Starting and growing a business in Florida is an exciting and profitable venture. The state boasts a business-friendly environment that has helped countless entrepreneurs to thrive.
The Sunbiz website was created to help guide business owners through the intricate processes of managing a business in Florida. This user-friendly platform provides valuable resources and tools to assist business owners in achieving success
In this article, we'll explore some of the standout features of Sunbiz, such as obtaining certified copies and filing annual reports. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting out, Sunbiz is the perfect resource to help you achieve your goals.
Sunbiz Website Overview
The Sunbiz website is a valuable resource for business owners and entrepreneurs looking to start or grow a business in Florida. It is a portal provided by the Florida Department of State, specifically the Division of Corporations.
The Sunbiz site provides essential business services for registering a business in Florida. The Sunbiz website allows business owners to efile:
Florida LLC Annual Report Filling
All businesses operating in Florida, including limited liability companies (LLCs), must file an annual report with the Division of Corporations. The annual report ensures that the business's information, such as the registered agent and principal address, is current and accurate. Failure to file the annual report on time may result in penalties and potential dissolution of the business entity.
The Florida LLC Annual Report filing fee is $138.75 per year.
The Sunbiz website allows you to file your LLC's annual report, which must be submitted by May 1st of each year. Filing your annual report after May 1st will require you to pay a $400 late fee. Be aware that neglecting to file or pay your Florida Annual Report comes with consequences. And, your LLC could be shut down if you don't submit the Annual Report before the end of September.
Where to File your Florida LLC Annual Report online: Florida LLC Annual Report – Sunbiz (e-File)
Florida Business Reinstatement
Completing the form on the Sunbiz website reinstates a business entity that has been administratively dissolved or revoked. Any corporation, LLC, or partnership can submit an electronic reinstatement application.
Review the: instructions for filing a reinstatement
Make sure you review and verify your information for accuracy. The reinstatement cannot be changed, removed, canceled or refunded once submitted.
Certificate of Status from Florida
A certificate of status is an official document issued by the Florida Division of Corporations. The certificate of status verifies that a business is registered and is in good standing with the state. This document may be required for various purposes, applying for a business bank account, or entering into contracts. The certificate will be emailed to you if you filed online or by mail, if you filed by regular mail.
You can use the Sunbiz website to request a certificate of status if you misplace yours. To get a new copy for your business submit the document number on the Sunbiz portal and paying a processing fee.
Note: that the Certificate of Status is only available for profit and non-profit corporations, limited liability companies, and limited partnerships.
Requesting Sunbiz Certified Copy
A certified copy is an official duplicate of a document held by the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations. These documents include articles of incorporation, formation documents for limited liability companies, and other essential records.
Obtaining a certified copy through the Sunbiz website is a straightforward process. Simply provide the necessary details, like the document number and type required by your state, and pay the fees.
Certified copies are useful in various situations, such as opening a bank account or registering a business in another state.
Florida Registered Agent Service
A registered agent is a person or entity designated to receive and process official mail on behalf of a Florida business. The Sunbiz website offers resources for finding and selecting a registered agent. which is a requirement for all business entities in the state.
Business in Florida and State Division
The Sunbiz website serves as a one-stop shop for business owners seeking information and services for doing business in Florida.
Sunbiz website is managed by the Florida Department of State's Division of Corporations. The Division of Corporations is responsible for overseeing the registration and regulation of businesses in the state of Florida.
Users can find information on starting a business, selecting the appropriate business structure, and accessing the necessary forms and fees.
Florida Limited Liability Companies
Limited liability companies (LLCs) are a popular choice for business owners in Florida due to their flexibility and tax advantages.
The Sunbiz website provides extensive resources for forming and managing an LLC. Business owners can find information on naming requirements, file articles of organization, and maintaining compliance with state regulations.
Florida State Agencies
Florida Department of State: Division of Corporations
Phone Number: 850-245-6052
Hours: 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday (Eastern)
Website: Florida Division of Corporations: Sunbiz
Florida Department of Revenue
Phone Number: 850-488-6800
Hours: 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday (Eastern)
Website: Florida Department of Revenue
Contact: Florida Department of Revenue: Contact Us
Florida Articles of Organization
Articles of Organization is a document you file for your LLC with the Florida Department of State’s Division of Corporations.
Florida LLC filing fee: $125 (one-time fee)
Florida LLC approval times:
- Your Florida LLC will be approved in 5 business days if you file online.
- Your Florida LLC will be approved in 12 business days (plus mail time) if you file by mail.
Online filing:
Articles of Organization for Florida LLC (e-File)
Mail Filing Process:
- Download and complete the form: Articles of Organization for Florida LLC (CR2E047)
- Pay by check or money order and make it payable to “Department of State”
- Send your completed Articles of Organization and $125 filing fee to:
Mail Filing Address:
New Filing Section
Division of Corporations
PO Box 6327
Tallahassee, FL 32314
Florida Business Licenses and/or Permits
After your Florida LLC is formed, you may need to obtain the necessary Florida business licenses or permits to operate legally.
Florida doesn’t have a statewide general business license. The kind of business licenses or permits you may need depends on the county or city and the nature your business.
County business license
Contact the officials of the county where your LLC is located. And check with the Department of Business & Professional Regulation to find the specific business licenses and/or permits you need.
Florida State Taxes
Federal Taxes: Florida LLCs are taxed either as Sole Proprietorships (Single-Member LLCs) or Partnerships (Multi-Member LLCs) by default. Since these LLCs have “pass-through” taxation, your Florida LLC is not subject to double tax like a Corporation. However, the profits or losses from your business are reported on your personal tax return.
No personal income tax: Florida does not impose personal state income tax. However, your business may still have to pay specific state and local corporate/business taxes depending on how income is earned.
Register with the FL Department of Revenue: Please check with an accountant for details on registering with the Florida Department of Revenue. The FL Department of Revenue may need your LLC to register for sales, corporate, withholding, or other taxes. It would help if you read this guide for more information on LLC taxes in Florida.
Business taxes your LLC may need to pay in Florida:
- Sales and use tax
- Discretionary sales surtax (imposed by some counties)
- Reemployment tax
- Communications services tax
- Corporate income tax
- and more (see here)
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