Can I operate in Florida with an out-of-state LLC?

Yes, but you must register first. Out-of-state LLCs cannot legally transact business in Florida without filing an Application for Authorization with the Florida Division of Corporations. Registration costs $125.00 and requires a Certificate of Good Standing from your home state. You must also maintain a registered agent with a physical Florida address under Fla. Stat. §§ 605.0113-605.0114.

What's Required to Register?

File the Application by Foreign Limited Liability Company for Authorization to Transact Business in Florida with the Division of Corporations. Submit a current Certificate of Good Standing from your state of formation proving your LLC is in valid standing. File online at https://dos.fl.gov/sunbiz/start-business/efile/fl-llc/ or mail to P.O. Box 6327, Tallahassee, FL 32314.

Registered Agent Requirement

You must appoint a Florida registered agent under Fla. Stat. §§ 605.0113-605.0114. Your agent must be either a Florida resident individual or a domestic/foreign entity authorized to do business in Florida. The agent's physical business address must match your registered office address in Florida. A member of your LLC may serve as registered agent.

Annual Compliance

File an annual report each year with a $138.75 fee to maintain authorization. If you change your registered agent, file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent/Registered Office form and pay a $25.00 fee. Failure to file annual reports can result in administrative dissolution and loss of liability protection.

How to File

Florida Division of Corporations

Phone: (850) 245-6052
Website: https://dos.fl.gov/sunbiz/
Online filing: https://dos.fl.gov/sunbiz/start-business/efile/fl-llc/
Search registrations: https://search.sunbiz.org/Inquiry/CorporationSearch/ByName
Mailing address: P.O. Box 6327, Tallahassee, FL 32314

This is general information, not legal advice.