How to Form an LLC in Florida (2026 Guide)
Everything you need to form a Florida LLC: state filing fee ($125), processing time (5-7 business days), annual compliance, taxes, and the exact 7-step process. Reviewed by IRS Enrolled Agents.
To form an LLC in Florida, file the Articles of Organization with the Florida Secretary of State (fee: $125), appoint a registered agent with a Florida street address, obtain an EIN from the IRS, and adopt an operating agreement. Standard processing takes 5-7 business days. The annual annual report is $138.75, due May 1. With Gullia Filing, total first-year cost is $412.75 (all-inclusive: state fee, registered agent, EIN, operating agreement).
Florida LLC Cost Breakdown
Total transparent pricing for forming and maintaining a Florida LLC. No surprise upsells, no hidden fees.
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Florida SoS filing fee | $125 | One-time, paid to the state |
| Registered agent (year 1) | Included | Included free in every Gullia package |
| EIN (Federal Tax ID) | Included | Filed with the IRS, no extra charge |
| Operating agreement | Included | Attorney-reviewed, state-compliant |
| Gullia Filing Starter service fee | $149 | Flat fee, no upsells |
| Total first-year cost | $412.75 | All-inclusive, no surprises |
| Recurring: Annual Report | $138.75/yr | Due May 1 |
The 7-Step Florida LLC Formation Process
Every Florida LLC follows the same core process. Here is exactly what happens, in order, and what Gullia Filing handles on your behalf.
Choose a Florida LLC name
Pick a name that includes "LLC", "L.L.C.", or "Limited Liability Company" and is distinguishable from existing Florida entities. Our free name check tool verifies availability against the Florida Secretary of State database in seconds.
Appoint a Florida registered agent
Florida requires a registered agent with a physical street address in the state to receive legal and tax notices. Gullia Filing provides this service in every package, protecting your privacy and ensuring you never miss a critical filing.
File the Articles of Organization
Submit formation paperwork to the Florida Secretary of State with a $125 filing fee. The state does not offer expedited processing. We handle the filing electronically and forward your certified copy within 5-7 business days.
Obtain your EIN (Federal Tax ID)
Apply to the IRS for an Employer Identification Number, required to open a US business bank account, hire employees, and file federal taxes. Included free in every Gullia Filing package.
Draft an operating agreement
An operating agreement establishes member rights, profit distributions, management structure, and dispute resolution. Even single-member LLCs benefit from having one on file for bank account opening and to reinforce the corporate veil. We provide a state-compliant, attorney-reviewed template in every package.
Register for Florida taxes and licenses
Register with the Florida Department of Revenue for state tax IDs, sales tax permits if applicable, and any industry-specific licenses. Our compliance calendar tracks every deadline automatically.
Open a US business bank account
With your EIN, Articles of Organization, and operating agreement, you can open a US business bank account. We provide bank-ready document packages and can introduce you to fintech partners that accept remote onboarding.
Florida LLC Tax Obligations
State tax summary
No state income tax on individuals or pass-through LLCs. LLCs electing C-Corp status pay 5.5% Florida corporate income tax.
Franchise tax: No franchise tax on LLCs. No state personal income tax.
Federal tax defaults
A single-member Florida LLC is treated as a disregarded entity federally (income flows to Schedule C or E of the owner's Form 1040). A multi-member LLC defaults to partnership taxation (Form 1065). You may elect S-Corp status (Form 2553) or C-Corp status (Form 8832) if it reduces overall tax.
See tax and accounting servicesWhy form your LLC in Florida
- No state personal income tax — pass-through LLC income avoids state tax entirely.
- Growing tech and finance corridor (Miami, Tampa) with major relocation incentives.
- Gateway to Latin American markets with a bilingual workforce.
Things to watch for in Florida
- The $400 late fee for missing the May 1 annual report is one of the harshest in the US and is not prorated.
- Florida requires member/manager names in public filings — no privacy option.
Top industries for Florida LLCs
Gullia Filing vs Alternatives (Florida)
The state filing fee is the same everywhere. What differs is the service fee, what is included, and how transparent the pricing is.
| Provider | Base service fee | Registered agent Y1 | EIN included | Operating agreement | Total first year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gullia Filing (Starter) | $149 | Included | Yes (free) | Yes (attorney-reviewed) | $274 |
| DIY (file yourself) | $0 | $50-150 or self | Self (free) | No (buy separately) | $125+ |
| Bizee (Silver) | $0 + upsells | Free Y1, $119/yr after | Upsell ($70) | Upsell ($99) | $294+ |
| LegalZoom (Basic) | $249 | Upsell ($299/yr) | Upsell ($79) | Upsell ($99) | $851+ |
| Northwest RA | $39 | $125/yr | Upsell ($200) | Yes (template) | $489+ |
| ZenBusiness (Starter) | $0 + $199/yr | Free Y1, $199/yr after | Upsell ($99) | Upsell ($99) | $324+ |
Comparison based on publicly available pricing as of 2026. State filing fee ($125) is paid to Florida and identical across providers. Verify current pricing directly with each provider before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common questions about forming an LLC in Florida, answered by our Enrolled Agents.
Compare Florida to nearby states
Ready to form your Florida LLC?
Flat $149 service fee. State fee $125 paid directly to Florida. EIN, registered agent, and operating agreement included. No upsells, no surprises.