Choosing the right entity
The common Florida small-business entities are the LLC and the corporation. LLCs are flexible and default to pass-through taxation; corporations require more formality and default to C-corp taxation. Most clients form an LLC and elect S-corp tax treatment when the income math justifies it.
Formation filings
Articles of organization (LLC) or articles of incorporation (corporation) with the Florida Division of Corporations, plus IRS EIN application, S-election if appropriate, sales tax account registration if required, and county business tax receipt where applicable.
First-year compliance
Florida annual report is due by May 1 each year to keep the entity active. Sales tax, payroll, and income tax filings begin as soon as activity starts. We set up all the calendar reminders at formation.
Common questions
- Can I form an LLC myself online?
- Technically yes, for $125. Filing the entity is the easy part. Choosing the wrong tax election, missing the EIN, or skipping the sales tax registration is what creates expensive cleanup later.
- Should I incorporate in Delaware or Florida?
- For a Florida-operating business, Florida. Delaware has no benefit for most small businesses and creates foreign-entity registration obligations that cost more than they save.
- How long does formation take?
- Florida typically processes filings within 3–5 business days. EIN is immediate with online application.
Related
DBA / Fictitious Name Registration
Florida fictitious name (DBA) registration with the Division of Corporations and renewal tracking.
Worker's Compensation Exemption
File or renew a Florida worker's compensation exemption for corporate officers and LLC members. Two-year filings tracked.
Business Tax Planning
S-corp reasonable salary analysis, entity elections, retirement plan structuring, and Section 179 planning for small business owners.