Create a Florida LLC
by
Attorney Anthony Mancuso
Tips on forming your LLC in Florida.
What is an LLC? "LLC" is a common abbreviation for limited liability company, the legal ownership structure similar to a corporation. An LLC protects its owners from being personally liable for business debts, similar to the protection offered by a corporation. (In contrast, when you operate as a sole proprietor or a partnership, you are personally responsible for debts of the business.)
Setting up an LLC in Florida requires two short steps:
1. Choose a name for your LLC.
The name of your business cannot be the same as the name of another business entity on file with the Department of State. To see if your proposed name is unique, you can search Florida’s name database.
In Florida your LLC name must end with the words "Limited Liability Company" or "Limited Company" or the abbreviation "LLC," "LC," "L.L.C.," or "L.C." The word "limited" may be abbreviated as "Ltd."; the word "Company" may be abbreviated as "Co."
2. File Articles of Organization.
In Florida the document you file to form an LLC is called the Articles of Organization. You'll need to prepare and file Articles of Organization with the Department of State. The Articles of Organization should include your LLC’s name, its purpose, its address, and the name and address of your registered agent.
To form your LLC online right now, use Nolo's online formation service, called Online Florida LLC. Nolo will file your Articles of Organization with the Department of State.
That’s it! That’s all it takes to become an LLC in Florida.
Operating Your LLC
Though not legally required, you should also create an LLC operating agreement that will guide the LLC owners in operating the business (much like a partnership agreement or corporate bylaws). Nolo's Online Florida LLC can create a customized LLC operating agreement for you when you form your LLC. If you've already formed an LLC, see Form Your Own Limited Liability Company, by Anthony Mancuso (Nolo), for a standard LLC operating agreement. The operating agreement does not need to be filed with the Department of State.
To retain your LLC’s status as a separate entity, LLC members must observe certain formalities, such as keeping detailed financial records and recording minutes of major decisions. For more information, as well as minutes forms, consent forms, and over 80 resolutions, see Your Limited Liability Company: An Operating Manual, by Anthony Mancuso (Nolo).
Last updated on 6/29/08.
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