How to Start an LLC in Florida

Learn how to start an LLC in Florida for $125 via Sunbiz.org, plus the $138.75 annual report due May 1. Everything you need in a step-by-step guide for 2026.

Why form an LLC in Florida?

The fastest way to learn how to start an LLC in Florida is to use Sunbiz.org, the state's online filing portal. The filing fee is $125, and most applications are approved the same day. Florida has no state income tax, which makes it a favorite for small business owners. An LLC gives you personal asset protection without the formalities of a corporation. You can run the company yourself or share management with partners. The whole process, from name check to approved filing, can happen in a single day. For a quick reference on fees and requirements, see our Florida state page.

Step 1: Check your name on Sunbiz

Your LLC name must be distinguishable from other businesses registered in Florida. Search the Sunbiz website to check availability before you file. The name must include a designator such as LLC or L.L.C. You can reserve a name for $25 if you want to hold it while you prepare your paperwork. Pick a name that is easy to spell and say, because customers will type it into a search bar.

Step 2: Choose a registered agent

Florida requires every LLC to have a registered agent with a physical street address in the state. The agent accepts legal documents and official mail on your behalf. You can name yourself, but a professional registered agent service keeps your home address off public records and tracks deadlines for you. Read our registered agent guide to compare options.

Step 3: File the Articles of Organization

The Articles of Organization is the document that creates your Florida LLC. File it online through Sunbiz.org, and the fee is $125. Online filings are usually approved the same day. The form asks for your LLC name, registered agent, and the mailing address of the managers or members. You do not need to list a purpose beyond forming a limited liability company. Keep a copy of the approved filing for your records.

Step 4: Get an EIN and open a bank account

Once your Articles of Organization are approved, apply for an Employer Identification Number from the IRS. The EIN is free and takes about 10 minutes online. You need it to open a business bank account and file taxes. Our EIN guide covers the process step by step. Then open a separate business checking account so your personal and business finances stay clean.

Step 5: Write an operating agreement

Florida does not require an operating agreement, but it is a wise investment of an hour. The document records who owns the company, how profits are split, and how decisions get made. It also covers what happens if a member leaves. For a single-member LLC, a one-page agreement is usually enough. For multi-member LLCs, it prevents the arguments that end partnerships.

The Florida annual report

Florida requires an annual report for every LLC, filed through Sunbiz. The fee is $138.75, and it is due by May 1 each year. The report confirms your registered agent and business address are current. If you miss the deadline, the state charges a $400 late fee and can dissolve your LLC. The report itself takes minutes to complete, but the penalty is steep, so treat May 1 like a hard deadline. Set a reminder for April so you never pay that penalty.

Costs and timeline at a glance

Here is the cost picture for a Florida LLC as of 2026. The Articles of Organization cost $125. The annual report costs $138.75 and is due every May 1. A name reservation, if you use one, costs $25. A registered agent service runs about $50 to $150 per year. Total first-year cost is usually under $400. If you plan to hire employees, budget for payroll setup and workers' compensation insurance on top of the state fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The Articles of Organization filing fee is $125. Add $25 if you reserve a name first. The annual report costs $138.75 and is due every May 1. Most owners spend under $400 in the first year.

How long does it take to start an LLC in Florida?

Online filings through Sunbiz.org are usually approved the same day. Mail filings take longer, often one to two weeks. Filing online is the fastest option by far.

When is the Florida annual report due?

The annual report is due by May 1 every year and costs $138.75. The late fee is $400, and the state can dissolve your LLC if you ignore it for too long.

Does Florida have a state income tax?

No. Florida has no state personal income tax, which is one reason it is popular with small business owners. You still pay federal taxes and self-employment tax on your LLC income.

Do I need a registered agent in Florida?

Yes. Every Florida LLC must have a registered agent with a physical street address in the state. You can serve as your own agent or hire a professional service.