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LLC Formation in Florida: Cost, Steps & How to File

In Florida, form an LLC is straightforward once you know the sequence. Costs range from $50 to about $500, timelines run from 1 days to roughly 20 days depending on your specific situation. Here's the Florida-specific walkthrough.

Typical cost
$50–$500
Timeline
1–20 days
Renewal
Annual or biennial report
Who needs it
anyone starting a business as a legal entity

Steps to form an LLC in Florida

  1. Step 1: Choose a unique business name and confirm it's available with the Secretary of State
  2. Step 2: Designate a registered agent with a physical in-state address
  3. Step 3: File Articles of Organization (paper or online) with the Secretary of State
  4. Step 4: Pay the state filing fee
  5. Step 5: Get an EIN from the IRS (free, online, immediate)
  6. Step 6: Open a business bank account with the EIN and filed articles
  7. Step 7: Draft an operating agreement (recommended, not required in most states)

Required documents

Where to file in Florida

Heads up: The state fee is the floor. Third-party filing services will offer to handle this for you at 2-10× the state cost. If your setup is simple, filing yourself through the Florida portal is straightforward; if it's not (foreign qualification, complex ownership, non-US members), the extra service cost is often justified.

Related permits in Florida

Business License in FloridaSales Tax Registration in FloridaEmployer Registration in FloridaDBA Filing in Florida

Frequently asked questions

How much does a llc formation cost in Florida?

Typical cost ranges from $50–$500. The exact fee depends on your specific business type, city, and any expedited processing you choose.

How long does it take to get a llc formation in Florida?

Most Florida applications complete in 1–20 days. Same-day or next-day processing is often available for an added fee at the state level.

Do I need a llc formation if I'm just starting a home business in Florida?

In most cases, yes — even home-based businesses in Florida are subject to the same state filing rules. Local rules (city and county) may add a home occupation permit on top.

This page reflects general Florida filing rules as of 2026. Fees and processing times change; verify the current amounts with the linked state agency before filing.