Florida LLC Formation – How to Start a Florida LLC in 2025 (Step-by-Step Guide)

Last Updated on 4 weeks by Edidiong Jesus

Starting an LLC in Florida in 2025 is a smart move for entrepreneurs looking to enjoy tax benefits, legal protections, and business flexibility. Whether you’re a resident or an international entrepreneur, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire process.

You have two ways to form your Florida LLC:

1. DIY (Do It Yourself) – This method is cheaper but requires time and effort.
2. Using a Formation Service like Bizee – This saves time, prevents costly mistakes, and gets your LLC registered faster.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of both approaches and can decide which is best for you.

Step 1: Choose Your LLC Name

Choosing the right name for your LLC is crucial because name issues are a top reason for LLC filing rejections in Florida.

Florida LLC Naming Rules

• Your business name must include “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C.” at the end.
• It must be unique and not be similar to existing businesses registered in Florida.
• You cannot use words that imply a government agency, such as “FBI,” “Treasury,” or “State Department.”
• Avoid misleading words that suggest your business is a bank, insurance company, or a non-profit if it’s not.

Additional Naming Tips

• Reserve Your Name – While not required, reserving your LLC name with the Florida Department of State can ensure it’s available when you’re ready to file.
• Check Trademarks – Conduct a trademark search at USPTO.gov to ensure your business name is not already trademarked.
• Consider Branding – A great LLC name should be easy to remember, spell, and reflect your business values.

Check Name Availability

Visit Sunbiz.org to search for existing business names. If your desired name is available, secure your domain name to protect your online presence.

A pro tip: Even if you’re not planning to build a website immediately, purchasing your domain name can prevent others from taking it. Websites like Namecheap or GoDaddy can help you secure it for a low cost.

Zenithtechs Recommends: ZenBusiness LLC Review 2025: My Honest Personal Experience (Not Sponsored)

Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent

A Registered Agent is someone who receives legal documents on behalf of your business.

Requirements for a Florida Registered Agent

• Must have a physical address in Florida (P.O. boxes are not allowed).
• Can be you, a friend, or a professional service.
• Their name and address become public record.

If privacy is a concern, hiring a registered agent service is a smart choice. Bizee offers free registered agent service for the first year when you form your LLC through them.

Step 3: File Your Articles of Organization

This is the official document that legally creates your Florida LLC.

How to File

• Go to the Florida Department of State’s website.
• Fill out the Articles of Organization form (Form CR2E047).
• Pay the $125 state filing fee.
• Choose between online filing (2-5 business days) or mail filing (12+ business days).

Once approved, you’ll receive:

• Stamped Articles of Organization
• An Acknowledgment Letter

Your LLC is now officially registered! But there are a few more steps left to complete.

Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement

An Operating Agreement is an internal document that outlines ownership and management rules. Although Florida doesn’t require one, it’s highly recommended, especially for multi-member LLCs.

Why You Need an Operating Agreement

• Prevents member disputes.
• Helps maintain your limited liability protection.
• Some banks require it to open a business account.

You can create one yourself or use a free template provided by business formation services like Bizee.

Zenithtechs Recommends: How to Legally Form an LLC in the U.S. – Avoid Costly Mistakes!

Step 5: Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number)

An EIN (Tax ID) is required for:

• Opening a business bank account.
• Hiring employees.
• Filing business taxes.

How to Get an EIN for Free

• Apply online through the IRS website (takes 10 minutes).
• Mail Form SS-4 (takes 4+ weeks).
• If you’re international, you can apply by phone.

Pro Tip: Never pay for an EIN—it’s 100% free from the IRS.

Step 6: File the Florida LLC Annual Report

Every Florida LLC must file an Annual Report to stay active.

Important Details

• Fee: $138.75 (due by May 1st every year)
• Late fee: $400 if filed after May 1st
• Where to file: Online at Sunbiz.org

Failure to file will result in your LLC being dissolved by the state.

Additional Steps After Forming Your Florida LLC

Open a Business Bank Account

Keeping your personal and business finances separate protects your liability status and makes bookkeeping easier.

Get Business Insurance

Depending on your industry, you may need general liability insurance or workers’ compensation coverage.

Obtain Business Licenses & Permits

Certain businesses need local, state, or federal licenses. Check with the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation to see what’s required for your industry.

Register for Florida Taxes (If Required)

• Sales Tax (if selling taxable goods/services)
• Reemployment Tax (if hiring employees)

DIY vs. Using a Business Formation Service

If you decide to go the DIY route, be prepared for paperwork, potential mistakes, and no customer support.

My Personal Experience

Over the years, I have set up several LLCs for my business. I can still remember when I used the DIY approach to file my LLC to save costs. 

The process was stressful—I had to figure everything out on my own. One major frustration was finding a registered agent because I didn’t want my address to be public record and risk having an angry customer knocking on my door.

Eventually, I had to hire a lawyer to help me draft the Articles of Organization because I couldn’t just use any template online. I was terrified that my LLC application would be rejected over a minor mistake. It was frustrating knowing that no customer support could guide me through the process.

Compare that to using a formation agent like Bizee, which handled everything for me. The surprising part? Both approaches still require paying state filing fees directly to the government. If you love doing things yourself, this guide will help you.

 But if you prefer avoiding stress, costly mistakes, and delays, I highly recommend using a formation agent.

Even for non-U.S. residents, using a formation service is a viable option unless you have a relative permanently living in the U.S. 

From my experience, using an agent saves a significant amount of time, ensures no mistakes, speeds up filing, and provides much-needed support throughout the process.

Zenithtechs Recommends: Texas LLC Formation – How to Form an LLC in Texas Without Hassle

The Easiest Way to Start Your Florida LLC: Bizee

If you want a hassle-free LLC formation, Bizee is the best option.

Here’s Why:

✅ Free Registered Agent for 1 Year (saves $100+ per year) 

✅ $0 LLC Formation (just pay the state fee) 

✅ Fast Filing & Order Tracking 

✅ Free Business Tax Consultation 

✅ Unlimited Customer Support

I’ve partnered with Bizee to offer you an exclusive deal—you’ll save $250+ when you sign up through my special link.

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Conclusion

Starting a Florida LLC in 2025 is easier than ever when you follow the right steps. Whether you DIY or let Bizee handle everything for you, the key is to take action today.

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