Friday, August 21, 2026
CORPORATE LAW & FORMATION • FLORIDA

How to Form an LLC in Florida (2026 Guide): Statutory Fees, Taxes & Non-Resident Setup

An exhaustive legal and financial breakdown of Secretary of State filing requirements, registered agent mandates, annual franchise taxes, and international founder onboarding.

Florida LLC Formation & Statutory Registry
Florida Corporate Portal
Verified Bureau Report
Department of State Corporate Division (2026)

Florida LLC Formation & Statutory Registry

Official State Filing Fee
$125
Above: Miami financial district and coastal commerce hub in Florida.Photo: Florida Sunbiz Division
Initial State Filing Fee
$125
One-Time Secretary of State Fee
Annual Report / Franchise Tax
$138.75
Mandatory Ongoing Cost
Approval Turnaround
3-5 Business Days
Expedited Service Available
Ownership Privacy Rating
Low
Public Record Status
Guide for UK, European & International Founders (Non-US Residents):

You do NOT need a US Social Security Number (SSN), Green Card, or US physical address to form an LLC in Florida. Non-residents can legally register the entity, obtain an IRS EIN via Form SS-4 fax, and unlock US Stripe payments and Mercury Business Banking 100% remotely.

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6-Step Checklist to Register Your Florida LLC (2026)

1

Choose a Unique Name for Your Florida LLC

Your entity name must include 'Limited Liability Company', 'LLC', or 'L.L.C.' and cannot conflict with existing active corporations in the Florida Secretary of State database.

Requirement: Name Availability Search via Secretary of State Portal
2

Appoint a Registered Agent (US Street Address)

You must designate a registered agent with a physical street address in Florida to receive service of process and official legal correspondence during standard business hours. Non-resident and international founders can use a commercial registered agent service for ~$49/year.

Requirement: Physical In-State Address Required
3

File the Florida Articles of Organization

Submit the Articles of Organization (or Certificate of Formation) online to the Secretary of State along with the statutory $125 state filing fee.

Requirement: $125 Mandatory Filing Fee
4

Draft an Operating Agreement

An internal legal document establishing ownership percentages, member voting rights, profit distributions, and liability provisions. While not filed with the state, banks require this to open accounts.

Requirement: Internal Corporate Document
5

Obtain a Federal EIN from the IRS (Even Without SSN)

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is required for federal tax reporting, hiring, and opening a US business bank account. US residents can apply online in 15 minutes; non-US/UK residents can obtain an EIN via Form SS-4 fax submission without an SSN or ITIN.

Requirement: Free from IRS.gov / Form SS-4
6

Open a US Business Bank Account & File FinCEN BOI

Set up a dedicated US business bank account (e.g. Mercury Bank, Relay, or Chase) and submit your mandatory Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report to FinCEN within statutory deadlines.

Requirement: Federal Compliance Mandate

Frequently Asked Questions About Starting an LLC in Florida

Yes. You do not need to be a US citizen, have a green card, or possess a Social Security Number (SSN) to form an LLC in Florida. Non-residents frequently form LLCs in Delaware or Wyoming to access US payment processors like Stripe and open accounts with Mercury or Wise.