Florida LLC: How to Start an LLC in Florida (2026 Guide)

Learn how to start an LLC in Florida in 2026. Step-by-step guide to filing Articles of Organization, choosing a registered agent, and getting your EIN.

Florida is a popular state for new businesses, and the LLC is the go-to structure for most owners. To start an LLC in Florida, you file Articles of Organization with the Division of Corporations, name a registered agent, and get an EIN. The state keeps the process simple, and there's no state income tax to worry about.

Why form an LLC in Florida

Florida has no state personal income tax, which makes it attractive for business owners. An LLC gives you limited liability protection, so your personal assets are shielded from business debts and lawsuits. You also get pass-through taxation, meaning profits show up on your personal return rather than being taxed twice.

Name rules for a Florida LLC

Your LLC name must include "LLC", "L.L.C.", or "Limited Liability Company". It can't be the same as or too similar to a name already registered with the Division of Corporations, and it can't suggest a business type you're not licensed for.

• Search the Florida Division of Corporations database before filing.
• You can reserve a name for 120 days with a name reservation.
• A DBA lets you operate under a different name if you want one.

Registered agent requirement

Every Florida LLC must have a registered agent with a physical street address in Florida. The agent accepts legal documents and official mail on your behalf. You can be your own agent, or you can hire a registered agent service to keep your home address off public records.

Filing Articles of Organization

The main filing is the Articles of Organization, submitted to the Florida Division of Corporations. You'll provide the LLC name, the registered agent, and the mailing address. You can file online, and approval is usually quick.

1. Pick a name and check availability.
2. Choose a registered agent with a Florida address.
3. Complete the Articles of Organization.
4. Pay the filing fee and submit.
5. Get an EIN from the IRS.

Annual report and EIN

Florida LLCs file an annual report every year with the Division of Corporations. The report confirms your registered agent and business address, and it comes with a small fee. Missing the deadline can lead to penalties or even administrative dissolution, so put a reminder on your calendar.

You'll also need an EIN from the IRS if your LLC has employees or more than one member. A single-member LLC can skip it, but an EIN makes it easier to open a business bank account and keep finances separate. It's free to apply online.

Costs and taxes

The filing fee for Florida Articles of Organization is typically around $125, but check the current fee schedule before you file. The annual report fee is usually around $138.75, and it varies slightly from year to year.

• Articles of Organization: typically around $125.
• Annual report: usually around $138.75 per year.
• Registered agent service: often $50 to $300 per year.
• EIN: free from the IRS.

Florida has no state personal income tax, so your LLC's pass-through profits aren't taxed at the state level. You may still owe federal taxes and local taxes depending on your situation.

For a step-by-step overview, see our guide to starting an LLC. You can also compare LLC formation options and review annual report rules. For state-specific details, visit our Florida state page.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The filing fee for Florida Articles of Organization is typically around $125, and the annual report fee is usually around $138.75. You may also pay for a name reservation and a registered agent service. An EIN is free from the IRS, so total startup costs usually land between $125 and $450.

Does a Florida LLC need a registered agent?

Yes. Every Florida LLC must have a registered agent with a physical street address in Florida. The agent accepts legal documents and official mail on your behalf. You can be your own agent, or you can hire a service to keep your home address off public records.

Does Florida require an annual report for LLCs?

Yes. Florida LLCs file an annual report every year with the Division of Corporations. The report confirms your registered agent and business address and comes with a small fee. Missing the deadline can lead to penalties or even administrative dissolution.

Does Florida have state income tax for LLCs?

Florida has no state personal income tax, so your LLC's pass-through profits aren't taxed at the state level. You may still owe federal taxes and certain local taxes depending on your business. The annual report fee is separate from any tax obligations.

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

Florida processes online Articles of Organization filings quickly, often within a few business days. Mail filings take longer. Once approved, you can get an EIN from the IRS the same day, so most owners are fully set up within a week.