How to Form a Florida LLC From Any State

Short answer: Diler Services forms Florida limited liability companies for business owners in every state. The company must file Articles of Organization with the Florida Department of State, pay the required state fee, and continuously maintain a registered agent with a physical address in Florida.

This guide sets out the process Diler Services follows for clients nationwide. It is general information, not legal or tax advice. Owners with questions about liability, taxation or the right entity type should consult a licensed attorney or CPA.

Why do owners in other states choose a Florida LLC?

Owners choose Florida for many practical reasons. Some plan to do business in Florida, own property in the state, or intend to relocate. Others prefer the clear online filing system operated by the Division of Corporations through Sunbiz. Whatever the reason, the decision about where to form a company depends on each owner’s circumstances, and a professional advisor can explain the tax and legal consequences for a specific situation.

It is also important to understand that an LLC formed in Florida may need to register separately in another state where it actually transacts business. That question is state specific and is best reviewed with an attorney.

What does Florida require to form an LLC?

Florida requires the following core items for a new LLC:

• A distinguishable company name that includes “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC” or “L.L.C.” The name must be distinguishable from other names on record with the Division of Corporations.
• Articles of Organization filed with the Florida Department of State.
• A registered agent and registered office in Florida. Under section 605.0113 of the Florida Statutes, every LLC must designate and continuously maintain a registered office and a registered agent in the state.
• The required state fee. The Florida Department of State lists a $100 filing fee and a $25 registered agent designation fee, for a required total of $125.

The Department also offers optional items, such as a certified copy of the Articles of Organization and a certificate of status, each for an additional fee.

How does the registered agent rule work for out-of-state owners?

The registered agent requirement is the main practical step for an owner who does not live in Florida. The agent must be either an individual who resides in Florida or an authorized business entity, and its business address must be the same as the registered office address in Florida.

The registered agent receives legal process, notices and official demands on behalf of the company and forwards them to the company. A company that relies on a home address in another state cannot use that address for this purpose. For that reason, most out-of-state owners appoint a commercial registered agent. Diler Services provides registered agent service for $119 per year, with same-day mail forwarding.

A more detailed explanation is available in our guide, What a Florida Registered Agent Does and Why You Need One.

What are the steps to form a Florida LLC?

The process follows a clear sequence.

1. Confirm the name

The owner selects a name and checks the Sunbiz records to confirm that it is distinguishable from existing entities. A name that is too similar to an existing name may cause the state to reject the filing.

2. Appoint a registered agent

The owner appoints a registered agent with a Florida address. The agent must accept the appointment in writing as part of the filing.

3. Prepare and file the Articles of Organization

The Articles of Organization identify the company name, the principal office and mailing addresses, the registered agent and registered office, and the persons authorized to manage the company. The filing is submitted to the Division of Corporations with the state fee.

4. Receive the state confirmation

For online filings, the Division of Corporations emails a confirmation once the document is examined and approved. The confirmation includes the company name, document number and filed date.

5. Obtain an EIN

After the state approves the LLC, the owner may apply for an Employer Identification Number. The IRS advises forming the entity with the state before applying, and it issues EINs free of charge. Diler Services offers EIN filing as a convenience service for $89 for owners who prefer to have the application prepared and submitted for them.

6. Keep the company active

Every Florida LLC must file an annual report each year to remain active. The report is due between January 1 and May 1. Our guide on the Florida annual report covers the deadline and fees in detail.

How much does it cost to form a Florida LLC with Diler Services?

Diler Services publishes flat, complete pricing:

• LLC formation: $99 service fee, plus the $125 Florida state fee passed through at cost.
• EIN filing: $89.
• Starter Bundle: $374 for LLC formation, the state fee, EIN filing and the first year of registered agent service together.
• Registered agent: $119 per year.

Diler Services submits each filing within 1 business day of receiving complete information. If it does not, the $99 service fee is refunded. If the state rejects the company name, Diler Services refiles at no additional service fee. Full terms appear in the Refund Policy.

What information should an owner prepare before ordering?

An owner can speed up the process by preparing the following in advance:

• Two or three name options, in order of preference.
• The principal office address and the mailing address for the company. These may be outside Florida.
• The names and addresses of the members or managers who will be listed.
• A contact email address for the state confirmation.
• For EIN filing, the responsible party’s information, which the IRS requires on the application.

What happens after the LLC is approved?

Once the company is active, the owner typically opens a business bank account, obtains any local licenses required for the business activity, and sets a reminder for the annual report. Diler Services can assist with later filings, including amendments, DBA registrations and reinstatements, each at a published flat service fee plus the state fee at cost.

Ready to begin?

Diler Services prepares and files Florida LLCs for owners in every state, with clear pricing and submission within 1 business day of complete information. To start, use the order form and select LLC Formation.

Start your LLC

Diler Services LLC is not a law firm and does not give legal or tax advice.