Forming a limited liability company in the State of Florida means paying certain relevant fees, and it’s very crucial to know specific costs before registering your business. The cost to open an LLC in Florida simply refers to how much an individual would spend in fees just to form a limited liability company in the state of Florida.
Florida LLC fees are a key part of filing an LLC in the State of Florida. A limited liability company, also known as an LLC, is a flexible, tax-efficient, and less-liable way to start and run a business in Florida.
This business structure offers business owners the flexibility of partnerships and sole proprietorships, coupled with the legal protection and tax benefits of corporations. Note that members of an LLC can include individuals, corporations, and foreign entities. There isn’t a limit on the number of members an LLC can have.
Basic Cost of Opening an LLC in Florida
There are two types of Florida LLC fees. There is a fee to register the LLC with the state of Florida, and there are also annual fees. Most often, they include;
Florida LLC Filing Fee
Note that the primary expense to open an LLC is the $125 fee to file your LLC’s Articles of Organization online with the Florida Division of Corporations.
Processing Time
The default processing time for an LLC in Florida is around two and five business days; however, you can expedite the process to 24 hours for an additional $100.
Florida Annual Report Fee
Florida mandates LLCs to file an annual report with the Secretary of State. Note that you can submit this form via the Florida Department of State Sunbiz website and the fee is $138.75. Also, note that this annual report is always due on May 1.
Florida charges a $400 late fee for failure to file on time. Filing your annual report fee on time maintains your LLC’s good standing with the Florida state department.
Registered Agent Fee
Starting an LLC in Florida can be a tasking and daunting process. If you want to spend less time on paperwork and more time planning your business, you might choose to work with a Florida LLC service. These services take care of the registration process for you, so you don’t have to spend time on research, paperwork, and Filings.
There are numerous companies offering LLC formation services in the state of Florida, and it can be challenging to note the exact one that aligns with your needs. If you need to form a new business and get a registered agent, expect to spend around $39 to $125 + state fees.
Cost to Form a Foreign LLC in Florida
If you already have an LLC that is registered in another state and you want to expand your business into Florida, you will be expected to register your LLC as a foreign LLC in Florida. Note that the cost for this registration is $125. You can register a foreign LLC in Florida by filing an Application by a Foreign Limited Liability Company for Authorization to Transact Business in Florida.
Any Other Cost That May Be Incurred
After you must have set up your Florida LLC, have it in mind other fees and services might help make managing your business easier. They include;
Florida Certificate of Status
You will need a Certificate of Status as an LLC in the State of Florida. This document costs $5 and you can obtain one from the Florida Department of State website. You may need a COS to carry out business as a foreign (out-of-state) entity. A few other reasons you may need a COS include:
- Getting funding
- Getting business insurance
- Selling or transferring part of or all of the business
- Renewing licenses and permits
DBA Name in Florida
In the State of Florida, you may need to get a “doing business as” (DBA) name if you intend to do business under another name. In this state, a DBA is known as a “fictitious name” and it will have to be filed with the Department of State’s Division of Corporations for a fee of $50.
State Taxes
Florida is renowned as a tax-friendly state and is known not to impose a state income tax on LLCs. If your LLC has employees, you will be expected to pay state employment taxes. In addition, if you sell a product you may collect and pay a sales tax. The sales tax rate is 6% in Florida.
Obtaining Copies of Documentation
In some situations, it might be necessary to obtain official copies of documents of business filings. A good number of banks in the state might require a certified copy of your articles of organization. The certified copies cost $30.
Certificate of Conversion Fee
If you choose to convert your LLC to a corporation, the fee is $25, coupled with any applicable new entity filing fees.
Filing Amendments
Most amendments—for instance, a change to the articles of organization—cost $25.
Changing a Registered Agent
If you opt to change your registered agent, it will cost around $25.
Attorney Fees
If you have questions or issues that have to do with the LLC formation process, it is always advisable you do not take chances but rather reach out to a well-experienced attorney. Have in mind that they are not cheap, but they can offer certain crucial business advice, professional filing assistance, and peace of mind.
You might find attorneys that offer free consultations (usually 30-60 minutes) but will charge by the hour after that. On average, business attorneys are known to charge around $150-350 per hour. Some will offer a flat rate for setting up an LLC, which can range from $500 – $2,000, and will depend on the experience and location of the lawyer.
Business Domain Name & Website
Note that to brand your business you may want to obtain the domain name so nobody else can use it. You can for or even leverage GoDaddy to find a good one at just $4.99.
Intellectual Property
Also, note that you may want to file trade and service marks to protect your corporation’s intellectual property. According to experts, the costs of filing these forms include:
- Registering a Trade/Service Mark – $87.50 per class.
- Assigning a Trade/Service Mark – $50 per class.
- Renewing a Trade/Service Mark – $87.50 per class.
- Canceling a Trade/Service Mark – $50 per class.