Start a Business in Florida
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LLC, C-Corp, or S-Corp?
Choose which one is right for you.
Limiting Your Liability
Do you need liability insurance, limited liability protection, or both?
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This guide on starting your business in Florida provides step-by-step instructions on the paperwork to file formation documents, obtain tax IDs, and set up company records.
Step-By-Step Startup
Below is an overview of the paperwork, cost, and time to form each of the most popular business structures. Simply click on the link for your desired structure to view detailed step-by-step instructions.
- If you have not decided whether you want to form an LLC, corporation, or other business structure, click here.
- If wish to form your business in a different state than Florida, click here.
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Florida Limited Liability Company Click for step-by-step instructions |
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Florida Corporation Click for step-by-step instructions |
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Florida Nonprofit Click for step-by-step instructions |
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Top 5 Tips on Registering a Business in Florida
- The Florida Department of State branded their online filing tool "Sunbiz". You can file your formation documents through Sunbiz and you'll file your annual reports through Sunbiz.
- You can save time by filing online. If you file by mail, you'll wait for a response for ~8-17 days. If you file online, you'll get a response in ~1-3 days.
- Be sure to include a corporate suffix in your business name such as "corporation", or "llc". Florida accepts a short list of suffixes, which we will explain later.
- Registering for Florida business tax accounts is a relatively friendly process compared to other states. Florida offers a consolidated state tax registration application (Form DR-1) and they provide instruction in a start-up kit for new business owners.
- Finally, be wary of corporate filing scams in Florida. You need to file an annual report with the Florida Department of State through Sunbiz.org. You may receive other notices from scam companies attempting to intervene in this filing process or sell you other services. The government has issued public warnings because these notices appear official and they get many calls asking if they are real.
