Florida Single-Member LLC

What is a single-member LLC in Florida?

A single-member LLC is a limited liability company with just one member; “member” is another term for owner. Many entrepreneurs find that starting an SMLLC is a good entity type for them because it offers personal liability protection. In contrast, a sole proprietorship does not.

Sole proprietorships and SMLLCs are both small businesses run by just one person. But many pros regard the SMLLC as safer because an SMLLC is a separate legal entity from its owner. Usually, that separation protects the personal assets of the LLC’s sole member. This is a big reason some entrepreneurs decide it’s time to start an LLC.

What about Florida charging orders?

If a Florida business defaults on a debt, collectors may use what’s called a “charging order” to come after the owner’s assets. Usually, charging orders can’t be used to confiscate the assets of an LLC’s owners. However, in the past, the Florida Supreme Court has ruled that the restriction for charging orders doesn’t apply to single-member LLCs. So in some cases, the courts treat an SMLLC like a sole proprietorship.

This primarily happens in a worst-case scenario. For example, in the Florida Supreme Court case Olmstead v. Federal Trade Commission, a single-member LLC owner was sued for scamming. After the court’s ruling, Olmstead lost both their ownership of the business and some personal assets.

If your SMLLC is 100% compliant, this usually won’t be an issue. But it is an important concern to note.

How to Start a Florida Single-Member LLC

Starting a single-member LLC in Florida is an important legal procedure. But follow these five steps, and you’ll be well on your way to owning a brand-new Florida LLC.

Before we dive in: if you’re starting an LLC for a licensed profession, you’ll need to form a PLLC, or professional limited liability company. We don’t offer formation services for these businesses, but we can help you understand more about starting a Florida PLLC.

Step 1: Pick a name for your single-member LLC in Florida

What will Floridians call your business? Now’s the time to decide. You’ll want to create a business name that’s memorable and descriptive of what your business does. But your name should also comply with state law. Florida law requires your business name to:

• Be “distinguishable” from the names of other businesses in Florida (excluding fictitious business names). Our helpful business name search tool makes this easy.
• Contain an entity designator. Florida lets you pick between the phrase “limited liability company” or the abbreviations “LLC” or “L.L.C.”
• Avoid implying government affiliation.
• Avoid stating or implying an unlawful business purpose.

Ideally, your name should also match an available domain name so you can establish your online presence. Once you have one, we can help you register your domain name for just $125 a year.

Do you have your perfect name but aren’t ready to register? The state of Florida allows you to reserve a business name for up to 120 days.

Step 2: Get a registered agent for your Florida SMLLC

Every Florida LLC is required to appoint a registered agent. A registered agent is an individual or business entity who accepts service of process and other official communications on your behalf.

Florida law requires a registered agent to have a physical address in the state (P.O. boxes don’t count). A registered agent also needs to be present at that address during all regular business hours. Because of that, it’s a good idea to appoint someone you trust or a registered agent service like ours to fill this role.

Step 3: File your Florida Articles of Organization

Now that you have your registered agent lined up, you can file your formation documents: the Articles of Organization. It’s easiest to file this form online, and you’ll want a credit card on hand to pay the $125 filing fee. Note: this cost includes the Articles fee and the registered agent designation fee.

What to Include in Your Articles

The Articles of Organization asks for a lot of basic but important information. Much of it is required, but there are a few you can elect not to include. Here’s what required:

• Your business name
• Principal office address (and mailing address, if different)
• Name, address, and signature of your registered agent
• Stated business purpose (only required for PLLCs)
• Signature of an authorized representative
• Name and email address of a correspondence contact

And then there are some optional items:

• Name and address of each manager or authorized representative (may be required if your bank requests it)
• A delayed effective date for the filing
• Requests for certificates of status or certified copies

Once you file this form, your business is officially created. Hate paperwork? Our zero-cost formation service has you covered. Our handy state fee tool also lets you know how much to budget for your formation process.

Step 4: Create a single-member LLC operating agreement

An operating agreement acts a lot like a constitution or charter for an LLC; it describes how the LLC will function. Typically, an operating agreement dictates the responsibilities of each member, how business profits are distributed, and how membership can change in the future. Even though the operating agreement is just an internal document, it’s essential.

As a single-member LLC, you don’t technically have to draft an operating agreement, but it’s a very helpful tool. For one, some banks ask to see it when you apply for a business bank account. And you never know how your business will grow in the future. Most importantly, an operating agreement creates additional proof that your personal assets and business assets are completely separated.

If creating this legal document sounds overwhelming, never fear — our guided, customizable operating agreement template can make this process simple.

Step 5: Get a single-member LLC EIN number

An EIN, or Employer Identification Number, functions like a Social Security number for a business. It’s a nine-digit code that the IRS assigns to your business. If an LLC has more than one member or employees, then an EIN is required.

Technically, if your single-member LLC has no employees, you might not have to get an EIN, provided you don’t file excise taxes or check any of the IRS’s other boxes for requiring one. That said, a bank may ask to see it if you apply for a business bank account. You can get an EIN for free from the IRS, or we can submit your EIN paperwork for you.

Florida Single-Member LLC Taxes

By default, every single-member LLC is considered a “disregarded entity” and is subject to pass-through taxation for federal tax purposes. Basically, the LLC itself doesn’t pay taxes. Instead, the LLC’s owner reports the business income on their personal tax return and pays taxes accordingly.

Normally, this process repeats on the state level. However, Florida is one of a few states that doesn’t charge a personal income tax. So LLCs that maintain their default status won’t pay any taxes. However, if an LLC opts to be taxed as a C corporation (sometimes done by larger LLCs to take advantage of certain corporate tax breaks), they’ll pay income taxes at both the state and federal levels.

Note: if you’ll be paying sales taxes (or you’re liable for any other state taxes), you’ll need to register with the Florida Department of Revenue.

Benefits of a SMLLC in Florida

Still wondering why you should start an LLC? Forming any business is an extensive process, but it’s usually well worth the effort. Here are some of the benefits of forming an SMLLC.

Flexibility and Easy Maintenance

An LLC is pretty easy to maintain year over year. Usually, LLC owners need to maintain their business licenses, pay their taxes, and file their annual report. Compared to entity types such as corporations, this maintenance is quite simple.

Taxation Options

Many SMLLC owners choose to keep the default taxation status to avoid the “double taxation” of a C corporation (the standard form of corporation), in which a business’s profits are taxed at the federal level at both the business and personal levels. That said, if you want to elect S corporation or C corporation status, you have that option. In fact, many LLC members are able to lower what they pay in self-employment taxes by electing to be taxed as an S corp. With an LLC, you get to choose.

Business Autonomy

As the sole owner of your LLC, you get to call the shots and run your business the way you want. Multi-member LLCs require more compromise and collaboration to run smoothly.

Brand Legitimacy

It’s perfectly legal to operate as a sole proprietor, but some customers feel more comfortable supporting established brands. The designator “LLC” adds an extra layer of legitimacy to your brand identity.

We can help!

Starting a business shouldn’t feel like you’re drowning in paperwork. Here at ZenBusiness, we love making the process as easy as possible. That’s why we offer zero-cost LLC formation service and worry-free compliance help to stay in good standing with the state. We’ve also got your back for operating agreements, EINs, and much more. Let us handle the red tape so you can focus on making your business thrive.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. If you have specific questions about any of these topics, seek the counsel of a licensed professional.