How to start an LLC in Florida

A limited liability company (LLC) offers liability protection and tax advantages, among other benefits for small businesses.

LLC formation in Florida is easy. Just follow these nine steps, and you'll be on your way.

1. Name your Florida LLC

You'll need to choose a name to include in your articles before you can register your LLC.

Names must comply with Florida's naming requirements. The following are the most important requirements to keep in mind:

• Your business name must include the words Limited Liability Company, LLC, or L.L.C.
• Your name must be different from an existing business in the state. You can do a search on the Secretary of State's website to determine if a particular business name is in use. For name availability in Florida, check this link.
• The business name cannot contain words used to name a government agency (i.e., State Department, CIA, FBI, Treasury, etc.)

• Certain restricted words (bank, lawyer, attorney, credit union, etc.) may require additional documentation and licensure paperwork.

See a complete listing of Florida's naming rules.

Additional considerations:

• URL availability. Even if you don't think you'll need a webpage, you probably will. At the very least, you should reserve the option of having one in the future by buying your domain name now. Before finalizing your LLC name, it's a good idea to check if the URL is available.
• Reserve your name. If you aren't ready to register your LLC but are concerned your name might be taken by someone else, you can reserve it for a small fee. In Florida, names may not be reserved.

2. Choose your registered agent

Florida requires you to appoint a registered agent for your LLC.

A registered agent is the person or entity authorized to receive service of process and other official legal documents and notices on behalf of your LLC.

A registered agent can be a person (including yourself or an employee of your LLC) or an entity that offers a registered agent service.

They must meet the following criteria:

• Entities (or companies) must provide registered agent services.
• The agent must have an address in Florida.
• The agent must be on-site and available to accept documents during regular business hours.

3. Prepare and file articles of organization

The Articles of Organization is a document that officially establishes your LLC by laying out basic information about it.

Prepare Articles of Organization and file them with the Florida Division of Corporations to register your Florida LLC properly. Though it sounds like a big job, that simply means filling out a relatively simple online form and submitting it. You can also send it by mail.

To prepare your articles, you'll usually need the following information:

• Your LLC name and principal place of business.
• The name and address of your registered agent (PO Boxes will not be accepted).
• The name and addresses of all LLC members.
• The name and address of the manager if member-managed LLC.
• A reason why you formed the LLC. This can be a general statement.
• An LLC's duration or time period over which the LLC will exist. In most cases, LLCs are perpetual, meaning the duration is indefinite. A perpetual LLC can be dissolved voluntarily or involuntarily. If your LLC exists for a purpose that will end at a specified date, you will specify that date here.
• Management structure: Will managers or members manage the LLC?
• The person forming the LLC is required to sign the Articles. Also, in Florida the registered agent must also sign.

Once you file your Articles, the secretary of state will review the filing. If the articles are approved, the LLC becomes a legal business entity.

4. Receive a certificate from the state

The state will issue you a certificate that confirms the LLC formally exists after the LLC's formation documents are filed and approved.

This certificate will allow the LLC to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN), business licenses, and business bank account.

5. Create an operating agreement

An operating agreement is a document that outlines the way your LLC will conduct business.

Florida does not require your LLC to file an operating agreement, but it is an essential component of your business. Having a readily accessible, written operating agreement is helpful for various reasons, including settling disputes that may arise over financial agreements and other potential litigation. Without an agreement in place, the courts make determinations based on state law, not necessarily what is in the best interest of the LLC and its members.

The operating agreement can include, but is not limited to, the following:

• LLC's name and principal address
• Name and addresses of LLC members
• Duration of the LLC
• Name and address of the registered agent
• Information about the Articles of Organization
• Purpose of the business
• Members and their contribution
• Each member's ownership stake in the company, voting rights and profit share.
• The way profits and losses will be divided
• Procedure for admitting new members, as well as outgoing members
• Management of the LLC
• Dissolution terms
• Indemnification and liability clauses

6. Get an Employer Identification Number

The nine-digit Employer Identification Number (EIN) is assigned by the Internal Revenue Service to identify your LLC for taxes. You can obtain your EIN by mail or online through the IRS.

The purpose of an EIN is to assist with the following:

• File and manage taxes at the state and federal level
• Obtain licenses and permits
• Open a business bank account.
• Hire employees.

7. Obtain your Florida business license

LLCs in several industries are require to obtain a Florida business license. Find out whether your industry or profession requires a business license by looking it up on the Florida Secretary of State's website.

8. Establish a bank account

LLCs in Florida are required to have a bank account in the state in order to begin conducting business.

9. If your LLC has employees, you must comply with these employer obligations

• Report all new employee hires or rehires: Within 20 days of hiring or rehiring. LLCs must report new employees to the Florida Department of Revenue.
• LLCs must purchase workers' compensation insurance: LLCs must purchase workers' compensation insurance as soon as the fourth person is hired.
• Pay unemployment taxes.

Next steps

Registering your LLC gives you a legal foundation to conduct business. Plan to keep your LLC compliant and in active status on the state's website.

This might include making quarterly tax payments. All Florida LLCs must file an Annual Report annually and the first report is due in the year following formation. LLCs must file report must be filed online between January 1st and May 1st. You also need to maintain a registered agent for your business.

A registered LLC also makes it possible for you to do the following:

• Obtain permits or licenses necessary to operate your business, including health department permits, zoning permits, home occupation permits, professional licenses, and more. Some states require a seller's permit to conduct sales.
• Register your business with the state's tax agency.
• Open a business bank account.
• Apply for a business credit card.
• Purchase insurance for your business.
• Protect your name and logo with a trademark.

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