Florida LLC Cost Guide (2024)

We’ve compiled the most common fees associated with forming an LLC in Florida.

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Last Updated: July 2, 2024

How much does an LLC cost in Florida?

The fundamental cost of forming a limited liability company (LLC) in Florida is the cost to file the Articles of Organization, which costs $125 total ($100 for the Articles themselves and $25 for the state’s registered agent designation fee). This mandatory filing is what formally creates your LLC in the Sunshine State. But it’s not the only expense you’ll likely encounter along the way to creating a successful business. 

Understanding the basic Florida LLC filing fee and other startup costs is essential for entrepreneurs who are looking to start a business in the state. From the initial fees to ongoing expenses like rent, annual reports, and more, the costs vary from one business to another. 

In this guide we’ll provide a detailed overview of the essential and optional costs you can expect when starting a Florida LLC, including:

By understanding and anticipating these costs, you can help streamline your startup process.

Common Florida LLC Fees

This table provides an overview of the typical costs and filing fees associated with forming and maintaining a Florida LLC.

ItemCost
Business Name Reservation$25
Articles of Organization Filing Fee$125 (including registered agent fee)
Registered Agent Fees$0-$300+ per year
Employer Identification NumberFree (if obtained from the IRS directly)
Operating Agreement Creation$0-$200
Fictitious Name (DBA)$50
Foreign LLC Formation in Florida$125
Annual Report$138.75
Certificate of Status$5

Business Name Reservation Fee in Florida

In Florida, reserving a business name for your LLC involves a fee of $25. This fee ensures that the chosen name is held for your exclusive use for a period of 120 days. During this time, no other entity can register a business under the same name, giving you the opportunity to finalize your LLC registration without losing your preferred name.

Filing Fee for Florida LLC Articles of Organization

To officially form an Florida LLC, you must file the Articles of Organization with the Florida Department of State’s Division of Corporations. This filing carries a fee of $100. Additionally, there is a mandatory $25 fee for designating a registered agent for your LLC, bringing the total cost to $125. This is a one-time fee required to legally establish your LLC in the state.

Florida Registered Agent Fees

In Florida, every LLC must designate a registered agent to receive certain legal documents on behalf of the business. The fees for registered agent services vary, generally ranging between $100 and $300 per year. This agent can be an individual resident in Florida or a business entity authorized to conduct business in Florida.

EIN Fee

Obtaining a federal employer identification number (EIN) from the IRS is a requirement for most LLCs, especially if the company will have employees. Often, an EIN is also a prerequisite for getting a business bank account. The Internal Revenue Service does not charge a fee for issuing an EIN, making it a cost-effective step in setting up your LLC.

Florida Fictitious Name Fee

If a Florida LLC wishes to operate under a name other than its legal name, it must register a fictitious name, sometimes called a DBA (doing business as) name. The fee for registering a fictitious name in Florida is $50. This registration allows the LLC to conduct business under the alternate name, which can be vital for branding and marketing purposes.

Foreign LLC Formation in Florida

For LLCs formed in another state that wish to transact business in Florida, registering as a foreign LLC is required. This process involves a filing fee of $125 with the Florida Division of Corporations. The registration ensures that the LLC is recognized as a legitimate business entity in Florida.

Florida Annual Report

Each year, Florida LLCs must file an annual report to maintain “active” status with the state. The annual report fee is $138.75. It’s crucial for LLC owners to submit this report on time as failing to do so can result in late fees and potential administrative dissolution of the LLC.

Certificate of Status in Florida

A Certificate of Status, also known as a Certificate of Good Standing, verifies that an LLC is compliant with state requirements and is authorized to do business in Florida. This certificate is often required for financial transactions and legal matters. The cost for obtaining a Certificate of Status in Florida is $5.00.

Operating Agreement

While not mandated by Florida law, it’s highly advisable for LLCs to create an operating agreement. This internal document outlines the management structure, member roles, and operating procedures of the LLC. Many online resources and templates are available, and small business owners can often create their own Florida LLC operating agreement without incurring legal fees, unless they seek professional legal assistance.

