How to Start a Florida LLC in 2026: Costs, Fees & Annual Report

1. Why Form Your LLC in Florida?

Florida is one of the most popular states for LLC formation, particularly for entrepreneurs in the Southeast. Key advantages include:

• No state income tax — Florida has no personal income tax, so LLC members pay no Florida tax on their profits
• Large economy — Florida is the fourth-largest US economy, with strong growth in tech, real estate, and tourism
• Low formation cost — $125 to file Articles of Organization online at Sunbiz.org
• Simple online system — Sunbiz.org is one of the best state filing portals in the country
• No state corporate income tax on LLCs — Florida's 5.5% corporate income tax applies only to C-corporations
• Straightforward annual compliance — One annual report due May 1 each year

2. Florida LLC Requirements

• Choose a unique name containing "Limited Liability Company," "L.L.C.," or "LLC"
• Name must be distinguishable from other Florida entities (check Sunbiz.org)
• Appoint a registered agent with a physical Florida street address (not a PO Box)
• File Articles of Organization with the Florida Division of Corporations ($125)
• File an annual report by May 1 each year ($138.75)
• Maintain a registered agent at a Florida physical address at all times
• No operating agreement required by law (but strongly recommended)

3. Florida LLC Costs and Fees (2026)

4. How to Start a Florida LLC (Step by Step)

1. 1 Choose your LLC name (must include "Limited Liability Company," "L.L.C.," or "LLC")
2. 2 Appoint a registered agent with a Florida physical or street address
3. 3 File Articles of Organization with the Florida Division of Corporations online at Sunbiz.org ($125)
4. 4 Obtain an EIN from the IRS (free at IRS.gov)
5. 5 Draft an Operating Agreement (not required by Florida law but strongly recommended)
6. 6 Obtain any required local business licenses or permits
7. 7 File annual report by May 1 each year ($138.75)
8. 8 Open a business bank account and keep finances separate

5. Florida LLC Annual Report

Florida LLCs must file an annual report with the Division of Corporations by May 1 each year. The annual report:

• Costs $138.75 (online filing at Sunbiz.org)
• Confirms or updates your registered agent, principal address, and member/manager information
• Is publicly searchable — member and manager names and addresses become public record
• Results in a $400 late penalty if filed after May 1
• Can result in administrative dissolution if not filed within a certain period

6. Florida LLC Taxes

Here is the complete Florida LLC tax picture for 2026:

• Florida personal income tax — None. Florida has no state personal income tax.
• Federal income tax — Pass-through to members' personal returns (Schedule C for single-member)
• Self-employment tax — 15.3% on net earnings up to the Social Security wage base
• Florida corporate income tax — 5.5% — does NOT apply to LLCs (only C-corporations)
• Florida sales tax — 6% state rate plus local surtax (up to 2.5%) on taxable sales of goods and services in Florida
• Documentary Stamp Tax — Applies to real estate transactions and certain documents in Florida

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