How to Start a Business in Florida (Step by Step Guide)

Florida Business formationAre you thinking about starting your own business in Florida?  If so, you have come to the right place!

On this page, you can find step by step DIY instructions on how to incorporate your business in Florida. From selecting the business entity type to forms to be filled, we have covered it all.

Let’s get Started

The first step in setting up your business is to select the business structure.

Broadly there are 4 types of business entities:

  1. Limited Liability Company (Most Popular)
  2. Corporation
  3. Sole Proprietorship
  4. Partnership

Each business structure differs on the basis of taxation, asset liability and estate planning. We have written a detailed tutorial on how to choose a business entity type for your business here.

Below we have given a broad outline of the steps involved in registering an LLC or Corporation in Florida.

Clicking on each step, opens up a detailed guide on how to complete it.

How to start an LLC in Florida

Agency NameFlorida Department of State – Division of Corporations
Form(s) to be filledArticles of Organization
ModeMail or Online
Name ReservationNo Option
Filing Fee$125
TimeBy Mail: 3 weeks, Online: 3 days
LawFL Stat § 605.0201


Summary:

  1. Check for business name availability
  2. File for Business name reservation (Not Required)
  3. Select Registered Agent
  4. Fill the Articles of Organization Form (Form CR2E047)
  5. Create an Operating Agreement
  6. Get Federal EIN Number
  7. Complete Florida state tax application
  8. Obtain relevant licenses and permits
  9. File Florida Annual Report (Ongoing)

How to start a Corporation in Florida
Agency NameFlorida Department of State – Division of Corporations
Form(s) to be filledProfit Articles of Incorporation
ModeMail or Online
Name ReservationNo Option
Filing Fee$125
TimeBy Mail: 3 weeks, Online: 3 days
LawFL Stat § 607.0202 (2013)


Summary:

  1. Search for a Business Name
  2. File for Business Name Reservation
  3. Select Registered Agent
  4. Fill the Profit Articles of Incorporation form
  5. Create Bylaws
  6. Complete florida state tax application
  7. Obtain relevant licenses and permits
  8. File Florida Annual Report (Ongoing)


References:
http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0600-0699/0605/0605.html
https://law.justia.com/codes/florida/2013/title-xxxvi/chapter-607/

Fact-checked on 09/04/2018