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How to Start a Single-Member LLC in Florida

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Last updated February 17, 2023

Written by Dmytro Kondratiev

Editor, lawyer

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If you're a small business owner thinking about starting a single-member LLC in Florida, you're in the right place. This article will help you learn everything you need to know about the formation process and all the benefits of running a limited liability company in the state.

Some of the most vivid advantages of a Florida single-member LLC are affordable filing fees, the straightforward formation process, the ability to improve the credibility of your business, and flexible ownership options.

How to get a single-member LLC in Florida? Creating an SMLLC in Florida is easy - simply follow these next 5 steps:

Choose a name for your Florida SMLLC;
Appoint a registered agent in Florida;
File the Florida Articles of Organization;
Prepare a Florida SMLLC Operating Agreement;
Obtain an EIN for your Florida single-member LLC.

Alternatively, to open a single-member LLC in Florida even easier, you can outsource your Florida single-member registration process to a professional business formation service:

How to Form an LLC in Florida: Step-by-Step Instructions

A single-member LLC (SMLLC) is a limited liability company with one owner. The difference from regular LLCs lies in that SMLLCs are taxed in a different way by default. Plus, they also usually have fewer liability protections.

However, a Florida SMLLC is still a reliable business structure that guarantees strong personal asset protection for business owners. Plus, you will also be shielded from most legal claims against your business.

Now let’s find out how to apply for a single-member LLC in Florida.

Step 1: Name Your Single-Member LLC

Before you get to your Florida single-member LLC registration, keep in mind that your SMLLC name must be unique and distinguishable from other names of existing businesses in the state.

When creating a single-member LLC in Florida, to make sure your chosen business name is available and not in use, you can visit the Division of Corporation page (Search Records) on the Secretary of State's website.

That's where you can perform a business entity search and see which names are already taken.

When choosing a name and starting a single-member LLC in Florida, consider the following aspects:

Your entity signifier must be part of your official company name;
The name must include one of the following abbreviations: "LLC," "LC," "L.L.C.," or the words "Limited Liability Company".

While forming a single-member LLC in Florida, keep in mind that some states allow you to reserve your chosen business name for a limited period of time (usually, up to 120 days). However, that's not the case with Florida.

Step 2: Appoint a Registered Agent to Get a Single-Member LLC in Florida

Each SMLLC operating in Florida must designate and maintain a registered agent (RA).

An RA is an official link between the company and the state. This can be a Florida resident or commercial entity that will receive all important legal/tax documents (including services of process, if any) on behalf of your company and forward them to you in a timely manner.

The RA must also timely notify you about all deadlines/business events related to your company. Additionally, the agent must constantly be available at the office (indicated in your Articles of Organization) during normal business hours.

In fact, when deciding on your RA, you can choose from the following options:

Be your own RA for the SMLLC (if you have enough time and skills to handle paperwork);
Appoint any adult person you trust for the job (must be over 18 and have a physical address in Florida);
Hire a professional RA service for the job. This can be an out-of-state business formation company or a registered agent service authorized to do business in Florida.

Below you will find 3 more steps on how to register a single-member LLC in Florida.

Step 3: File Your Single-Member LLC Articles of Organization

The main step in the formation process when setting up a single-member LLC in Florida is completing and filing your Articles of Organization with the Division of Corporations.

To properly complete the document, you will need to provide the following basic information about your FL SMLLC:

The name of your SMLLC;
Your principal office street address and mailing address;
The name and address of your chosen RA;
The name and street address of each person authorized to manage/control your single-member LLC;
A few additional basic details about your company.

You can file a single-member LLC in Florida online or by mail (download and complete this form). If you file by mail or in person, you will need to deliver the paper copy to one of the following addresses:

Mailing Address:

New Filing Section

Division of Corporations

P.O. Box 6327

Tallahassee, FL 32314

Street Address:

New Filing Section Division

The Centre of Tallahassee

2415 N. Monroe Street, Suite 810

Tallahassee, FL 32303

Once your application is processed, you will receive your Articles of Organization by mail, and your FL SMLLC can be considered officially established in the state. Note, you will also need to pay the state filing fee. In Florida, the fee is $125.

If you’re still interested to learn how to start a single-member LLC in Florida, proceed to Step 4.

Step 4: Prepare an Operating Agreement

Even though the Secretary of State does not require business owners to prepare an operating agreement (OA) to start a single-member LLC in Florida, this internal company document can be really helpful for your business.

While being a statement of information, your OA is also a key business document that describes your management specifics and proves that you legally operate a legit company in FL. This document can also be helpful for business transactions with lenders.

An OA will allow you to separate your company from you personally. Thus, make sure you provide the following information and consider the following aspect of the document:

Indicate if your SMLLC is member-managed or manager-managed;
Review both options before deciding on the management structure type.

