How to Start an LLC in Florida

Your LLC name must be unique among all businesses registered in Florida and must include a required designator. You can check name availability for free on Florida's SunBiz portal.

Florida Naming Rules:

• Must include: "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C."
• Cannot use: Words implying a government agency (e.g., "FBI," "Treasury")
• Restricted words: "Bank," "Insurance," "University" require additional approval
• Must be distinguishable: From existing Florida businesses on record with the Division of Corporations

Every Florida LLC must designate a registered agent — an individual or company with a physical Florida street address — to receive legal notices, lawsuits, and official state mail during normal business hours.

Who can be your registered agent?

• Yourself: Must have a physical Florida address and be available during business hours
• A trusted individual: Any adult Florida resident with a physical address
• A professional service: Like Brendat — keeps your personal address private and ensures you never miss important mail

The Articles of Organization is the document that officially creates your Florida LLC. You file it online at SunBiz.org (Florida's business filing portal) or by mail.

What's included in Florida's Articles of Organization?

• LLC name and principal office address
• Registered agent name and Florida address
• Management structure (member-managed or manager-managed)
• Organizer's name and signature
• Effective date (optional — defaults to filing date)

Florida does not legally require an operating agreement for LLCs, but it is strongly recommended for every Florida LLC — especially multi-member ones. It defines how your LLC is owned and managed, and protects your limited liability status if ever challenged in court.

Your operating agreement should cover:

• Ownership percentages: Each member's share of the LLC
• Profit and loss distribution: How earnings are divided
• Management structure: Who makes decisions and how voting works
• Member changes: Rules for adding or removing members
• Dissolution: What happens if the LLC closes

An EIN is your LLC's federal tax ID — required to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file taxes. You apply through the IRS for free.

• US residents: Apply free online at IRS.gov — instant approval
• Non-US residents: Apply by fax using IRS Form SS-4 — takes 4–6 weeks
• Brendat handles this: EIN filing is included in Standard and Premium packages

Florida LLCs must file an annual report every year with the Florida Division of Corporations to remain in good standing. The annual report updates your LLC's contact and management information on the state record.

• Annual report fee: $138.75/year
• Due date: May 1 every year
• Filing: Online via SunBiz.org
• Late fee: $400 penalty if filed after May 1 (before September 30)
• Dissolution risk: LLCs that don't file by September 30 are administratively dissolved