Registering Your Business in Florida

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Step-by-step. No fluff. No legalese.

If you’re building a real business—not just a side hustle—you’ve got to make it legal.

That starts with registering your business entity with the state of Florida.

This guide walks you through exactly how to do that. No guesswork. No YouTube rabbit holes. Just the real steps that get it done.

Step 1: Pick Your Entity Type

Before you file anything, know what kind of business you’re registering.
Most first-time Florida business owners choose:

  • LLC – Most common. Offers liability protection and simple setup.
  • Corporation (INC) – If you’re raising capital or planning for shareholders.
  • Sole Proprietorship – Not registered through the state. Skip this guide.

Still unsure? Read: [Entity Types Explained →]

Step 2: Check If Your Business Name Is Available

Go to Florida’s Division of Corporations site:
https://search.sunbiz.org/Inquiry/CorporationSearch/ByName

Search for your desired business name.

  • Make sure it’s not already taken
  • Avoid names that are too close to existing businesses
  • Florida requires unique names for LLCs and Corporations

Tip: Even if the name is available, check domain name availability at the same time. Get the dot-com if you can.

Step 3: File Your Formation Paperwork

This is where you actually register your business.

Go to:
https://dos.myflorida.com/sunbiz/start-business/efile/

Select one of the following:

  • Florida Limited Liability Company (LLC)
  • For-Profit Corporation (INC)

Click through and follow the prompts. You’ll need:

  • Business name
  • Business address
  • Registered agent name and address (this can be you)
  • Names of owners (called “members” for LLCs or “officers/directors” for corporations)
  • Email address for official correspondence

Note: The registered agent must have a Florida street address—not a P.O. Box.

Step 4: Pay the Fee

As of 2025, here’s what it costs to register:

  • LLC: $125
  • Corporation: $70
  • Payable by credit card during the online filing

Fees are non-refundable. Double-check everything before you hit submit.

If you make a mistake, you can file a correction—but it’ll cost you. As of 2025, the fee is $25 for LLCs and $35 for corporations. So take your time. Fixing typos isn’t free.

Step 5: Wait for Approval and Confirmation

You’ll get confirmation by email—usually within 1 to 3 business days.
That email will include:

  • A stamped copy of your Articles of Organization or Incorporation
  • Your Document Number (this is your state-level business ID)

Save this. Print it. Email it to yourself. You’ll need it later—for bank accounts, insurance, and licenses.

Step 6: File Your BOI Report with FinCEN (New Requirement as of 2024)

Federal law now requires most small businesses to file a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report with FinCEN.

Deadline:

You’ll need to upload ID documents for any owner with more than 25% interest.

Step 7: Set a Reminder for Your Annual Report

In Florida, every business must file an Annual Report between January 1 and May 1 every year to stay active.

  • Cost: $138.75 (LLC) or $150 (Corporation)
  • Late Fee: $400 if you miss the May 1 deadline

Mark your calendar now. Seriously. Missing this kills your business status.

Final Word

This isn’t the sexy part of business ownership. But it’s the foundation.
If you skip this—or do it wrong—nothing else matters.

Take the 30 minutes. Follow the steps. Get it done right.

Because once your business is registered?

You’re not just hustling anymore.

You’re legit.