What Every Entrepreneur Needs to Know
The New Year always brings a surge of inspiration. New ideas, new projects, new goals—and for many women creatives and entrepreneurs, it’s the perfect time to finally launch that business you’ve been dreaming about. If 2026 is your year to step into entrepreneurship, forming a Florida LLC is a smart and empowering way to start. An LLC gives you legal protection, structure, and credibility. Here’s exactly what you need to know to form your Florida LLC with confidence.
- Choose a name that reflects your vision and check that it is is available everywhere
Your business name sets the tone for your brand. Florida requires it to be unique and to end with “LLC” or “Limited Liability Company.”
Before you get attached to a name, make sure it’s free across all the platforms you plan to use. This includes:
- Sunbiz (Florida Division of Corporations) — to confirm the legal name is available
- Website domain availability
- Social media handles on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, X, YouTube, and Pinterest
- Trademark search — optional but helpful to avoid future brand conflicts
This step saves you from headaches—and rebranding—down the road.
- File your Articles of Organization with Sunbiz
This is the step that officially creates your LLC in Florida. You’ll file your Articles of Organization online. The state filing fee is approximately $138, depending on any optional services you select. You’ll need to list:
- Your LLC name
- Business address
- Registered agent
- Member or manager information
Once approved, congrats—you officially have a Florida LLC.
- Apply for your EIN (and Don’t Pay for It!)
Your Employer Identification Number (EIN) acts like the Social Security number for your business. You’ll need it to:
- Open a business bank account
- Hire employees or contractors
- File taxes
- Work with payroll companies
- Build business credit
Beware: The EIN is 100% FREE when you apply directly on the official IRS website. Never pay a third-party website for this—they are unnecessary and sometimes intentionally misleading.
- Get an Operating Agreement (yes, even if you’re solo)
Florida doesn’t legally require an operating agreement, but it’s one of the most important documents you can have. An operating agreement outlines:
- Who owns the LLC
- How decisions are made
- How profits and losses are distributed
- What happens if someone leaves the business
- What happens if you’re unable to run the business temporarily or long-term
Even for single-member LLCs, it strengthens your legal protection and helps keep your business organized and credible.
- Open a business bank account
With your Articles and EIN in hand, open a business bank account. Keeping your business finances separate protects your personal assets and helps you stay organized financially—especially important as your creative projects grow.
- Check for any local licenses or permits
Depending on your industry—beauty, wellness, design, e-commerce, photography, consulting, food, or more—you may need additional licenses or permits at the city or county level. Requirements vary, so double-check your local guidelines.
- Maintain your LLC throughout the year
To keep your LLC active and in good standing:
- File your Annual Report between January 1 and May 1 every year
- Renew your business licenses if required
- Keep your records and business finances organized
Good compliance habits protect your business long-term.
Ready to launch your dream business this year? Whether you’re a creative, a coach, a founder, or an entrepreneur building something new, forming a Florida LLC is a powerful first step toward turning your ideas into reality.
Born and raised in the Dominican Republic, Mayelin moved to South Florida in 2014. She's an attorney by day (and some evenings, too), and in her free time, enjoys trying new restaurants, learning about makeup/skincare, and finding fun and new things to do in South Florida.