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How to Set Up a Florida LLC on Your Own

Technically speaking, you don’t have to use an LLC formation service like ZenBusiness or LegalZoom. These services are incredibly helpful, but you can save money by completing the process yourself.

You can read our complete guide to DIY an LLC setup in Florida, but here’s a quick look at the process:

Choose a business name

Every LLC in Florida needs a name that’s memorable and gives potential clients a good idea of what goods or services are available. The name also needs to be unique — both for legal reasons and so your business stands out from the competition.

Appoint an FL registered agent

As we’ve mentioned in this guide, every LLC needs an agent who can accept service of process on your behalf. In all states, you can act as your own registered agent as long as you have a physical address in the state. That said, we generally recommend that you appoint someone else (like an online service) to act as your agent.

File the Articles of Organization

This document, once filled out and filed, officially forms your business in the state of Florida. You’ll need to provide some important information, including your contact information, your business address, signatures for your LLC’s members, and more. Florida has a $125 filing fee.

Setting up the LLC is as easy as 1-2-3; it’s the maintenance requirements that are a bit more complicated:

Register for and pay taxes

If you have employees, you’ll need to get an Employer Identification Number from the IRS. Then there are state-specific taxes, too. Florida does not have an individual income tax, so only LLCs that file as corporations will need to pay income taxes (5.5%). That said, Florida does have sales taxes to account for (6% plus local fees). You can find out more about these and other miscellaneous taxes at the Florida Department of Revenue.

Get licenses and permits

Most Florida businesses will need to obtain a business license, but not on the state level. Instead, these licenses are obtained through the county tax collector. Plenty of businesses will also need to get professional licenses, which can be found at the Division of Library and Information Services.

Create an operating agreement

Even single-member LLCs should create a “master document” that sets out how the business will operate, both now and in the future.

File your annual report

Each year, your LLC will need to file an annual report to update the state about the standing of your business. The report is due by May 1, and when you file, you’ll need to pay the accompanying $138.75 fee.

Obtain business insurance

Every business with employees needs to maintain workers’ compensation insurance and a commercial vehicle policy for company-owned vehicles. You may also want to get a general business liability policy, too.

Get a business bank account

You should sign up for a business bank account so you can write checks and make purchases in the name of the business instead of pulling from your personal accounts (a legal no-no).

This is just the tip of the iceberg, though. For more detailed guidance, we recommend contacting an attorney or checking out the full Florida LLC Formation Guide.

What Is a Florida LLC?

LLCs are formal legal entities that are typically taxed similarly to sole proprietorships and general partnerships, in that the owners include any company profits or losses into their personal returns — the LLC itself does not owe income taxes. An LLC may also elect to be taxed like a corporation, although this is not a very common option. For more a more in-depth description see: What is an LLC?

The Total Cost of Forming and Maintaining an LLC in Florida

In addition to the costs of a business formation service or hiring an attorney (which are optional, as we’ve discussed), there are quite a few other required and optional expenses when forming and maintaining a Florida business. You cannot form an LLC in Florida without filing the Articles of Organization, as this document is the one that officially registers your business within the state. Florida requires a $125 fee for this registration.

Your LLC will need to file an Annual Report every year. This simple filing keeps the state informed about some basic but vital business information, like your address and registered agent. The base fee is just $138.75, but if you file it late, Florida charges a hefty late fee of $400. Read more about Florida costs – Florida LLC costs.