually.
  • Franchise or State Taxes: While Florida does not tax LLC income directly, LLCs electing corporate taxation must pay the state’s corporate income tax (currently 5.5% of net income).

Factoring these ongoing costs into your business plan helps avoid compliance issues and unexpected expenses.

LLC Taxation

Since LLCs do not have a specific tax code, you would choose a tax classification. LLCs are taxed as partnerships or sole proprietorship by default, but you can choose a corporate tax classification as well. For instance, you may choose a C-corp tax classification, which is the standard corporate entity, and an S-corp classification. With that, you should know that choosing a C-corp classification comes with double taxation, while an S corp offers the same pass-through taxation method.

Additional and Hidden Costs to Budget For

Beyond state filing and compliance fees, forming and maintaining an LLC often involves other less obvious expenses:

  • Legal and Filing Assistance: Professional filing services can range from $100–$500, depending on the level of support.
  • Operating Agreement Drafting: If you hire an attorney to draft a customized operating agreement, expect legal fees from $200–$1,000+.
  • EIN Registration: The IRS issues EINs for free, but filing services may charge $50–$100 to obtain one on your behalf.
  • Banking Fees: Opening a business bank account sometimes involves initial deposit requirements or monthly maintenance fees.
  • Foreign Qualification: If your Florida LLC plans to operate in other states, registration as a foreign LLC may cost $100–$300 per state.

Carefully considering these expenses upfront ensures a realistic picture of the total cost of forming and running a Florida LLC.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the total Florida LLC cost for the first year?
    Expect to pay about $125 for formation plus the $138.75 annual report, totaling around $263.75, excluding optional services.
  2. Is there a penalty for missing the annual report deadline?
    Yes. Missing the May 1 deadline incurs a $400 late fee, and the state may dissolve your LLC if noncompliance continues.
  3. Are registered agents mandatory in Florida?
    Yes. Every Florida LLC must appoint and maintain a registered agent with a physical address in the state.
  4. How much do legal and filing services usually cost?
    Professional filing or legal assistance typically ranges from $100 to $500, depending on the complexity and scope of services.
  5. Does Florida charge LLC franchise taxes?
    No, but LLCs electing to be taxed as corporations must pay 5.5% corporate income tax on their net income.

To learn more about an LLC in Florida cost, submit your legal inquiry to our UpCounsel marketplace. UpCounsel’s attorneys will give you a helping hand in all matters pertaining to the registration process in Florida, including the necessary maintenance procedures you need to be aware of. Moreover, they will help you find the right tax structure that suits your business goals, including whether an LLC is the right move for your business goals.