How much does it cost to form an LLC in Florida?

The Florida LLC filing fee is $125 for Articles of Organization. The annual report costs $138.75 per year. There is no state income tax. Total first-year cost: $263.75 (filing + first annual report), plus optional registered agent service.

How long does it take to form an LLC in Florida?

Online filing through Sunbiz (dos.myflorida.com/sunbiz) typically takes 2–3 business days for processing. There is no expedited option for LLC filings in Florida, but online filings are generally faster than mail (which can take 5–10 business days).

Does a Florida LLC need an annual report?

Yes. Florida LLCs must file an annual report with the Division of Corporations by May 1 each year. The fee is $138.75. If you miss the May 1 deadline, there is a $400 late fee, and if you don't file by the third Friday in September, your LLC will be administratively dissolved.

How to Form an LLC in Florida: Costs, Filing & Requirements (2026)

Florida is a popular state for LLC formation thanks to no state income tax, moderate filing fees, and a straightforward online filing process.

Quick answer: File Articles of Organization with the Florida Division of Corporations for $125. No state income tax. File an annual report by May 1 each year ($138.75). Total first-year cost: $263.75. Processing takes 2–3 business days online at Sunbiz.org.

Florida LLC at a Glance

Detail	Info
Filing fee (Articles of Organization)	$125
Annual report fee	$138.75
Late filing penalty	$400
State income tax	None (individual)
Processing time	2–3 business days (online)
Where to file	dos.myflorida.com/sunbiz
Operating agreement	Not required by law, but recommended
Registered agent required	Yes
Annual report deadline	May 1

Total Cost Breakdown

Item	Cost	Frequency
Articles of Organization	$125	One-time
Annual report	$138.75	Annual (by May 1)
Registered agent (optional service)	$100–$300	Annual
Operating agreement (DIY)	$0	One-time
EIN	$0	One-time
Total first year (minimum)	$263.75	—
Total first year (with agent)	$363.75–$563.75	—
Annual cost (after year 1)	$138.75	—

Step-by-Step Formation

Step 1: Choose Your LLC Name

Requirement	Details
Must include	“LLC,” “L.L.C.,” or “Limited Liability Company”
Must be unique	Search at sunbiz.org/search.html
Cannot include	Words suggesting it’s a different entity type
Restricted words	“Bank,” “Insurance,” “University” require approval
Name reservation	$25 for 120 days (optional)

Step 2: Designate a Registered Agent

Florida requires every LLC to have a registered agent with a Florida street address.

Requirement	Details
Must have Florida street address	No PO boxes
Must be available during business hours	To accept legal documents
Can be a member of the LLC	You can serve as your own agent
Must consent to serve	Signed acceptance required

Step 3: File Articles of Organization

Field	What to Enter
LLC name	Full legal name including “LLC”
Principal place of business	Florida address
Mailing address	Can be same as principal address
Registered agent	Name and Florida street address
Manager or member info	Names and addresses of managers (manager-managed) or all members (member-managed)
Effective date	Filing date or future date (up to 5 business days)

How to file online:

Go to dos.myflorida.com/sunbiz
Click “Start a Business” → “Florida Limited Liability Company”
Fill out the Articles of Organization
Pay $125 filing fee (credit card or check)
Receive filed articles via email (2–3 business days)

Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement

Florida does not legally require an operating agreement, but creating one:

Defines ownership percentages and profit distribution
Establishes management structure and voting rights
Protects your limited liability status
Required by many banks to open a business account

Step 5: Get an EIN

Detail	Info
Apply at	irs.gov/ein
Cost	Free
Processing	Instant (online)

Step 6: Open a Business Bank Account

Bring your filed Articles of Organization, EIN confirmation letter, operating agreement, and government ID.

Florida LLC Taxes

Tax	Rate	Notes
State income tax (individual)	0%	Florida has no personal income tax
State income tax (corporate)	5.5%	Only applies to C-Corps, not pass-through LLCs
Federal income tax	Pass-through	Taxed on member’s personal return
Self-employment tax	15.3%	Federal, on active member income
Sales tax	6%–8.5%	State 6% + county surtax (up to 2.5%)
Reemployment tax	0.1%–5.4%	If you have employees

Florida vs. Other Popular States

Factor	Florida	Texas	California	Wyoming
Filing fee	$125	$300	$70	$100
Annual fee	$138.75	$0	$800+	$60
State income tax	0%	0%	Up to 13.3%	0%
First-year total	$263.75	$300	$870+	$160
Annual cost	$138.75	$0	$820+	$60

Annual Report Requirements

The annual report is the most important ongoing requirement for a Florida LLC.

Detail	Info
Due date	May 1 each year
Fee	$138.75
Late filing penalty	$400 (added to the $138.75)
Failure to file	Administrative dissolution (after September deadline)
How to file	sunbiz.org → “Annual Reports” → “File Annual Report”
What’s included	Business address, registered agent, member/manager info

Timeline for missed filings:

Date	What Happens
January 1	Annual report filing opens
May 1	Deadline — $138.75 fee
May 2	Late — fee becomes $538.75 ($138.75 + $400 penalty)
Third Friday in September	LLC administratively dissolved if not filed
After dissolution	Must file for reinstatement ($138.75 + $400 late fee)

Florida-Specific Considerations

Topic	Details
Sunbiz website	Main portal for all Florida business filings
Florida series LLC	Not available (unlike Texas, Delaware, Nevada)
Professional LLCs	Required for licensed professionals (doctors, lawyers, CPAs)
Foreign LLC registration	Required if your LLC is formed elsewhere but does business in FL
Sales tax permit	Free — apply at floridarevenue.com
County business tax	Some counties require a local business tax receipt

Common Mistakes

Mistake	Consequence
Missing May 1 annual report deadline	$400 late fee
Not filing by September	Administrative dissolution
Not collecting sales tax	Penalties and back taxes
Operating without local business tax receipt	Fines from county/city
Mixing personal and business funds	Pierced corporate veil

Advantages of a Florida LLC

Advantage	Details
No state income tax	Members keep more profit
Moderate filing costs	$263.75 first year vs. $870+ in California
Charging order protection	Strong creditor protection for LLC members
Business-friendly courts	Efficient commercial litigation
No publication requirement	Unlike New York
Growing economy	Population and business growth

Bottom Line

Florida offers a business-friendly environment with no state income tax and moderate LLC costs. The $125 filing fee is reasonable, and the $138.75 annual report is your main ongoing expense. The biggest risk is missing the May 1 annual report deadline — the $400 late fee is steep, and failure to file leads to dissolution. Set a calendar reminder for April each year.