How to Form an LLC in Florida (2026): Real Costs, Real Steps
Florida is one of the most LLC-friendly states for active small-business owners: no state income tax, low filing fees, and an annual report that can be filed online in five minutes. The catch is the annual report itself — miss the May 1 deadline and the late fee is a flat $400, four times the original filing cost. This guide walks through the Articles of Organization, the registered-agent requirement, and the annual-report workflow that catches first-time founders.
Year-1 Cost Table
| Item | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization | $125 | cite |
| Annual Report (on-time, by May 1) | $138.75 | cite |
| Annual Report (late, after May 1) | $538.75 | cite |
| Registered agent (Northwest) | $125/yr | cite |
| Year-1 total (on time) | $388.75 | cite |
The 6 Steps
- Step 1: File Articles of Organization
Submit the formation document to the Florida Secretary of State. See the cost table above for the current filing fee.
- Step 2: Appoint a Registered Agent
Every Florida LLC needs a registered agent with a Florida street address. You can serve yourself, but most founders use a commercial RA — Northwest is our default pick.
- Step 3: Get an EIN (Federal Employer Identification Number)
Apply with the IRS using your stamped Articles of Organization. Free, takes 5 minutes online.
- Step 4: Adopt an Operating Agreement
Required by best practice — banks routinely request it before opening business accounts.
- Step 5: Open a Business Bank Account
Mercury for software/online businesses; a local credit union for cash-heavy retail. Keep personal and business finances separate from day one.
- Step 6: File State Tax Registrations
Register for Florida state taxes (sales tax permit, payroll registration if you have employees, etc.) before you transact.
Recommended Tools
Northwest vs ZenBusiness for Florida LLCs
Verdict (as of 2026): Northwest Registered Agent is our default pick for Florida LLCs. They publish a Florida-specific registered-agent page (linked in the cost table) and do not upsell add-ons at checkout. ZenBusiness wins only if you want bundled formation in a single flow.
| Criterion | Northwest | ZenBusiness |
|---|---|---|
| Registered-agent only price (Florida) | $125/yr | $199/yr |
| Bundled formation | Optional add-on | Included in formation plans |
| Privacy (address shielding) | Strong | Strong |
| Upsells at checkout | None | Several |
| Annual-report filing service | $100/yr add-on | $199/yr add-on |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Florida LLC annual report due?
May 1 each year. The late fee jumps to $400 on May 2; there is no grace period.
How long does Florida LLC formation take?
Online filings through Sunbiz are typically processed in 2–5 business days; paper filings take 3–4 weeks.
Does Florida have a state income tax for LLCs?
No state personal income tax. Multi-member LLCs taxed as partnerships and LLCs taxed as S-corps still file federal returns; Florida itself does not impose personal income tax on pass-through income.
Can I form a Florida LLC if I live in another state?
Yes. You will need a Florida registered agent with a Florida street address. Northwest covers this for $125/yr.
Do Florida LLCs need an Operating Agreement?
Not legally required by the state, but every Florida LLC should have one. Banks frequently require it before opening a business account.
Annual Filing Deadline
Annual Report due by May 1 each year — late fee $400 flat
Authoritative Sources
- https://dos.fl.gov/sunbiz/forms/limited-liability/
- https://dos.fl.gov/sunbiz/manage-business/efile/annual-report/