How much does it cost to start an LLC in Florida in 2026?

Forming an LLC in Florida requires a one-time initial filing fee of $125 paid to the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz). When accounting for standard registered agent compliance ($39-$125/yr), expect initial Year 1 costs to be approximately $164.

What are the annual recurring fees for a Florida LLC?

Florida charges an annual report fee of $138.75 filed on a annual basis (due May 1 annually (Sunbiz)). There is no state franchise tax on standard LLCs in Florida.

What is the true 5-year cost of maintaining a Florida LLC?

Over 5 years, the true cost of a Florida LLC is approximately $875. This includes initial formation ($125), recurring annual reports ($138.75), statutory franchise taxes, and compliance support.

Can I form an out-of-state LLC (e.g. Wyoming or Delaware) if I live in Florida?

While you can legally form an entity in Delaware or Wyoming, if your principal place of business, employees, or operations are located in Florida, you must register as a Foreign LLC in Florida. In Florida, the foreign qualification filing fee is $125 plus ongoing maintenance of $138.75/year, often resulting in double fees.

Verified 2026 Statutory Guide

Florida LLC Cost Calculator & 5-Year Taxes

Initial state filing fee: $125. Ongoing annual report fee: $138.75 (annual). No state franchise tax.

Compare Florida vs Others

Direct Answer • 2026 Official Fee Schedule

Starting an LLC in Florida costs $125 for the one-time Articles of Organization filing fee, plus $139/yr in recurring annual report fees. Over 5 years, maintaining a Florida LLC costs an estimated $875.

Initial State Filing$125One-time payment

Annual Report$139Due May 1 annually (Sunbiz)

Franchise Tax$0none

Registered Agent$39–$125Annual service

Statutory Department: Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz)

Verify on State Website (.gov)

Florida LLC 5-Year Cost Model

Adjust parameters below to model state filing fees, recurring franchise taxes, and compliance overhead.

Popular:

1. State of LLC FormationInitial: $125

Approval speed: 2-4 business days online•Public Privacy: Public

2. Where do you conduct business?

If you reside or hire employees in a different state from your LLC, that state requires Foreign Qualification registration.

3. Estimated Annual Gross Revenue$150,000

Florida Tax Rule: Florida has no state franchise tax on LLCs treated as pass-through entities.

4. Registered Agent ServiceMandatory by law

5. Expedited State Processing

Standard Processing (Included)

Florida already processes online filings within 1-3 business days.

Deciding where to incorporate?

Compare Florida vs Wyoming & Delaware →

Year 1 Setup Cost

$164

Initial formation fee ($125) + registered agent

Annual Maintenance

$178 /yr avg

Annual report ($138.75/yr)

5-Year True CostAll Hidden Fees Included

$875(~$15/mo)

Total 5-year statutory commitment to maintain legal compliance in Florida.

5-Year Cost Trajectory & Fee Composition(Click any year to inspect)

Notice how initial filing fees are often dwarfed by recurring franchise taxes and maintenance.

Inspecting: Year 1 ($164)

$164

Year 1Formation

$178

Year 2Renewal

$178

Year 3Renewal

$178

Year 4Renewal

$178

Year 5Renewal

State Formation & Expedited

Franchise & Entity Taxes

Annual / Biennial Reports

Special Mandates (Publication, etc.)

Registered Agent Compliance

Home State Foreign Qualification

Year 1 Itemized Line Items

Total: $164

State Filing$125

Franchise Tax$0

Annual Report$0

Special / Pub$0

Registered Agent$39

Foreign Qual.$0

5-Year Budget Allocation by Cost Category

Total State Filings

$125

14% of 5-yr budget

Total Franchise Taxes

0% of 5-yr budget

Annual / Biennial Reports

$555

63% of 5-yr budget

Registered Agent Service

$195

22% of 5-yr budget

Publication / Mandates

0% of 5-yr budget

Founder Cost-Reduction Tip

Save on your Florida filing fees & protect your personal privacy

Pro Tip: Filing directly through the state exposes your personal home address on public government records forever. You can keep your private details off the public registry and save time by using a top-rated Registered Agent service starting at $39 + state fees.

Free Home Address RedactionInstant Florida Compliance AlertsAnnual Report Reminders

Get Started for $39 + State FeesRated 4.8/5 by 10,000+ founders • No hidden renewal spikes

Recommended Business BankingFDIC Insured up to $5M

Open a zero-fee business checking account for your Florida LLC

Separate your business finances immediately to preserve limited liability corporate veil protection.

Explore Mercury ($0 Monthly Fees)

Florida LLC Statutory Framework & Compliance Guide (2026)

Statutory requirements and fee schedules under the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz).

Official State Portal (.gov)

Annual Report Due DateMay 1 annually (Sunbiz)Frequency: ANNUAL

Normal Turnaround2-4 business days onlineExpedited: Fast / Included

Public Record PrivacyPublicRegistered agent protects personal address

State Personal Income Tax0% (No state personal income tax)LLC pass-through profits flow to owners

Florida Franchise Tax & Business Privilege Tax Rules

Florida has no state franchise tax on LLCs treated as pass-through entities.

Advantages of a Florida LLC

0% personal state income tax
Enormous booming economy
No franchise tax

Drawbacks & Hidden Costs

Brutal $400 statutory late penalty if annual report missed by May 1
Owner & manager names public on Sunbiz

Founder Pro-Tip for Florida

Put May 1 on your calendar immediately! Missing Florida's annual report deadline results in an automatic, non-negotiable $400 late fee.

Step-by-Step Florida LLC Formation Checklist (2026)

Choose an Available Entity Name

Must include "LLC", "L.L.C.", or "Limited Liability Company" and be distinguishable on the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz) registry.

Appoint a Florida Registered Agent

Must have a physical street address in Florida (no P.O. boxes) to receive official service of process during regular business hours.

File Articles of Organization ($125 State Fee)

Submit electronically to the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz). Approval is typically granted within 2-4 business days online.

Execute an Operating Agreement & Obtain Federal EIN

Establish member capital contributions, voting rights, and obtain a free 9-digit EIN from IRS.gov for business checking accounts.

Maintain Ongoing Legal Good Standing (May 1 annually (Sunbiz))

Submit the annual report with the $138.75 fee to prevent automatic forfeiture or late fee assessments.

Compare Florida with Rival & Neighboring States

Evaluating formation options? Review fee structures in competing jurisdictions:

Filing: $300

Filing: $110

Filing: $100

Filing: $100