Ongoing Florida LLC Expenses

Start-up costs are pretty easy to anticipate, but you might not be expecting the ongoing costs and annual fees. Here are the most common ones you’ll need to budget for: 

ItemCost
Annual Franchise Tax5.5% per year (but only applies to businesses taxed as corporations)
Registered Agent Renewal Fees$100-$300 per year
License and Permit RenewalsVaries based on industry and locality
Fictitious Name Renewal$50 every 5 years
Operational CostsVary widely based on business activities

Annual Franchise Tax

Florida is known for its business-friendly environment, one aspect of which is the absence of an annual franchise tax for LLCs taxed like pass-through entities. However, if you decide to be taxed like a corporation, you’ll need to address this tax, which currently has a rate of 5.5% (although this is subject to change).

Registered Agent Renewal Fees

Florida LLCs are required to have a registered agent on file at all times. The registered agent acts as a liaison for receiving some important legal documents. The cost for renewing registered agent services typically ranges from $100 to $300 annually. Maintaining a Florida registered agent by hiring a service helps ensure that your LLC stays in good standing with the state.

License and Permit Renewals

The costs for renewing licenses and permits in Florida vary depending on the type of business and its location. These licenses and permits may be required at the federal, state, or local level, and are essential for the legal operation of the business. For example, Florida doesn’t require a general business license at the state level, but your city or county might. LLC owners should check with relevant agencies annually to check that all necessary renewals are completed on time to avoid penalties.

Fictitious Name Renewal

For LLCs operating under a trade name different from their registered legal name, Florida requires a fictitious name (sometimes called a DBA) registration to be renewed every five years. The renewal fee is $50. This renewal is crucial for businesses to legally operate under their chosen name and maintain brand consistency in the state.

Operational Costs

Operational costs for an LLC in Florida can vary widely depending on the nature of the business. These costs include, but are not limited to, rent, utilities, payroll, marketing, insurance, and inventory. You might also need to carry workers compensation insurance, get a general liability policy, and more.

Effective management of these costs is crucial for maintaining profitability and ensuring the smooth operation of the business. LLCs should budget accordingly and monitor these expenses regularly to maintain financial health.

Other Florida LLC Costs to Consider

When establishing an LLC in Florida, small business owners should prepare for several additional expenses beyond the initial and ongoing state fees. These costs vary depending on the specific requirements of the business, the industry, and the location. Anticipating these expenses helps ensure that businesses can budget effectively and remain compliant with all necessary legal and financial obligations.

Specific Licenses and Permits

Depending on the type of business and its location, specific licenses and permits may be required to operate legally in Florida. For instance, a restaurant will need health permits, liquor licenses, and possibly local business licenses, whereas a construction business will require building permits and contractor licenses. 

The cost and process for obtaining these licenses vary widely. Florida business owners must contact relevant local and state agencies to determine the exact requirements for their specific business type, which will include fees for application, renewal, and potential inspections.

Certified Documents

There are scenarios where business owners might need certified copies of their LLC documents, such as the Articles of Organization or amendments to them. Certified documents are often required for legal proceedings, opening bank accounts, or registering for business licenses. 

In Florida, obtaining certified copies of an LLC’s business documents involves requesting them from the Florida Division of Corporations and paying a fee of $30 per document. This process can usually be completed online or through mail, providing a straightforward way for businesses to obtain the necessary certified documents.

Professional Services

Maintaining an LLC often requires the expertise of professionals such as accountants or attorneys, especially for tasks like complex tax filings or legal compliance. The cost of hiring these professionals can vary significantly based on the complexity of the services and the professionals’ expertise. 

Typically, accountants might charge an hourly rate or a fixed fee for annual services, which can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars per year. Legal fees for a good business attorney could be higher, especially if the business faces litigation or complex regulatory compliance issues. It’s advisable for LLC owners to budget for these professional services annually, considering them an investment in the LLC’s financial and legal health.

