A Florida LLC costs $125 to form ($100 Articles of Organization + $25 registered agent designation, filed online via Sunbiz) plus a $138.75 annual report every year between January 1 and May 1. File even one day late and a $400 penalty applies — $538.75 total. Florida charges no state income tax, which is why pass-through LLCs love it.
Florida LLC costs at a glance
| Item | Cost | When |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization | $100 | At filing |
| Registered agent designation | $25 | At filing — required, so the real minimum is $125 |
| Certified copy (optional) | $30 | Only if you need one |
| Certificate of status (optional) | $5 | Only if a bank asks |
| Annual report | $138.75 | Every year, Jan 1 – May 1 |
| Late fee | +$400 | Filed after May 1 |
Why founders pick Florida
- No state income tax — a pass-through LLC’s profits aren’t taxed by Florida.
- Huge consumer market and a strong small-business ecosystem.
- Fast online filing — Sunbiz approvals typically take about a week.
- Straightforward compliance — one annual report, no franchise tax, no publication requirement.
Formation steps for non-residents
- Check your LLC name on Sunbiz (Florida Division of Corporations) — it must be distinguishable from existing entities and include an LLC designator.
- Appoint a registered agent with a physical Florida street address. You can’t serve as your own agent without one — most non-residents hire a professional service.
- File the Articles of Organization online via Sunbiz (~1 week approval; mail takes weeks). You’ll list the principal address, mailing address, registered agent, and managers/members.
- Create an operating agreement. Not required by Florida law, but strongly recommended — it defines ownership and profit splits.
- Get an EIN — free from the IRS; non-residents without an SSN/ITIN fax Form SS-4 (~4 business days).
- Open a US business bank account in the LLC’s name. Approval is each bank’s decision — bring stamped Articles and the EIN letter.
- Register for a sales tax permit with the Florida Department of Revenue if you’ll sell taxable goods or services. Registration is free.
The annual report trap
Your first annual report is due in the calendar year after formation — form in October 2026 and your first window is January 1 to May 1, 2027. The report simply confirms your addresses, agent, and managers. Three things to burn into memory: the fee is the same whether you file January 2 or April 30 — file early. The $400 late fee has no exceptions — illness, travel, and missed emails don’t waive it. Ignore it entirely and Florida administratively dissolves the LLC in late September. Reinstatement costs $100 plus every missed report.
Frequently asked questions
Do non-residents owe Florida tax? Florida has no state income tax. Federal tax obligations still apply depending on your situation.
Can I use a virtual address for my Florida LLC? For the principal address, yes — with a proper virtual address service. The registered agent, however, needs a physical Florida street address.
How fast is Sunbiz approval? About a week for online filings. Mailed filings take several weeks.
Does Florida require an operating agreement? No, but without one, Florida’s default LLC statutes govern disputes — a written agreement is cheap insurance.
Related:
- How Much Does It Cost to Form an LLC? (State-by-State Breakdown 2026)
- Where Is the Best State to Form an LLC?
- US Business Address for Non-Residents: What It Is and How to Get One
Epics Deals forms Florida LLCs for $130 + the $125 state fee, EIN free — for non-resident and US-resident founders.
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