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When forming a Florida Limited Liability Company (LLC), one of the most important documents you must file is the Articles of Organization. This legal document is required by the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz) and serves as the official registration of your LLC with the state.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to include in a Florida LLC’s Articles of Organization, ensuring your business complies with state regulations and is set up for success.
1. LLC Name
Your LLC’s name must meet Florida’s naming requirements. It must:
Include "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C." at the end.
Be unique and distinguishable from other businesses registered in Florida.
Avoid words that imply government affiliation (e.g., "FBI," "Treasury").
💡 Tip: Check name availability on the Florida Division of Corporations website.
2. Principal Place of Business
You must provide the physical street address of your LLC’s main location. This cannot be a P.O. Box and must be within the state of Florida. If your business operates remotely, you can use a registered business address.
3. Mailing Address (If Different from Principal Address)
If your mailing address is different from your principal office, list it separately. This can be a P.O. Box or another address where you prefer to receive official correspondence.
4. Registered Agent Name & Address
A Registered Agent is a person or entity authorized to receive legal documents and state correspondence on behalf of the LLC. The agent must:
Have a physical Florida address (no P.O. Boxes).
Be available during regular business hours.
Sign the Articles of Organization as proof of acceptance.
You can appoint yourself, a trusted individual, or hire a professional registered agent service to fulfill this role.
5. Management Structure: Member-Managed or Manager-Managed
Florida requires you to specify how your LLC will be managed:
Member-Managed: Owners (members) handle daily operations.
Manager-Managed: One or more managers (who may or may not be owners) oversee operations.
Choose the structure that best fits your business model.
6. Name & Address of Each Manager or Authorized Representative
If your LLC is Manager-Managed, you must list the name and address of each manager. If it’s Member-Managed, you may list members but are not required to do so.
7. Effective Date of LLC Formation
You can choose when your LLC officially becomes active:
Immediate Effect: The LLC is formed upon filing approval.
Future Date: You can select a date up to 90 days in the future.
8. Additional Provisions (Optional but Recommended)
Florida allows you to include additional provisions in your Articles of Organization, such as:
Purpose of the LLC.
Liability limitations for members and managers.
Restrictions on business activities.
While optional, including relevant provisions can help clarify your LLC’s operational structure.
9. Signature of the Organizer
The Organizer is the person filing the Articles of Organization. This could be a:
Member of the LLC.
Business attorney or registered agent.
Third-party filing service.
The organizer must sign the form to authorize the LLC’s creation.
How to File the Articles of Organization in Florida
You can file your Florida LLC’s Articles of Organization online or by mail:
Online Filing: https://efile.sunbiz.org/llc_file.html
Paper Form: Download PDF and mail it to: Florida Division of Corporations
P.O. Box 6327
Tallahassee, FL 32314
💰 Filing Fee: $125 (includes $100 LLC filing fee + $25 registered agent designation fee).
⏳ Processing Time: Typically 1-5 business days for online filings and 2-4 weeks for mail-in applications.
What Happens After Filing?
Once the Florida Division of Corporations processes your Articles of Organization, you will receive a confirmation email or mailed document. Next steps include:
Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number) – Required for tax purposes. Apply for free at the IRS website.
Create an LLC Operating Agreement – Not required but strongly recommended to define roles and responsibilities.
Register for State Taxes (If Needed) – Visit Florida Department of Revenue for tax-related obligations.
File an Annual Report – Due between January 1 and May 1 each year to keep your LLC in good standing ($138.75 fee).
Need Help Filing Your Florida LLC?
Filing your Articles of Organization correctly is essential to ensuring your Florida LLC is set up for success. If you’d rather leave the paperwork to a professional, we can help! Our team at FloridaBusinessPlanWriter.com offers LLC formation services to make the process quick and stress-free.
📞 Contact us today to get started!
Visit us at: FloridaBusinessPlanWriter.com
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