Northwest Registered Agent can help you find out how to set up a single-member LLC in Florida. On the company website, there’s a free OA template that you can adjust to fit your company specifics.

Step 5: File Your Initial Annual Report

Every SMLLC operating in the state must file an annual report after Florida single-member LLC registration.

You can file online at the Secretary of State's website (Sunbiz). The point of submitting such a report lies in that you must confirm (or change) the existing information about your company address, RA, and those authorized to manage your SMLLC.

The due date is by May 1 each year. The current filing fee is $138.75 per year;
Florida will charge a late fee of $400 if you fail to file on time.

Note that your annual report must include the following information:

The purpose of your business;
Your location (principal office address);
Your registered agent's information;
The names and addresses of your authorized members/managers;
Your state entity number;
A list of authorized signatories.

Now there’s one last main step left to consider to find out how to form a single-member LLC in Florida.

Step 6: Obtain an EIN for Your Florida Single Member LLC

In Florida, LLCs that don't have employees are not obliged to obtain an employer identification number (EIN or FEIN). You can simply report your business profits/losses on your personal tax returns via your own social security number (SSN) or Tax ID.

However, make sure you get an EIN if:

Your Florida SMLLC will have employees;
You choose to be taxed as a corporation;
ou plan to open a separate business bank account.

Even if it's not required by the state for federal tax purposes, you may still need it.

Additionally, when processing payments with your future business partners, the latter may also be interested in your EIN.

Obtain your EIN for free by applying online on the IRS website.

Florida Single Member LLC Cost: How Much Is an LLC in FL?

So how much does a single-member LLC cost in Florida?

No matter what business formation company or RA service you choose to form an SMLLC, their LLC formation packages will vary depending on your business specifics and additional services included.

In general, you can expect to spend around $270 to get an SMLLC in Florida, and here's why:

Service	Cost
LLC Filing Fee	$100
Registered Agent Fee (required)	$39 - $300
Annual Report fee	$138.75/year
Certificate of Status (optional)	$5
Certified Copy of Record (optional)	$30
Business licenses or permits	the cost varies by county/city (from 100$ to $800)

Florida single-member LLC costs may vary depending on your chosen business formation company. Thus, some companies can help you form an SMLLC for as low as $49, plus, some of them also provide a free year of registered agent services.

First Things to Do After Creating a Single Member LLC in Florida

Now that you know how to create single-member LLC in Florida, there are a few aspects you should know. Therefore, once your single-member LLC formation in Florida is over, make sure you consider the following points:

Open a separate bank account. This way you will maintain your limited liability protections and keep your business/personal assets separate;
Take your time to study your downloaded OA template and consider everything in advance;
Depending on your business industry and location, you may need to obtain certain business licenses or permits for your Florida SMLLC;
Use “LLC” at the end of your business name on official correspondence, forms, marketing/promotional materials, and business contracts.

You want to make sure your clients and business partners fully understand that they’re doing business with an LLC, not with you personally.

Note that having a separate bank account makes it much easier to protect your limited liability status and makes recordkeeping easier.

Keep Your Company Compliant

Before we get to the FAQ section on how to get a single-member LLC in Florida, you should know that to keep your company compliant with the state, you should always make sure that you keep your books, pay your taxes, and hold annual meetings.

All in all, you want to make sure your Florida SMLLC is always in good standing with the state by fulfilling all requirements of the state.

FAQ

What is a single-member LLC in Florida?

A Florida SMLLC is a limited liability company with only one member. In single-member LLCs, the owner isn't personally responsible for the LLC’s debts and obligations.

Is Florida good for single-member LLCs?

Yes. If you're looking for a thriving business environment to create an SMLLC, Florida offers a fertile field of opportunities for every entrepreneur with ambitions.

How to open a single-member LLC in Florida?

To open a single-member LLC in Florida, you will need to file your Articles of Organization with the Division of Corporations, appoint a registered agent, prepare an operating agreement, and file your initial annual report.

How much is a single-member LLC in Florida?

In general, you can expect to spend around $270 to get an SMLLC in Florida.

What benefits does Florida offer to SMLLC?

The Sunshine State offers plenty of incentive programs and perks for small businesses, including strong asset/liability protections, low taxes, and support.

How do you pay yourself in a single-member LLC?

In SMLLCs, you aren’t considered an employee of the LLC, so you don’t have a salary. Instead, you simply put your money into the LLC and take it out when you need it (that’s called “owner’s draw”). You can also make money transactions from your LLC’s account.

Does a Florida single-member LLC need an EIN?

If your Florida SMLLC has employees, you choose to be taxed as a corporation, or you plan to open a separate bank account or file certain excise taxes, make sure you get an EIN. It’s always the best idea to get an EIN when you form your business.

Can a single-member LLC have employees?

Yes. For this, you will need to obtain an EIN, set up a wage fund, withhold taxes from your employees, as well as comply with all related federal and state employment laws.