How Much Does an LLC Cost in Florida?
Forming an LLC in Florida costs $125 total when filing directly with the state. This includes the $100 statutory filing fee plus a mandatory $25 registered agent designation fee. Florida keeps things straightforward with no additional publication requirements, no expedited processing options, and competitive ongoing costs.
Here’s the complete breakdown of what you’ll pay to start and maintain your Florida LLC, plus smart ways to handle the process.
Florida LLC Filing Fees Breakdown
Florida’s Division of Corporations through the Sunbiz portal handles all LLC filings. Here are the exact fees you’ll encounter:
Required Formation Fees
- Articles of Organization Filing Fee: $100 (statutory base fee)
- Registered Agent Designation Fee: $25 (mandatory for all filings)
- Total Required: $125
Key Point: Unlike many states, Florida charges the same $125 fee whether you file online through Sunbiz or submit paper documents by mail. The registered agent designation fee is not optional : every Florida LLC must pay this $25 fee as part of the filing process.
Optional Services and Fees
- Name Reservation: $25 (protects your name for 120 days)
- Expedited Processing: Not available (all filings processed in order received)
- Certificate of Good Standing: $5
- DBA (Doing Business As): $50
Ongoing Annual Costs
- Annual Report: $138.75 (due May 1st each year)
- Late Filing Penalty: Additional $400 (total becomes $538.75 if filed late)
Important: Florida’s annual report deadline is strict. Miss the May 1st deadline and you’ll face steep penalties that nearly quadruple your annual cost. Set a calendar reminder well in advance.
Other Fees You Might Encounter
- Amendment to Articles: $25
- Dissolution: $25
- Registered Agent Address Change: $25
- Foreign LLC Registration: $125 (same as domestic filing)
Source: Florida Division of Corporations, verified March 2026
Total First-Year Cost Analysis
Your first-year costs depend on how you handle formation and whether you need ongoing services. Here’s what to expect:
DIY Route (Minimum Cost)
- State filing fee: $125
- Operating Agreement: $0 (use our free template)
- EIN from IRS: $0 (apply directly at irs.gov)
- Registered Agent (self-serve): $0
- Annual Report (prorated): $138.75
Total DIY First Year: $263.75
Professional Service Route (Recommended)
- Service fee + state filing: $164 (Northwest Registered Agent at $39 + $125 state fee)
- Operating Agreement: Included
- EIN filing assistance: Included
- Registered Agent (first year): Included
- Annual Report: $138.75
Total Service First Year: $302.75
DIY Formation
- State filing fee: $100
- Name reservation: varies
- EIN from IRS: Free
- Registered agent: you (must be available during business hours)
- Operating agreement: write your own
You handle all paperwork, compliance tracking, and serve as your own registered agent.
With Northwest Registered Agent
- State filing fee: $100
- Formation service: $39
- Registered agent (1 year): Included free
- EIN filing: Included
- Privacy protection: Included
- Compliance reminders: Included
Professional filing, free registered agent, privacy protection, and compliance support.
Skip the paperwork and get expert help for just $39 more than filing alone. Form your Florida LLC →
Why Professional Formation Services Make Sense
While you can file your Florida LLC yourself for $125, most business owners find the extra cost of a professional service worthwhile. Here’s why:
Time Savings
Filing with the state requires navigating the Sunbiz portal, understanding Florida’s specific requirements, and ensuring all information is accurate. A service handles this in minutes while you focus on building your business.
Accuracy Protection
Mistakes on your Articles of Organization cost $25 to fix through an amendment filing. Professional services guarantee accuracy and handle any corrections at no extra charge.
Registered Agent Included
Florida requires every LLC to maintain a registered agent with a Florida street address. Professional services typically include the first year of registered agent service, which would otherwise cost $100-150 annually if purchased separately.
Registered Agent Requirement: Your registered agent must be available during business hours to receive legal documents. Using a professional service protects your privacy and ensures you never miss important notices.
Additional Support
Most services include operating agreement templates, EIN filing assistance, and ongoing support for questions about compliance and maintenance.
Comparing Formation Services
Several reputable companies offer Florida LLC formation. Here’s how the leading options compare:
Premium Options
Northwest Registered Agent stands out with same-day filing, excellent customer service, and transparent pricing at $39 plus state fees. Their focus on registered agent services means they understand compliance requirements better than generalist providers.