Calculating Your Total Florida LLC Cost

So how much will your Florida LLC cost? We can’t say for sure because every LLC is different. But here are the essentials you’re sure to encounter: 

  • Articles of Organization: $125
  • Annual Report: $138.75 per year

So in your first year of business, you can expect to pay at least $163.75 total for a Florida LLC. You’ll also need to budget for your utilities, supplies, and more, but those expenses are highly individualized. 

If you’d like an even clearer picture of your costs, you can consider using a tool like a free cost calculator. Be sure to make a list of your essential expenses, and also add costs like website setup, marketing fees, and legal and professional services. This approach will help you develop a realistic budget for your Florida LLC, helping ensure you’re prepared for planned and unplanned expenses.

We can help!

Starting a business can seem like a really daunting task when going at it alone. Fortunately, you don’t have to! We’re here to help with our large variety of business formation services. Many of our services can also help you run and grow your LLC in Florida, so get started today!

FAQs on how to determine Florida LLC costs

  • Here’s how much it costs to start an LLC in Florida along with some additional fees.

    Florida LLC Filing Fee – $125

    The filing fee for a Florida LLC is $125. You’ll have to pay this amount when filing your Articles of Organization.

    Annual Report Fee –$138.75

    This is the amount you’ll be charged for your Florida LLC annual report.

    Registered Agent Fee –$25

    You will be charged a $25 fee for a Florida registered agent.

  • After you’ve set up your Florida LLC, be mindful of other fees and services to help make running your business easier.

    Florida Certificate of Status

    You’re going to need a Florida Certificate of Status. This document costs $5 and you can get one from the Florida Department of State website. You may need a COS to conduct business as a foreign (out-of-state) entity. A few other reasons you may need a COS include:

    • Getting funding
    • Getting business insurance
    • Selling or transferring part of or all of the business
    • Renewing licenses and permits

    DBA Name in Florida

    You may need to get a “doing business as” (DBA) name in Florida if you plan to do business under another name. In this state, a DBA is known as a “fictitious name” and must be filed with the Department of State’s Division of Corporations for a fee of $50.

    Foreign LLC

    If you own an LLC in another state but want to expand to Florida, then you’ll need to register it as a foreign LLC by filing the “Application by Foreign LLC for Authorization to Transact Business in Florida” form with the Florida Department of State’s Division of Corporations.

    The cost will be $125 including a registered agent.

    Business Licenses and Permits

    Like any business, you’ll need to file certain licenses and permits for your Florida LLC depending on your location and which industry you’re in. Be sure to do your homework to remain compliant.

  • Florida requires annual fees to ensure that LLCs are compliant. For example, an annual report is due every year between January 1st and May 1st. If you’re late submitting this report, you’ll be subject to a $400 late fee on top of the regular fee of $138.75, meaning your total would be $538.75.

    Be sure to stay on top of your fees.

  • If you’re unable to pay your filing fee for your Florida LLC, then the state will reject your application.

  • You’ll pay the necessary filing fees for your LLC to the Florida Department of State’s Division of Corporations.

  • It’s hard to say which fee will be highest when forming your LLC since you’ll inevitably need different licenses and permits. In general, the highest fee you’ll pay is the initial filing fee of $125 with the additional $25 fee for a registered agent for a total of $125.

  • Florida offers many convenient ways to pay for your company’s filing fees. These include:

    • Check and money orders
    • Credit cards (MasterCard, VISA, Discover, and American Express)
    • A prepaid Sunbiz E-File Account (through the Florida Department of State’s Division of Corporations)

  • LLCs offer many benefits compared to other business entities. One that many business owners favor is liability protection. If your LLC has a legal issue like a lawsuit, then your personal assets will be kept separate from your business assets. LLCs are also known for their tax flexibility and easy startup process.

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.

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Written by Team ZenBusiness

Florida Secretary of State Contact Information

Mailing Address:
Mailing Address:
P. O. Box 6327
Physical Address:
2415 N. Monroe Street, Suite 810
Tallahassee, FL 32303
Telephone:
850.245.6000
Fax:
850.245.6014
Email:
CorpHelp@dos.myflorida.com
Website:
https://dos.fl.gov/

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