Form a Florida LLC

Go to search.sunbiz.org and click "Search by Entity Name." Type your desired LLC name (without the "LLC" suffix) and hit Search. Florida requires your name to be distinguishable from every other entity on file — not just LLCs.

If your exact name or something confusingly similar is already taken, try variations. You can also reserve a name for 120 days by filing a Name Reservation online for $25, but this is optional — most people skip it and go straight to filing.

Florida requires every LLC to designate a registered agent with a physical street address in Florida (no P.O. boxes). The registered agent receives legal documents and official state correspondence on your behalf.

You can serve as your own registered agent if you have a Florida street address and are available during business hours. Many founders use a professional registered agent service ($50–$150/year) for privacy and reliability. EntityEngine includes registered agent service with formation.

Go to dos.fl.gov/sunbiz, click "Start a Business," then select "E-File" → "Florida Limited Liability Company." The online form asks for: your LLC name, principal office address, mailing address, registered agent name and address, manager/member names and addresses, your EIN (optional at this stage), and an effective date.

The filing fee is $100 for the Articles of Organization plus $25 for the Registered Agent Designation — $125 total. Online payments are processed by Tyler Payment Services and you can pay by credit card.

Electronic signatures (typing your name) are legally valid for Sunbiz online filings. You do not need a notary or wet signature.

Alternatively, you can file by mail using Form CR2E047. Download the PDF from Sunbiz, complete it, and mail it with a check or money order payable to "Florida Department of State" in U.S. currency. Mail filings take longer to process.

Florida does not legally require an operating agreement, but you should absolutely have one. It defines ownership percentages, profit/loss allocations, management structure, voting procedures, and what happens if a member leaves or the LLC dissolves.

For single-member LLCs, an operating agreement establishes your LLC as a legitimate separate entity — banks often require one to open a business account. Keep signed copies in your records; you do not file the operating agreement with the state.

Apply for a free Employer Identification Number (EIN) at irs.gov. Click "Apply for an Employer ID Number (EIN)" and select "Limited Liability Company" as the entity type. You'll need your LLC's legal name, Florida address, and the Social Security Number of a responsible party.

The online application takes about 5 minutes and issues your EIN immediately (available Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–10 p.m. Eastern). You can also apply by fax (Form SS-4, 4 business days) or mail (4–5 weeks).

Bring your Articles of Organization (confirmation from Sunbiz), EIN confirmation letter, operating agreement, and a government-issued photo ID to any bank or credit union. Many online banks (Mercury, Relay, Novo) let you open an account digitally.

Never commingle personal and business funds. This single practice is the most important thing you can do to maintain your liability shield.

If your LLC sells taxable goods or services, register for a Florida Sales Tax Certificate at floridarevenue.com. Registration is free. Florida's state sales tax rate is 6%, with local surtaxes adding 0–2.5%.

Florida has no personal income tax. The 5.5% corporate income/franchise tax only applies to LLCs that elect to be taxed as C-Corporations. Most LLCs are pass-through entities and don't owe Florida income tax.

If you hire employees, register for Florida Reemployment Tax (unemployment insurance) through the Department of Revenue.

Florida LLC annual reports are due every year between January 1 and May 1. The fee is $138.75. If you miss the May 1 deadline, a $400 late fee is added automatically — bringing the total to $538.75.

If you still don't file, the state will administratively dissolve your LLC by the third Friday in September. File your annual report at sunbiz.org under "Annual Reports."

Set a recurring calendar reminder for January 1 to file early. Don't wait until April.