What is the total cost to form an LLC in Florida?

The minimum cost to form a Florida LLC is $125 for the Articles of Organization. If you use a registered agent service ($50-$200/year) and have an operating agreement drafted, expect first-year costs of $175-$400. Annual costs thereafter are approximately $139 for the annual report plus any registered agent fees.

Does Florida have a franchise tax for LLCs?

No, Florida does not impose a franchise tax on LLCs. The primary recurring cost is the $138.75 annual report fee. LLCs taxed as pass-through entities avoid corporate income tax, and Florida has no state individual income tax, making it very tax-friendly.

When is the Florida LLC annual report due?

The annual report is due by May 1 each year. The filing must be completed online through Sunbiz.org. If you miss the deadline, a $400 late fee is added to the $138.75 report fee, making the total $538.75.

What happens if I file my Florida annual report late?

Filing after May 1 triggers a $400 late penalty, bringing the total to $538.75. If you don't file by the third Friday of September, your LLC will be administratively dissolved. You can reinstate, but it requires additional fees and paperwork.

Do Florida LLCs pay state income tax?

Florida has no state individual income tax, so LLC members don't pay Florida income tax on their pass-through income. If the LLC is taxed as a C-corporation, it pays 5.5% corporate income tax on Florida-source income.

Is Florida a good state to form an LLC?

Florida is excellent for LLC formation due to its lack of state income tax, reasonable fees, and business-friendly environment. The $400 late fee requires attention to deadlines, but overall costs are moderate compared to states like California ($800 franchise tax) or New York (publication requirement).

Florida LLC Taxes & Fees 2026: Complete Cost Guide

Item	Cost/Details	Notes
Articles of Organization	$125	One-time formation fee
Annual Report	$138.75	Due May 1 each year
Late Filing Penalty	$400	If not filed by May 1
Registered Agent	$0-$200/year	Free if you self-serve
Foreign LLC Registration	$125	For out-of-state LLCs
Certified Copy	$30	Per document

Formation Costs

Forming an LLC in Florida requires filing Articles of Organization with the Florida Division of Corporations. Here are all the formation costs you should expect:

Required Fees

Filing	Cost	Notes
Articles of Organization	$125	Required, one-time
Registered Agent Designation	$0	Included in Articles
Name Reservation (optional)	$25	Holds name 120 days

Processing Times

Florida offers fast processing through its Sunbiz online system:

Online filing: 2-3 business days
Mail filing: 2-3 weeks
Expedited (24-hour): Additional $50
Same-day processing: Additional $100

Tip: Online filing through Sunbiz.org is the fastest and most convenient option. The system is user-friendly and provides immediate confirmation of your filing.

Annual Fees and Reports

Every Florida LLC must file an annual report with the Division of Corporations. This is your most significant recurring compliance requirement.

Annual Report Details

Filing fee: $138.75
Due date: May 1 each year
Filing method: Online through Sunbiz.org (required)
Late fee: $400 if filed after May 1

What's Included in the Annual Report

The annual report updates your LLC's information with the state:

Principal place of business address
Mailing address
Registered agent name and address
Names and addresses of managers/members
Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)

Critical Deadline: Florida's $400 late fee is one of the highest in the nation. Mark May 1 on your calendar and file early. The annual report window opens January 1 each year.

Florida LLC Taxes

Florida is one of the most tax-friendly states for LLCs. Here's what you need to know about Florida LLC taxation:

No State Income Tax for Individuals

Florida Has No State Individual Income Tax

This is Florida's biggest tax advantage. LLC members don't pay state income tax on their share of LLC profits. Single-member LLCs and multi-member LLCs taxed as partnerships pass income through to members, who pay only federal income tax on this income.

Corporate Income Tax (If Applicable)

If your LLC elects to be taxed as a C-corporation:

Rate: 5.5% on Florida-source income
Exemption: First $50,000 of income is exempt
Filing: Florida Corporate Income Tax Return (Form F-1120)

No Franchise Tax

Unlike California ($800/year) or other states, Florida does not impose a franchise tax on LLCs. Your only required state fee is the annual report.

Sales Tax

If your LLC sells taxable goods or services in Florida:

State sales tax: 6%
Local surtax: Up to 2% additional (varies by county)
Combined rate: 6% to 8% depending on location
Must register with Florida Department of Revenue

Other Business Costs

Registered Agent Costs

Option	Annual Cost	Best For
Serve as your own agent	$0	FL residents available during business hours
Basic agent service	$50-$99	Privacy protection
Full-service agent	$100-$200	Compliance alerts included

Optional But Recommended

Operating Agreement: $0-$500 (free templates available, attorney-drafted costs more)
EIN (Federal Tax ID): $0 (free from IRS)
Business Bank Account: $0-$25/month (varies by bank)
Business License: Varies by county and business type
DBA/Fictitious Name: $50 (if operating under different name)

Total Cost Breakdown

First Year Costs

Expense	Minimum	Typical
Articles of Organization	$125	$125
Registered Agent	$0	$100
Operating Agreement	$0	$0-$200
First Year Total	$125	$225-$425

Annual Ongoing Costs

Expense	Minimum	Typical
Annual Report	$138.75	$138.75
Registered Agent	$0	$100
Annual Total	$138.75	$238.75

Cost-Saving Tips

1. File Online

Always file through Sunbiz.org. It's faster, provides instant confirmation, and the Division of Corporations prefers electronic filings.

2. Never Miss the May 1 Deadline

The $400 late fee is almost three times the annual report fee. Set multiple reminders starting in January and file as early as possible.

3. Be Your Own Registered Agent (If Appropriate)

If you're a Florida resident with a physical address and consistent availability during business hours, serving as your own agent saves $50-$200/year.

4. Use Free Resources

Get your EIN free from the IRS website
Use free operating agreement templates (customize to your needs)
File your own annual report (it's straightforward online)

Bottom Line: Florida is one of the most affordable states for LLC ownership. With no state income tax, no franchise tax, and moderate fees, a Florida LLC can be maintained for under $150/year if you handle basic tasks yourself.

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