How Much to Start an LLC in Florida (2025 Full Cost Guide)

Starting an LLC in Florida in 2025 costs $125 upfront (Articles of Organization + registered agent designation). Maintaining it requires $138.75 annually for the state’s mandatory report. Depending on your location and industry, additional costs like licenses, insurance, or professional help may apply.

One-Time Costs of Forming an LLC in Florida

When people ask “how much is an LLC in Florida?” — the base cost is $125 if you file directly with the state. Here’s the breakdown:

Expense	Cost	Required?	Notes
Articles of Organization Filing Fee	$100	✅ Required	Officially creates your LLC
Registered Agent Designation	$25	✅ Required	Must have a Florida-based registered agent
Name Reservation (optional)	$35	❌ Optional	Not required but useful if you’re not ready to file yet
Certified Copies	$30+	❌ Optional	Sometimes banks ask for these
Certificate of Status	$5–$10	❌ Optional	Proves your LLC is active & compliant
Expedited/Service Fees	Varies	❌ Optional	Only if you use a third-party filing service

👉 Bottom line: $125 is the official Florida LLC cost. Anything else depends on convenience or business needs

Annual & Recurring Costs

Forming your LLC is a one-time payment, but staying compliant requires annual obligations:

• Annual Report Fee – $138.75
  Due by May 1st every year. Miss it, and you’ll pay a hefty $400 penalty.
  
• Registered Agent Services – $100–$300/year
  You can serve as your own agent, but hiring a professional protects your privacy.
  
• Local Business Tax Receipts – $30–$100/year
  Counties like Miami-Dade and Orange require this for most businesses.
  
• Licensing & Permits – Varies
  For example, a contractor or salon owner will need state professional licensing in addition to the LLC.
  
• Bookkeeping & IT Services – $50–$200/month
  Many LLCs invest in bookkeeping or IT solutions to keep operations smooth.

Hidden or Overlooked Expenses

Competitor articles often skip these, but they matter for real budgeting:

1. Business Insurance – General liability ($400–$600/year).
2. DBA / Fictitious Name – $50 if you want to operate under a different trade name.
3. Banking Costs – Some banks charge $25–$50 to open a business account.
4. Late Fees – $400 if annual report is late.
5. Professional Help – CPAs, lawyers, or IT pros can add costs, but also reduce risks.

📌 Pro tip: Always check your county’s website for business tax receipt requirements — this is one of the most commonly forgotten LLC expenses.

Money-Saving Tips & Filing Hacks

Florida’s fees are straightforward, but a few smart moves can keep your wallet happy:

• File Early in the Year
  If you form in December, you’ll still owe the annual report by May. Filing in January stretches your money further.
  
• DIY Filing
  Services like LegalZoom add $100–$300. Filing yourself via Sunbiz.org saves big.
  
• Be Your Own Registered Agent
  If privacy isn’t a concern, skip the $100–$300/year agent fee.
  
• Plan Your Startup Costs
  Use calculators like Startup Cost Calculator to avoid surprises.
  
• Stay Ahead of Deadlines
  Put annual report deadlines on your calendar — $400 penalties are one of the costliest mistakes.

Florida LLC Costs Compared with Georgia & Texas

Many entrepreneurs weigh Florida against nearby states. Here’s a side-by-side view:

State	LLC Formation Fee	Annual/Ongoing Fee	Extra Notes
Florida	$125	$138.75 annual report	Local licenses + optional agent
Georgia	$100	$50 annual	Publication requirement (can add $40–$200)
Texas	$300	No annual fee, but franchise tax applies	Higher upfront, but long-term savings if under revenue threshold

👉 Takeaway:

• Florida = simple process, moderate annual cost.
• Georgia = cheaper yearly, but publication costs catch some by surprise.
• Texas = high upfront, but ongoing costs are tied to revenue.

Step-by-Step Checklist for Florida LLC Formation

Here’s a practical checklist you can bookmark:

1. Choose Your Business Name (check availability on Sunbiz).
2. Appoint a Registered Agent (yourself or hire one).
3. File Articles of Organization ($125 total).
4. Draft an Operating Agreement (not required but highly recommended).
5. Get an EIN from the IRS (free).
6. Open a Business Bank Account (some charge $25–$50).
7. Apply for Local Business Licenses (city/county requirements vary).
8. Set Up Accounting (DIY or hire a bookkeeper).
9. File Annual Report by May 1st ($138.75).

💡 Thinking about specific business ideas? Guides like How to Start a Carpet Cleaning Business or How to Start a Lawn Care Business include real-world costs.

FAQs About LLC Costs in Florida

Q1. How much does it cost to start an LLC in Florida?

It costs $125 (Articles of Organization + registered agent designation). Optional extras like certified copies or name reservation can add $30–$50.

Q2. How much does it cost to maintain an LLC in Florida annually?

At least $138.75 for the annual report, plus optional costs like registered agent services ($100–$300) and local tax receipts.

Q3. What is the cheapest way to form an LLC in Florida?

The cheapest way is to file online through Sunbiz.org and act as your own registered agent.

Q4. Do I need a business license for my LLC in Florida?

Not at the state level. But most counties/cities require a – tax receipt. For example, Miami-Dade and Broward both require them.

Q5. Is it worth getting an LLC in Florida?

Yes, because it protects your personal assets and adds credibility. For many small businesses — from Airbnb rentals to bookkeeping services — an LLC is a smart long-term move.

Final Thoughts

So, how much does an LLC cost in Florida?

• One-time: $125 minimum
• Annual: $138.75 for the report
• Extras: Local licenses, insurance, optional services

Competitor guides cover the basics, but miss many hidden costs, state comparisons, and real-world tips. This guide pulls everything together so you can confidently budget for your Florida LLC.

Starting an LLC isn’t just about paperwork, it’s about planning. With the right checklist and budgeting, your Florida LLC can be up and running without financial surprises.