How to Start a Corporation in Florida
A Florida for-profit corporation is formed by filing Articles of Incorporation with Sunbiz. The mandatory state fee is $70: $35 for the Articles and $35 for registered-agent designation. Our filing service fee is separate from the state fee.
Last updated October 2026
Start your filingCorp USA is not a law firm and does not provide legal, tax, or accounting advice. We are a document filing service. Use of this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. For legal advice, consult a licensed attorney.
Step by step
Choose a corporate name
Search Sunbiz and use an accepted corporate designator. Check distinguishability before submitting; the Division determines whether the name is acceptable.
Prepare incorporator and share information
Gather principal and mailing addresses, incorporator details, authorized shares and the required officer or director information. Decide governance and ownership matters with legal advice where needed.
Appoint the registered agent
Provide a physical Florida registered office and the agent’s acceptance. The $35 designation charge is a state filing fee, separate from professional registered-agent service.
Submit Articles of Incorporation
File the Articles with Sunbiz. The mandatory state fee is $70: $35 for the Articles and $35 for registered-agent designation. Formation packages and optional documents are additional.
Keep bylaws, minutes and stock records
Organize approved Articles, bylaws, director decisions, meeting minutes and stock issuance records. Review EIN requirements with the IRS. Incorporation does not automatically create S-corporation tax status.
Calendar the annual report
Plan the first report for the calendar year after formation. The annual state fee is $150, payable January 1–May 1; after May 1 the $400 late fee applies. Keep addresses, officers and the registered agent current.
| Consideration | LLC | Corporation | PLLC |
|---|---|---|---|
| State formation fee | $125 | $70 | $125 |
| Federal taxes | Default: disregarded (one member) or partnership; elections if eligible | C corporation by default; S election if eligible | LLC tax rules; confirm your situation with a tax adviser |
| Liability | Limited liability; not absolute protection | Limited liability; not absolute protection | Does not remove professional malpractice responsibility |
| State annual report | $138.75 | $150 | $138.75 |
| Late fee after May 1 | $400 | $400 | $400 |
Formation bundles
Starter: $299
Corporate kit included; plus Florida state fee.
Choose StarterPro: $449
Corporate kit included; plus Florida state fee.
Choose ProComplete: $749
Corporate kit included; plus Florida state fee.
Choose CompleteCorp USA is not a law firm and does not provide legal, tax, or accounting advice. We are a document filing service. Use of this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. For legal advice, consult a licensed attorney.
Information for your Articles
Provide a corporate name, principal and mailing addresses, a Florida registered agent and acceptance, authorized shares, incorporator information and any required officer/director information. Incorporation does not automatically create S-corporation tax status.
Records and governance
Maintain bylaws, ownership and share records, meeting minutes and approved formation documents. Each formation bundle includes a corporate kit. Confirm the selected bundle’s exact deliverables at checkout; legal and tax decisions remain yours with professional advice.
State review and annual reports
Sunbiz processes filings in order received; state workload and corrections affect the timeline. For-profit corporation annual reports have a $150 state fee, due during January 1–May 1. A $400 late fee applies after May 1.
Frequently asked questions
What is the basic corporation state fee?
$70: $35 for Articles of Incorporation and $35 for registered-agent designation. Optional certificates and copies add costs.
Is an S-corp a different Florida entity?
No. S-corporation status is a federal tax election for an eligible entity, generally requested with IRS Form 2553.
What is the annual report fee?
The Florida state annual report fee for a for-profit corporation is $150; a $400 late fee applies after May 1.
Do the formation packages include state fees?
No. Starter $299, Pro $449 and Complete $749 each include a corporate kit; add the separate $70 corporation state fee.
Does incorporating make my business an S corporation?
No. A corporation has C-corporation federal tax treatment by default; an eligible entity may request S status with IRS Form 2553. Confirm eligibility and timing with a tax adviser.