How to Register Your Business in Florida
- 1). Determine your business structure. If you are running it alone, consider a sole proprietorship or a limited liability company. For multiple entrepreneurs, consider a partnership, limited liability company, or a corporation. The decision must be made by weighing tax considerations as well as the pros and cons of each structure. If you are unsure which structure is right for you, speak with a business law attorney in Florida.
- 2). Visit www.sunbiz.org and find the appropriate form. Download the form and complete it according to its instructions. Corporations must file the Florida Profit Articles of Incorporation; limited liability companies must file a Florida Articles of Organization Form. Partnerships must file a Registration form and a Statement of Authority form. Sole proprietorships must file a Florida Fictitious Name Form if the sole proprietor intends to operate his or her business under a trade name.
- 3). Send the completed form to the address listed at the bottom of each form. Pay the filing fee. Filing fees vary from form to form. The forms must be sent to Florida's Corporation's Division; however, depending on the type of form, you must designate which office of the Corporations Division the form goes to (for example, fictitious name registration forms must be directed to the "Fictitious Name Registration" office).
