Start a Business in Florida
To start a business in Florida, choose your structure, check the name and licensing requirements, and gather the information for your Sunbiz filing. State formation fees are $125 for an LLC or PLLC and $70 for a corporation; Corp USA packages start at $299 plus the state fee. Use these guides to compare your options and plan formation and ongoing compliance.
Last updated October 2026
Step by step
Choose your structure
Compare LLC, corporation and PLLC requirements. Discuss taxes and liability with advisers; for a PLLC, verify licenses and profession-specific rules before filing.
Prepare the Sunbiz filing
Check the name, addresses, authorized people and registered agent. Prepare the appropriate Articles and confirm the agent’s acceptance.
Separate service and state charges
Starter $299, Pro $449 and Complete $749 include a corporate kit, plus $125 in state fees for LLC/PLLC or $70 for a corporation. Registered-agent service is $49.99 first year, then $99/year.
Organize ongoing compliance
Keep approved documents, review EIN requirements and calendar the January 1–May 1 annual report. LLC/PLLC: $138.75; corporation: $150. A $400 late fee applies after May 1.
| 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.
Formation and tax treatment are separate decisions
An S-corporation election is a federal tax step, not another Florida entity. An EIN is free directly from the IRS. Consult a professional about licensing and tax obligations; we do not guarantee state approval or processing times.
Frequently asked questions
What is the state formation fee?
LLC and PLLC: $125. For-profit corporation: $70. State fees are separate from Corp USA formation packages.
When is the annual report due?
January 1–May 1, generally beginning in the calendar year after formation. LLC/PLLC: $138.75; corporation: $150. A $400 late fee applies after May 1.
Does formation include a professional license?
No. Professional licensing is separate; PLLC licenses and profession-specific entity rules must be verified before filing.