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Services by Valeria's Structured Guide to Forming a Business in Florida (2026)


This updated guide outlines steps to form a business in Florida, incorporating 2026 state regulations, including filing fees, annual report requirements, and local licenses under Florida Statutes (Chapters 605 for LLCs, 607 for corporations, 621 for professional entities). It covers common structures: sole proprietorship/DBA, LLC, corporation (C-Corp or S-Corp). LLCs remain most popular for flexibility and limited liability protection.

Step 1: Decide on Business Structure

Choose based on liability protection, taxes, complexity, and growth goals. Florida has no state income tax, amplifying federal tax differences.

  • DBA (Doing Business As or Fictitious Name/FBN): Not a separate entity; alternate name for sole proprietor/partnership. Zero personal liability protection. Register at local county (valid 5 years).

  • LLC (Limited Liability Company): Separate entity with liability shield, flexible management (members/managers), no required meetings. Formation cost: $125. Ideal for most small/medium businesses.

  • Corporation (C-Corp or S-Corp): Separate entity with full protection. Requires directors, officers, annual meetings, formal records. C-Corp: double taxation; S-Corp: pass-through (IRS Form 2553, LLC-eligible). Cost: $70. For large firms/investors.

  • Note for regulated professions (doctors, lawyers, etc.): Use Professional Corporation (PC) or PLLC under Chapter 621, Florida Statutes.[Original]

Structure

Liability Protection

Complexity

Initial Cost (FL)

Best For

DBA/Sole Prop

None

Low

Varies (county)

Low-risk businesses

LLC

Limited

Medium

$125

Flexible entrepreneurs

C-Corp

Limited

High

$70

Large companies/investors

S-Corp

Limited

High

$70 + IRS Form 2553

Tax savings with profits

Step 2: Choose a Business Name

  • Ensure unique, pronounceable, timeless.

  • Google search for initial conflicts.

  • Check trademarks at USPTO (variations, plurals, similar sounds).

  • Verify availability in Florida Division of Corporations database (sunbiz.org). Similar names rejected.[Original]

Step 3: Register the Business

File with Division of Corporations (dos.fl.gov/sunbiz).

For LLC:

  • Articles of Organization ($125).

  • Organizational meeting (even single-member).

  • Optional: S-Corp election (IRS Form 2553).

For Corporation:

  • Articles of Incorporation ($70).

  • Bylaws, initial meetings.

Registered agent required (Florida address).

Step 4: Obtain EIN (Federal Employer Identification Number)

Required for LLCs/corporations; recommended for DBA to avoid using SSN. Apply free at IRS.gov or Form SS-4.[Original]

Step 5: Open Business Bank Accounts

Separate personal finances. Need state registration docs, EIN, resolution signed by members/directors. Builds business credit for future loans.[Original]

Step 6: Obtain Licenses, Permits, and Business Tax Receipt (BTR)

  • Local BTR: Required by counties/cities (e.g., Orange, Miami-Dade). Authorizes operations; annual renewal.

  • State/federal licenses by industry (construction, food, etc.).

  • Federal Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report since 2024 (FinCEN).

Step 7: Annual and Ongoing Requirements (2026)

  • DBA: Renew every 5 years at county.[Original]

  • LLC: Annual Report (May 1), $139 fee. Late fee: $400.[Original]

  • Corporation: Annual Report (May 1), $125 fee. Late fee: $400.[Original]

  • Franchise Tax: Pay April, June, September, fiscal year-end (percentage of net income). Verify applicability.[Original]

Maintain records to preserve liability shield. Consult attorney/accountant for compliance.

 
 
 

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