Budget-Friendly Services
ZenBusiness offers free formation (you pay only state fees) with their Starter plan, though processing takes 2-3 weeks. Bizee provides free formation with next-business-day processing.
LegalZoom includes free formation in their Basic plan with 7-10 business day processing. Inc Authority offers 3-5 business day turnaround at no extra charge.
Specialized Services
Tailor Brands combines LLC formation with logo design and branding tools. Rocket Lawyer includes formation with their Premium membership, which provides ongoing legal document access.
All legitimate services charge the same $125 in state fees. The difference lies in processing speed, included services, and ongoing support quality.
Understanding Florida’s Payment Methods
The Florida Division of Corporations accepts several payment options for your LLC filing:
- Credit and debit cards: Most convenient for online filing through Sunbiz
- Prepaid Sunbiz account: Pre-fund your account for faster processing
- Checks: Required for paper filings submitted by mail
Professional formation services handle payment processing and typically accept all major credit cards, making the transaction seamless.
Additional Business Setup Costs
Beyond formation fees, consider these essential business expenses:
Business Banking
Your LLC needs a separate business bank account to maintain liability protection. Most banks require your Articles of Organization and EIN to open an account.
Look for accounts with no monthly maintenance fees and unlimited transactions. Many business owners choose online banks for better rates and lower fees.
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Business Insurance
While Florida doesn’t require LLC insurance, protecting your business with general liability coverage makes financial sense. Most policies cost $200-400 annually for basic coverage.
Get an instant quote for business insurance. Check Next Insurance rates in minutes →
Accounting and Bookkeeping
Even single-member LLCs need proper financial record keeping for tax purposes and business management. Accounting software typically costs $10-30 monthly but saves significant time and stress.
Simplify your LLC bookkeeping from day one. Try FreshBooks free for 30 days →
Florida LLC Name Requirements and Costs
Your LLC name must include “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C.” and be distinguishable from existing Florida entities. The state’s name search is free through the Sunbiz website.
If you want to secure a specific name before filing, Florida offers name reservation for $25. This protects your chosen name for 120 days, giving you time to prepare your formation documents.
For detailed guidance on choosing and checking your LLC name, see our Florida LLC name search guide.
Processing Times and Effective Dates
Florida processes LLC filings in the order they’re received, with no expedited processing available. Most online filings are processed within 1-2 business days, though this can extend during busy periods.
You can set an effective date up to 5 days in the past or 90 days in the future. This flexibility helps with business planning and coordination with other formation activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my registered agent after filing?
Yes, you can change your registered agent anytime by filing an amendment with a $25 fee. If you use a professional registered agent service, they typically handle this process for you at no additional charge.
What happens if I miss the annual report deadline?
Florida imposes a $400 late penalty if you file your annual report after May 1st. Your LLC remains in good standing but faces additional costs. Missing multiple years can lead to administrative dissolution.
Do I need to publish my LLC formation in a newspaper?
No, Florida doesn’t require publication of your LLC formation in local newspapers. This saves you the $100-300 publication fees required in states like New York.
Can foreign LLCs register to do business in Florida?
Yes, LLCs formed in other states can register to do business in Florida by filing for foreign LLC registration. The fee is $125, the same as domestic LLC formation.
Is the EIN application really free?
Yes, applying for your Employer Identification Number (EIN) directly with the IRS is always free at irs.gov. Avoid third-party websites that charge $50-200 for this free service.
Getting Started with Your Florida LLC
Florida’s straightforward LLC formation process and competitive costs make it attractive for entrepreneurs. The state’s business-friendly environment, combined with no state income tax on LLCs, creates excellent conditions for business growth.
Whether you file yourself or use a professional service, focus on getting started rather than perfect planning. You can always amend your Articles of Organization later for just $25 if needed.
For comprehensive formation guidance beyond just costs, check our complete Florida LLC formation guide. You’ll also want to understand Florida LLC tax requirements and registered agent options as you plan your business structure.
Ready to form your Florida LLC today? Get started with Northwest Registered Agent for $39 →
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Filing fees and requirements change : always confirm current fees with your state’s Secretary of State office.