How to Start a Florida LLC: A Practical Filing Checklist

To start a Florida LLC, prepare and submit Articles of Organization to the Florida Department of State, pay the required $125 state fee, and review the state’s decision and effective date. You can file directly through the official Sunbiz LLC page or use an independent service. Buying a domain or completing an inquiry form does not create the LLC.

1. Choose a name and do a preliminary search

Florida requires a distinguishable business name with an appropriate LLC designation, such as “LLC” or “Limited Liability Company.” Search existing state records before preparing the filing, but do not assume the name is approved until Florida acknowledges the filing. These are the rules in the official Articles instructions.

Keep your spelling consistent in your notes and proposed documents. A website address and an LLC name are separate choices; owning the domain does not establish that Florida will accept the company name. Have an alternative ready so a name concern does not leave you starting your planning from scratch.

2. Confirm your registered agent

The registered agent receives specified legal notices and process for the company. Florida requires a qualifying agent and a Florida registered office, with the agent’s written acceptance. Review Florida’s registered-agent requirements before choosing an individual or provider.

The agent needs a physical Florida street address; a P.O. box is insufficient. The LLC cannot serve as its own agent, although an eligible individual associated with it may serve. See the state’s registered-agent instructions. Confirm the arrangement and any provider charges before entering another person’s details.

3. Gather the filing information

Build one checklist with the exact LLC name, principal office street and mailing addresses, and registered agent’s name, Florida address, and acceptance. These core details come from Florida’s Articles requirements. Identify the person authorized to sign and the correspondence email that will receive updates.

Check addresses, email spelling, and who has given permission to sign. Filing information becomes public on the Division’s website, according to the state’s public-record notice. Understand that before choosing the information you submit; do not assume the filing creates a private address record.

4. Review the Articles and fees before submission

The mandatory state total is $125: $100 for Articles and $25 for registered-agent designation. Optional documents and private service charges are separate. Check the official LLC fee schedule and our Florida LLC cost breakdown.

Read the complete draft, including optional selections. If someone helps you file, confirm exactly what they will submit and which amount goes to the state. Keep a copy of the approved information and your receipt. A paid service does not remove the need for accurate details and authorized signatures.

5. Check acceptance and the effective date

Florida examines submitted filings and sends confirmation after approval. Online confirmations arrive by email. State processing and acceptance are separate from a provider’s internal preparation time; do not plan around an unverified promise of immediate approval. See the state’s filing questions and answers.

An LLC’s existence ordinarily begins when Florida receives and files its Articles, unless an acceptable alternate effective date is specified. The allowed window is no more than five business days before receipt or 90 days afterward. The effective-date instructions explain the rule. Read the confirmation carefully before treating the entity as active.

6. Handle EIN, ownership, and operating tasks

The IRS says to form the entity with the state before applying for its EIN. Applying directly to the IRS is free; online eligibility depends on the business and responsible party. Use the official IRS EIN page rather than assuming a paid EIN service is mandatory.

Separately address the operating agreement, business records, banking requirements, insurance, and relevant licenses. Florida’s starting-business resources can help identify the agencies to contact. An LLC does not automatically produce tax savings or absolute personal protection; our LLC basics guide explains those limits.

7. Calendar your first annual report

The normal filing window is January 1 through May 1 of the calendar year after filing or the specified effective date. The report updates state information rather than reporting profit. See the state’s annual-report notice. Put the task in your calendar when you receive confirmation, with time to check your records before the deadline.

Choose the level of help you need

SunbizPro, operated by Aurelian Advisory Group LLC, offers independent administrative filing assistance. It is not affiliated with Sunbiz or the State of Florida. You may file directly with the state, or compare our one-time formation packages. Registered-agent service and individualized legal or tax advice are not included.

Official sources checked November 6, 2026. This guide provides general information, not individualized legal or tax advice.