You can’t wait to start your business. If only you could skip all the “Legal stuff”.
How to start your LLC in Tallahassee, FL
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Why form an LLC in Tallahassee, FL?
As the Panhandle’s largest city, Tallahassee is home to a vibrant cultural scene and superb outdoor recreation. The diverse population takes advantage of affordable real estate and low cost of living. Add in an entrepreneurial spirit, and it’s no wonder why many businesses start here.
Selecting the location is a critical step in forming a business. But creating a business entity can open the doors to success. The process can be intimidating, and that’s why we’re here to help. After reading this article, you’ll have everything you need to form a Tallahassee, Florida LLC.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- The five easy steps to form a Tallahassee LLC
- Licenses, permits, and local resources to help your new business
- Things to do after forming your Tallahassee, Florida LLC
LLC Formation Process in a Nutshell
1. Name your LLC
How to pick a name for a Florida LLC? One of the first things to do is come up with a name for your new business. Not only is this decision full of marketing concerns, it also has legal requirements.
Consult Florida Statutes section 605.0112 for specific rules about LLC names. All Florida LLCs need to identify the type of company it is. For LLCs, this means including one of the following:
- Limited Liability Company
- L.L.C.
- LLC
You don’t want your business confused with others. Use Florida’s Corporation Search to ensure the name is distinctive. Setting yourself apart from existing businesses is wise and required.
Florida LLC names must avoid using terms for government entities and illegal activities. Holding your business out as something it isn’t is a quick way to violate these regulations. Florida’s Division of Corporations website has a list of FAQs to guide you.
If you have trouble finding a name that works, you can operate under a doing-business-as (DBA) name. For example, “Tallahassee Restaurants LLC” could operate under “Tallahassee Brews and Bites.”
Another consideration for your LLC name is the available domain names (URLs). Even if you don’t plan to launch a website immediately, reserving domain names is an excellent idea.
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Free 2. Appoint a Registered Agent
How do you appoint a registered agent? Florida law requires that all LLCs have a registered agent to serve as the main point of contact. This address receives mail and legal service of process.
If someone sues your business, the registered agent receives the legal notices. It’s also used for tax documents. As you can imagine, you must handle these documents with care.
Some business owners decide to appoint themselves as registered agents. But experienced owners know that a registered agent service is worth the investment.
Choosing to serve as your registered agent comes with the following advantages:
- It’s cheap: You can reduce costs by doing it yourself.
- It’s simple: The only address to update is your own.
- It’s reliable: You receive all documents and important notices.
It also has many disadvantages, including:
- No privacy: The registered agent’s address is public information. The Florida Division of Corporations posts it on its website.
- Junk mail/spam: You have to sort the advertisements from the vital notices.
- No breaks: Registered agents must be open during all business hours.
- Business interruptions: Customers might see you served with a lawsuit. This embarrassing situation can tarnish your reputation.
- It’s your fault if you miss something: If you make a mistake, forget to update the address, or fail to see a notice, it’s all on you.
We encourage business owners to use a registered agent service. They will keep your address confidential and sort through your mail. While attorneys can charge up to $500 annually, registered agent services cost around $100-$150 per year.
If you choose to start your LLC by using a business formation company, they often include a registered agent service in their packages. Feel free to take a look at our registered agent recommendations article for more information.
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$0 - $100 3. File Articles of Organization
How do you file Articles of Organization for a Tallahassee, Florida LLC? Take a moment to compose yourself because this section is crucial. Filing your Articles of Organization with the Florida Division of Corporations creates your LLC.
This task can seem intimidating. But in reality, the Articles of Organization only requires basic information. You can even use a fillable form provided by the State.
There are two fees to pay when filing, totaling $125. They are a $100 fee for the Articles of Organization and a $25 fee to appoint a registered agent.
Once you file, the Division of Corporations has to process your application. This can have some delays, but Florida provides three different ways to send them in. The processing times are subject to change, but here is a rundown of the estimated timing:
- By mail: 5-7 business days, plus mailing time
- Online: 1-2 business days
- Walk-in: Same day
To save time and avoid the hassle of LLC filings, all seasoned entrepreneurs use LLC formation services. For recommendations, check out our article on the best LLC services.
1-7 days
$125 4. Draft an Operating Agreement
Do I need an operating agreement for my Tallahassee, Florida LLC? An operating agreement is a contract between LLC members. It sets out the rules under which the LLC operates. And it includes the rights and responsibilities of the members.
If you don’t have an operating agreement, any Tallahassee LLC falls back to Florida laws. Those default laws might not serve your best interests. Taking the time to create an operating agreement protects you and your business.
Florida does not require LLCs to have an operating agreement. But we encourage business owners to create one so that you can tailor the rules to fit your needs, including:
- They determine the rights and duties of LLC members. If one LLC member is responsible for running the business or managing the books, the operating agreement should say so.
- They say whether the LLC has a member or non-member manager and what the manager has the right to do. Managers also have special duties to the company and the members. The operating agreement should state these.
- They outline what the LLC is legally able to do. The operating agreement should also set down how the company is allowed to conduct its business from day to day.
- They say how new members can join the company. They also have rules about how exiting members can leave.
- They set down how and when profits are paid to members. They can also create different types of membership and payment schemes.
- They say whether members or managers are in charge. They also say how to hire and fire managers.
- They say how and under what circumstances the LLC should end. You might not want to dissolve your business now, but you might in the future. It’s best to think about it and plan before it becomes an issue.
- They say how to change the rules. You may need to amend your operating agreement in the future. The operating agreement should set down the rules for making changes.
You do not need to file an operating agreement with the state of Florida. They are private contracts between LLC members.
Experienced business owners complete this step to protect their business and interest. LLC formation services provide operating agreement templates for as little as $50. It is easier than ever to ensure your LLC operates as you intend.
