How to Start an LLC in Florida

How to start an LLC in Florida can seem like a big ask. However, it is actually very easy to do and there are many things that can help you along the way. To begin with, make sure that your business name, etc. are as close to the exact name of the business as possible. Doing this will ensure that you have as few problems as possible when it comes to your business name.

• If you do not already own a phone number, you should set one up as soon as possible. To file your Articles of Organization with the Florida Division of Corporations, you should mail or fax the necessary paperwork to the address provided on the website. The filing fee for an LLC in Florida is just $125. This can typically be done by mail or online at the SunBiz site.
• Once you have filed your Articles of Organization, the next step is to select a business location. A good idea may be to open a sole proprietorship, which is an offshore company that does not require a registered agent in Florida. This option can provide a bit of tax advantages, although it will not be as strong as a corporation. There are other viable options that should be considered as well.
• Once you have chosen your business location and have all of the appropriate paperwork, it is time to select a limited liability company, or LLC. An LLC has the same type of protections that a corporation has under state law; however, an LLC has its own officers and board of directors. You can select an LLC that has one member that is solely responsible for the business operations, which allows for more personalized interactions among owners. A Florida Limited Liability Company must have a registered agent who lives in the state to protect the interest of all LLC owners.
• Forming an LLC in Florida is easy. Once you have found an acceptable business entity and completed the necessary filings, you can complete the paperwork by submitting it to the court. The LLC will have to appear briefly before the judge, and you will be asked to swear before them that you are a resident of the state in which you want to open your business. This makes you an “exempt” person from many of the rules that apply to businesses, such as paying taxes and record keeping strict guidelines. However, an LLC in Florida is still required to file its annual reports with the state government on or before June first.

Forming an LLC in Florida can be a great way to separate your personal finances from those of your business, which is often the case when you are only using it as a pass-through entity for your own use. Many small businesses are run through their owners’ personal savings and checking accounts, leaving very little money left over after the business expenses for rent, telephone usage and payroll are taken out of the equation. An LLC in Florida offers the same privacy and confidentiality that people enjoy while working personally, but at a lower cost. Because there are no mandatory annual reports to file with the IRS, an LLC in Florida is a good option if you are unsure whether or not you will be filing an annual report.