How Much Does an LLC Cost in Florida? (2026 Cost Breakdown)
This article provides general information for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultation with a qualified attorney. Laws vary by state, and individualized guidance is recommended.
A Florida LLC is relatively inexpensive to form, but annual compliance costs and local requirements can add up. Here’s a complete breakdown of what you can expect to pay.
Disclaimer This article provides general information for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultation with a qualified attorney. Laws vary by state, and individualized guidance is recommended.
Starting a Florida LLC is relatively affordable, with a minimum state filing cost of $125. However, maintaining your business involves annual reporting fees and, depending on your location and business type, additional local licensing costs.
Understanding these expenses upfront can help you budget accurately and avoid costly penalties.
Florida LLC Formation Costs
Every Florida LLC pays the same state filing fees.
Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
Articles of Organization | $100 |
Registered Agent Designation | $25 |
Total State Filing Cost | $125 |
Articles of Organization
$100
Registered Agent Designation
$25
Total State Filing Cost
$125
Before filing, you can search your desired business name for free through the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz). A name reservation is also available if you aren’t ready to file immediately.
Annual Florida LLC Costs
After formation, every Florida LLC must file an Annual Report to remain active.
Annual Requirement | Cost |
|---|---|
Annual Report | $138.75 |
Late Filing Penalty | $400 |
Annual Report
$138.75
Late Filing Penalty
$400
The Annual Report is due between January 1 and May 1 each year.
Missing the deadline results in a mandatory $400 late fee, making timely filing one of the easiest ways to save money.
Local Business Costs
Some Florida businesses must obtain additional local licenses before operating.
These may include:
- Business Tax Receipt (BTR)
- Local occupational permits
- Industry-specific licenses
Costs vary by county or city and typically range from $25 to several hundred dollars.
Other Costs to Consider
Depending on your business, you may also encounter optional or one-time expenses.
Optional Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
Operating Agreement | Free–$650+ |
Name Reservation | $25 |
DBA (Fictitious Name) | $50 |
Certificate of Status | $5 |
Certified Copy of Articles | $30 |
EIN from the IRS | Free |
Operating Agreement
Free–$650+
Name Reservation
$25
DBA (Fictitious Name)
$50
Certificate of Status
$5
Certified Copy of Articles
$30
EIN from the IRS
Free
Many filing companies charge extra for services like obtaining an EIN, but you can request one directly from the IRS at no cost.
Estimated First-Year Cost
Business Type | Estimated First-Year Cost |
|---|---|
Basic Florida LLC | ~$125 |
LLC with local licenses | ~$150–$600+ |
LLC using legal or formation services | $300–$1,500+ |
Basic Florida LLC
~$125
LLC with local licenses
~$150–$600+
LLC using legal or formation services
$300–$1,500+
Actual costs depend on your business activities, location, and whether you purchase optional services.
Money-Saving Tip
If your business launch isn’t time-sensitive, forming your LLC late in the year may reduce your short-term compliance costs because Florida’s Annual Report schedule depends on your formation date. Review the current filing rules before choosing your formation date.
Final Thoughts
A Florida LLC is inexpensive to start, but the true cost extends beyond the initial $125 filing fee. Annual reports, local licensing requirements, and optional legal services should all be factored into your budget. Staying current with annual filings is one of the easiest ways to avoid unnecessary penalties and keep your business in good standing.
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