Incorporate in Florida (FL)
Learn the basic facts about Florida corporations and Florida limited liability companies (LLCs). Compare the differences between Florida corporations and Florida LLCs and learn about Florida rules and regulations that relate to forming a corporation or LLC.
Forming a Florida Corporation or Limited Liability Company (LLC)
There are a number of business entity types to consider when you are deciding the structure of your Florida business. The most advantageous entities to form in Florida are typically corporations or LLCs. Although other entity options are possible, these are the entities that offer the highest level of liability protection in Florida. As you review the characteristics of incorporating or forming an LLC in Florida, be sure to keep in mind both the present and future needs of your business. Often, when you start a business it begins as a small organization.
Get Started
If you decide that a Florida corporation or LLC is the best option for your business, BizFilings will form your company in Florida, faster than anyone else, without costly legal fees. Our cost-saving offerings include:
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$115 + State Fees |
$250 + State Fees |
$350 + State Fees |
- Preparation and Filing of Formation Documents
- Preliminary Name Check with State
- Free Registered Agent Service for 6 months
- BizComply Online Compliance Tool
- 24/7 Access to Online Corporate Status Center
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- Everything included with the Basic Package
- Expedited Processing Service
- Corporate Kit & Seal
- Corporate Forms CD
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- Everything included with the Standard Package
- Tax ID (EIN) Number Obtainment
- Compliance DVD
- Certified Copy of State Filed Documents
- Overnight Shipping
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State Fees Apply
Each state charges filing fees that apply separately from BizFilings' package pricing. These fees will be reflected when you generate a Fast Quote using any of the links above. You can also view our list of fees by state.
Incorporating in Florida
Florida Corporate Name Endings
Florida Corporation Requirements
Florida Corporate Taxes and Fees
Florida Business License Requirements
Florida Corporate Name Endings
The name must contain the word "Corporation," "Company," Incorporated," or an abbreviation thereof. The name may not contain language stating or implying that the corporation is organized for purposes other than that permitted by Florida law or the articles of incorporation. The name must be such as will distinguish it from another corporation formed in the state.
Florida Corporation Requirements
Director Information
Minimum Number: One or more.
Residence Requirements: No provision.
Age Requirements: Directors must be a natural person at least 18 years of age.
Directors are not required to be listed in the articles of incorporation.
Officer Information
Officers are not required to be listed in the articles of incorporation.
Stock Information
An increase in shares or par value does not affect initial filing fees.
Corporate Records
Corporate records must be kept; however, they are not required to be stored at a specific location.
Taxes and Fees
Annual Statements
The requirements for annual statements, reports and fees vary by state. BizFilings created BizComply - an online compliance management tool that provides customers with helpful information about requirements imposed by their state of formation or, if applicable, their state of foreign qualification. BizComply is included at no charge when you select BizFilings as your registered agent when ordering one of our formation services. It is also included in registered agent only or change of agent services, or it can be purchased as a stand-alone product for $50/year.
Taxes
For more information on taxes, visit http://www.state.fl.us/dor.
S Corporation
S Corporation status is recognized by the State of Florida. Further, Florida does not have a personal income tax; thus shareholders would not be taxed on corporate earnings. A separate state election from the federal election is not required.
For the first year in which an entity qualifies as an S Corporation, the company must file the informational portion of Form F-1120 the Florida Corporate Income/Franchise tax return. In subsequent years, S corporations are only required to file Florida Form F-1120 if the S Corporation has federal taxable income.
License Requirements
Florida requires some businesses to obtain a license and pay a fee if operating in the state. Please check with the state to make sure your business is complying with the license requirements for your particular profession.
Form a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Florida
Florida LLC Name Endings
Florida LLC Requirements
Florida LLC Taxes and Fees
Florida Business License Requirements
LLC Name Endings
The name of an LLC must end with "Limited Liability Company," "Limited Company," "Ltd. Co.," "LLC," "L.L.C.," "LC," or "L.C."
Florida LLC Requirements
Member/Manager Information
Minimum Number: one or more
Residence Requirements: no provision
Age Requirements: must be at least 18 years of age.
Members/Managers are required to be listed on the formation documents
Florida Taxes and Fees
Annual Statements
The requirements for annual statements, reports and fees vary by state. BizFilings created BizComply - an online compliance management tool that provides customers with helpful information about requirements imposed by their state of formation or, if applicable, their state of foreign qualification. BizComply is included at no charge when you select BizFilings as your registered agent when ordering one of our formation services. It is also included in registered agent only or change of agent services, or it can be purchased as a stand-alone product for $50/year.
Taxes
For more information on taxes, visit http://www.state.fl.us/dor.
License Requirements
Florida requires most businesses to obtain a license and pay a fee if operating in the state. Please check with the state to make sure your business is complying with the license requirements for your particular profession.
Registered Agents in Florida
Florida corporations and LLCs are required to have a registered agent located in Florida. The Florida registered agent is responsible for receiving important legal and tax documents including service of process (litigation) documents, franchise tax forms, and annual report forms.
A Florida registered agent is an individual or company located at a street address in Florida. Post office boxes are not acceptable addresses for a registered agent in Florida.
If a company, such as BizFilings, is acting as your registered agent they must be registered as a corporation in Florida. There are a number of advantages to using a registered agent service provider in Florida, but the advantages differ between large and small companies.
Large companies in Florida benefit by having service of process and state documents send to their registered agent's office in Florida. The registered agent follows delivery instructions to ensure that important documents reach the correct individual. Smaller companies in Florida benefit by providing a consistent Florida address.
Another advantage to using another company as your Florida registered agent is that the information of your Florida registered agent is public record.
Learn how to select BizFilings as your registered agent in Florida.
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