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Do I need an EIN for my Florida LLC? The IRS uses Employer Identification Numbers (EINs) to track tax information. They work like Social Security Numbers, with one EIN for each business entity.
Not all businesses need to get an EIN, but many do. The IRS requires LLCs to get an EIN if any of the following apply:
- the LLC has more than one member,
- it hires any employees,
- or it follows C-corporation or S-corporation taxation.
EINs are often required for other purposes. These include filing state taxes and opening bank accounts. We recommend every LLC obtains an EIN, even if the IRS doesn’t need it.
You can apply for an EIN online and complete the process in minutes. Unless it’s part of a wider business formation package, it’s not worth paying someone to get an EIN on your behalf.
Read More: How to get an Employer Identification Number in Florida
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Licenses and Permits in Tallahassee, FL
Starting a new business means getting state, county, and city-level licenses and permits. Failing to get required permits can be a quick way to cause serious trouble.
State
A general business permit is not required for most Florida entities. But many industries need to get licenses and permits before conducting operations. These include everything from architects to private investigators.
Review the Florida state requirements before opening your doors to customers.
Local
City and county authorities may also require licenses and permits. The City of Tallahassee and Leon County don’t require a general business permit. But certain business activities do need to get one, such as:
- construction contractors,
- tree removal,
- and solar power installations.
Carefully review the Tallahassee and Leon County permit requirements before starting a business. Reach out to these authorities to get answers to specific questions.
Support for Small Businesses in Tallahassee, FL
Leveraging the knowledge of business leaders is an excellent way to get on the right path. They can help identify problems before they happen and provide actionable solutions. Don’t fumble around in the dark alone. Reach out to your local leaders to find rapid success.
Here is a list of local organizations dedicated to helping businesses:
- Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce: Builds a business-friendly environment. Nurtures an entrepreneurial system dedicated to the local region.
- Tallahassee Office of Economic Vitality: Helps owners get capital to launch businesses. Provides access to local, state, and federal programs.
- Small Business Development Center at FAMU: Supplies comprehensive consulting services at no cost.
- Alliance of Entrepreneur Resource Organizations: Joining forces to help Big-Bend area businesses.
- Domi Station: Provides business incubation and mentoring opportunities. Offers coworking spaces and a collaborative environment.
LLC Formation FAQs
What are the benefits of an LLC?
Most importantly, having an LLC will ensure your personal assets are protected if your business cannot pay its debts. Running your business through an LLC can also provide you with better tax treatment. In addition, LLCs have fewer and less complicated reporting requirements compared to other types of businesses, making them particularly suitable for smaller businesses.
Do I have to form an LLC to start a business?
It is not strictly necessary to form an LLC in order to start a business. You can engage in business as a sole proprietorship instead. However, in that case, your personal assets may be at risk if your business takes on too much debt or loses a lawsuit in court.
How much does it generally cost to form an LLC?
It doesn’t cost much to set up an LLC for your business. In most states, you will need to pay less than $150 to register your new LLC with the local state authorities. In some states, you may need to pay some additional costs later on, for example, when filing an annual report or filing for a DBA.
How long does it take to form an LLC?
The time it takes to have your LLC approved can vary wildly depending on the state, the filing method you used and if you opted for expedited filing. In some states, you can have your LLC approved in as little as one day, while in others, it may take weeks or even months.
If you want the fastest possible turnaround time, you should consider using online filing and pay for expedited service, if available.
How will my LLC be taxed?
The IRS and most state tax authorities treat LLCs as “pass-through” entities. This means that your LLC does not pay taxes directly (as corporations do). Instead, the tax burden is passed through to the members of your LLC. The members will then include profits and losses from the LLC’s business on their personal income tax returns.
In what state should I form my LLC?
It is generally best to form your LLC in your home state, where you will actually carry out your business. Some people believe that it is advantageous to form your LLC in Delaware or Nevada. In reality, you would then have to register with the authorities in your home state as a foreign LLC and pay additional fees – without much benefit in return.
Do I need to file for a DBA?
You are not generally required to file for a DBA (“Doing-Business-As”). However, most business owners choose to do so anyway. Getting a DBA will allow you to omit the letters LLC from your customer-facing business name. You can also have multiple names for your LLC if you want to run more than one business through your LLC.
Can I form an LLC if I am not a US citizen or US resident?
Yes, you can form an LLC for your business in any US state. There is no requirement for you to be a US citizen in order to form an LLC, nor do you need the right to reside in the US. If your business is going to own physical property in a given state, you may want to form your LLC in that state.
Do I need to hire an attorney to form an LLC for my business?
No, you don’t need to hire an attorney to form an LLC for you. It is generally much cheaper and straightforward to file the necessary paperwork yourself or to hire an affordable LLC formation service to handle the work on your behalf. However, you may want to consider hiring an attorney if your business is very complex.
Tallahassee, FL Business Formation Quick Links
- Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce
- Tallahassee Office of Economic Vitality
- Small Business Development Center at FAMU
- Alliance of Entrepreneur Resource Organizations
- Domi Station
- Florida LLC Articles of Organization (Form)
- Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
- Florida Department of Revenue — Employment Taxes
- Florida Department of Revenue — Sales and Use Tax
- Florida Division of Corporations — Annual Report Instructions
- Florida Division of Corporations — Company Search
- Florida Division of Corporations — Document Processing Dates
- Florida Division of Corporations — Fee Schedule
- Florida Statutes Chapter 440 — Workers’ Compensation
- Florida Statutes Chapter 605 — Florida Revised Limited Liability Company Act
- Florida Statutes Section 865.09 — Fictitious Name Registration (DBA)
- Internal Revenue Service — apply for an EIN online
- IRS information regarding the federal tax treatment of LLCs
