Which state is cheaper for an LLC: Florida or Delaware?

Over 5 years, Florida is cheaper with an estimated total cost of $875, compared to $1,805 for Delaware, saving you approximately $930.

Can I register in Delaware if I live and work in Florida?

You can form an entity in Delaware, but if your principal residence or business operations are in Florida, statutory nexus rules require you to register as a Foreign LLC in Florida. In Florida, the foreign filing fee is $125 plus annual foreign maintenance of $138.75/year.

2026 Head-to-Head Statutory Comparison

Florida vs Delaware LLC

Florida charges $138.75/yr with zero personal income tax; Delaware charges $300/yr franchise tax and is preferred by institutional investors.

5-Year Cost Verdict: Florida saves an estimated $930 over 5 years.

Florida Model →Delaware Model →

Direct Side-by-Side Fee Matrix

Statutory 2026 Fee Schedules

Metric	Florida	Delaware
Initial State Filing Fee	$125	$110
Annual Report Fee & Frequency	$139 (annual)	$0 (none)
Annual Franchise Tax	$0 / None	$300/yr
5-Year Estimated True Cost	$875	$1,805
Public Member Anonymity	Public	High (Anonymous)
Foreign Qualification Fee	$125 upfront ($139/yr)	$200 upfront ($300/yr)

The Reality of Forming Out-of-State

Operating in Florida with a Delaware LLC?

If you live or conduct physical business in Florida and form in Delaware, you must register as a Foreign LLC in Florida. This means paying Delaware's formation fee ($110) PLUS Florida's foreign filing fee ($125) and two annual registered agent fees.