Filing a Florida LLC
Whether or not you yet realize it, reaching that decision to form a Florida LLC will be one of the first savvy business moves you’ll have made. LLCs can be advantageous to new business owners because of how easy they are to form and because of the liability protection they provide.
Steps To Filing a Florida LLC
Choose A Name
After determining that you should file as Florida LLC, one of the next steps you’ll need to do is choose a name for your business. Unless you want to file annoying paperwork down the road, you should take time to select a name that is representative of your brand and appropriate to your business dealings. To ensure that the name you desire is available, run it through the DoMyLLC Name Availability Check Page.
Also, be mindful of the fact that Florida requires businesses to indicate if they are an LLC in their name. They can do so by including terms like “Limited Liability Company,” “L.L.C.,” or “LLC” in their name.
Choose A Registered Agent
New Florida LLC owners are also required to pick a registered agent to serve on their behalf. Registered agents can either be individuals or third-party companies, so long as they are a resident of or are authorized to do business in the state and maintain a physical address in the state. Choosing DoMyLLC registered agent services is an excellent way to ensure your business thrives. Registered agents are responsible for accepting legal correspondence on a company’s behalfs and forwarding it to the appropriate members.
File Articles Of Organization & Pay Filing Fees
The next step is to file Articles of Organization with the Division of Corporations. When doing so, you must also include a filing fee of $125. To file the Articles of Organization, owners must include the following:
- The name of the LLC
- Mailing and street addresses of the principal office
- Name and Florida street address of the registered agent
- Signature of the registered agent indicating acceptance of the assignment
- The name and address of each person authorized to manage and control the LLC
- The effective date (if desired), which cannot be five business days prior or 90 days after filing
- Signature by an authorized person executing the document
File Initial Report
Florida businesses do not need to file an Initial Report. Owners will file their first Annual Report the year following formation.
Create An Operating Agreement And Hold Meetings
Florida businesses will also need to create an operating agreement to define its corporate structure. The operating agreement provides clarification about how the company will conduct business. Once in place, the company can begin holding meetings.
Obtain Employer Identification Number
Employer Identification Numbers are critical to business operations. The numbers, which are provided by the IRS, allow companies to file taxes and open a business banking account.
File State Required Annual Reports
The Florida Division of Corporations requires LLCs to file an Annual Report every year if they wish to remain active. Florida LLCs can file between January 1 and May 1. When submitting, owners must pay a fee of $138.75. If they do not register by May 1, owners must pay a late fee of $400. DoMyLLC can help owners file their Annual Reports.
Ongoing Maintenance
Once your business is up and running, there is still administrative work to be done. Depending on the nature of their business, Florida LLCs may need to secure and renew business licenses and permits. Additionally, LLCs must file annual taxes at the federal, state, and local levels.
How DoMyLLC Can Assist With Streamlining The Process
No matter where you are in the process of forming your Florida LLC, DoMyLLC can help. We offer numerous services, including:
- Name availability check
- Articles of Organization preparation
- Filing of the Articles of Organization with the Division of Corporations
- Sample documents, including a sample Operating Agreement, meeting notices, and meeting minutes
- Dedicated account manager
- Unlimited customer support
Why worry about administrative headaches? By allowing DoMyLLC to handle your paperwork, you can focus on growing your new business, allowing your dream to become a reality.