Florida formation & compliance FAQs
Florida business formation and compliance involve separate state filings, federal tax steps and ongoing deadlines. These answers cover our formation bundles, Florida filing fees, registered agents, EINs, annual reports, professional LLCs, S-corporation elections and fictitious names. For advice specific to your business, consult a licensed attorney or tax professional.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Frequently asked questions
What does formation cost?
Starter is $299, Pro is $449 and Complete is $749, plus the applicable Florida state fee. Each includes a corporate kit. An LLC state filing is $125 and a for-profit corporation filing is $70.
Does the price include Florida state fees?
No. State fees are pass-through charges, listed separately from our document preparation and filing service fee.
Do you guarantee approval or a filing date?
No. State review, workload and corrections affect approval. Our filing team cannot guarantee state processing times.
How is the $125 state fee calculated?
$100 for Articles of Organization plus $25 for registered-agent designation. Optional certificates and copies are not included.
Is the $25 fee the cost of registered-agent service?
No. It is a state designation fee, not the fee charged by a professional registered-agent service.
Is a corporate kit included?
Yes. Starter ($299), Pro ($449) and Complete ($749) each include a corporate kit; Florida state fees are additional.
What is the basic corporation state fee?
$70: $35 for Articles of Incorporation and $35 for registered-agent designation. Optional certificates and copies add costs.
Is an S-corp a different Florida entity?
No. S-corporation status is a federal tax election for an eligible entity, generally requested with IRS Form 2553.
What is the annual report fee?
The Florida state annual report fee for a for-profit corporation is $150; a $400 late fee applies after May 1.
Can every licensed professional form a PLLC?
Not necessarily. Eligibility, ownership and naming rules depend on the profession. Verify the applicable licensing authority’s requirements before filing.
Is license verification required?
Yes. Required professional licenses and applicable entity rules must be verified before the professional filing proceeds.
Does forming a PLLC issue a professional license?
No. Entity formation and professional licensing are separate processes.
Can I use a P.O. box for my registered office?
No. The registered office must have a physical Florida street address.
Can I act as my own registered agent?
Florida Statutes §605.0113 requires a Florida registered office and a registered agent who is a Florida resident individual or authorized entity whose business address is identical to the registered office. The agent files a written acceptance and forwards process and notices to the company.
Is registered-agent service legal advice?
No. Receiving legal process is not legal representation. Consult an attorney about any legal notice.
Is an EIN free?
Yes. The IRS issues EINs free when you apply directly. Any amount paid to Corp USA is a preparation/service fee, not an IRS fee.
Does Florida issue an EIN?
No. The IRS issues the federal EIN. Florida tax registrations are separate.
Can a non-U.S. applicant obtain an EIN?
Eligible applicants may apply using the appropriate IRS channel. The online application has eligibility limits; consult IRS international-applicant guidance.
When is the report due?
The Florida annual-report window is January 1–May 1. Check Sunbiz for the applicable year and current deadline.
How much is the late fee?
$400 after May 1 for Florida LLCs and for-profit corporations, in addition to the normal state report fee.
Is the annual report a tax return?
No. It updates entity information with the Division of Corporations. Tax returns are separate obligations.
Which form is used?
IRS Form 2553, Election by a Small Business Corporation, is generally used to request S-corporation status.
What is the usual deadline?
Within 2 months and 15 days of the start of the tax year the election is to take effect, or during the preceding tax year. Verify your specific situation with a tax professional.
Can a late election be accepted?
IRS late-election relief may be available if the conditions are met. It is not automatic; consult the current Form 2553 instructions and a tax professional.
What is the state fee?
$50 for fictitious-name registration, separate from newspaper publication and any preparation/service fee.
When must I publish the newspaper notice?
Before filing. Advertise at least once in a newspaper in the county of the principal place of business, unless a statutory exemption applies.
Does a DBA create an LLC?
No. A DBA does not create a legal entity or provide LLC liability protection.
Does every tier include a corporate kit?
Yes. Starter $299, Pro $449 and Complete $749 each include a corporate kit.
Are state fees included?
No. Add $125 for a Florida LLC or PLLC, or $70 for a for-profit corporation. Optional documents and other services can cost more.
Where can I see standalone service prices?
Select the service to review its current preparation/service price, applicable state charges and renewal terms at checkout before payment.