Form an LLC in Florida — or skip the wait entirely

Florida is the third most popular state for LLC formation in the US, behind only Delaware and Wyoming. With no personal state income tax, a massive consumer market of 22+ million residents, and a business-friendly regulatory environment, Florida attracts entrepreneurs from across the country and around the world.

The Sunshine State is particularly popular with e-commerce businesses, Amazon FBA sellers, real estate investors, and service-based companies. Florida's Division of Corporations processes filings quickly (typically 1–2 days for online submissions), and the state has a well-established LLC statute that provides clear legal frameworks.

However, Florida is not necessarily the best choice for non-residents. The $125 filing fee is higher than Wyoming ($100), New Mexico ($50), or Montana ($35). The annual report fee of $138.75 is more than double Wyoming's $60. And while Florida has no personal income tax, it does have a 5.5% corporate income tax that can apply in certain structures. Florida also publishes member or manager names on the public Sunbiz record — so it offers weaker privacy than Wyoming.

Florida makes the most sense if you have a physical presence in the state, sell to Florida customers, or need a Florida address for business credibility. For non-residents with no US operations — or for anyone who simply needs to bank and take payments now — a ready-made Wyoming LLC that already has its EIN is usually the smarter move. You can also compare Delaware or read the full US formation overview.

Both routes are legitimate. If you specifically need a Florida footprint — a Florida address, Florida customers, or a physical presence in the state — forming in Florida is the right call, and we can register your Florida LLC on request (see pricing below or contact us). If you mainly need a clean, private US company that can bank and invoice today, ready-made Wyoming wins on speed and privacy.

All fees below are sourced from the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz) fee schedule.

Step 1: Choose your LLC name

Your LLC name must be distinguishable from existing entities in Florida and must include "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C." Search for available names on Sunbiz. Name reservation is available for 120 days for $25.

Step 2: Appoint a registered agent

Every Florida LLC must have a registered agent with a physical street address in Florida. The registered agent must be either a Florida resident or a business entity authorized to do business in Florida. USLLCGlobal includes registered agent service.

Step 3: File Articles of Organization

File online through Sunbiz e-filing or by mail. The filing requires:

• LLC name with designator
• Principal office address
• Mailing address
• Registered agent name and street address in FL
• Name and address of each manager (if manager-managed) or member (if member-managed)
• Effective date
• $125 filing fee ($100 filing + $25 registered agent designation)

Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement

Florida law recognizes Operating Agreements and treats them as the governing document of the LLC. While not required to be filed with the state, an Operating Agreement is essential for banking and operations.

Step 5: Obtain an EIN

Apply for an EIN from the IRS using Form SS-4. Online application available for those with an SSN. Non-residents apply by fax or mail (4–8 weeks). This is the single biggest reason founders choose a ready-made company — the EIN already exists.

Step 6: Register for Florida sales tax (if applicable)

If you will sell taxable goods or services in Florida, you must register for a sales tax certificate with the Florida Department of Revenue. There is no fee for registration.

1. Annual report: Due between January 1 and May 1 each year. Fee: $138.75. Filed online at Sunbiz. $400 supplemental late fee after May 1.
2. Federal tax filing: Form 5472 with pro forma 1120 for foreign-owned LLCs. Due April 15.
3. Registered agent: Maintain a registered agent with a physical Florida address at all times.
4. Sales tax returns: If registered for Florida sales tax, file returns on the required schedule (monthly, quarterly, or semi-annually).
5. FinCEN BOI Report: Required under the Corporate Transparency Act.

For non-residents operating a single-member LLC (taxed as a disregarded entity) with no Florida-sourced income, the effective state tax is $0 on income. You will still owe the $138.75 annual report fee regardless.

Florida's LLC privacy is weaker than Wyoming and New Mexico:

• Member/manager names are public: Florida requires member or manager names and addresses in the Articles of Organization, which are publicly searchable on Sunbiz.
• Annual report updates: The annual report requires updated member/manager information, refreshing the public record each year.
• Registered agent is public: As with all states, the registered agent information is public.

If privacy is important to you, Florida is not the best choice. A ready-made Wyoming LLC keeps your ownership off the public record.

Processing times

Florida does not offer formal expedited processing, but online filings are processed very quickly — typically within 1–2 business days. Remember that the EIN, not the filing, is usually what holds up your banking.

Prefer Florida specifically? We can file your Florida LLC on request. Indicative Florida packages:

Every Florida formation package includes:

• Articles of Organization filing with Florida Division of Corporations
• One year of registered agent service in Florida
• Custom Operating Agreement
• EIN application
• Banking introduction letter
• Digital document delivery within 24 hours of state approval
• Compliance calendar with all filing deadlines
• Dedicated support via our contact desk

Comparing states? See Wyoming, Delaware, or the full US overview for an honest breakdown of the top formation states.