Florida LLC Documents: Real Examples & State Comparison

Real Documents You’ll Need for a Florida LLC
Starting an LLC in Florida is a big step. You’ll need to file the right paperwork to make your business official. In this article, we’ll show you the exact Florida LLC documents you’ll need, with real examples, and compare them to what’s required in states like Texas, Delaware, Georgia, and Wyoming.
Let’s make it simple and clear, so you know exactly what to expect.
What Is an LLC?
An LLC (Limited Liability Company) is a type of business. It helps protect your personal money if your business gets sued or has debt. Every state has its own rules for creating an LLC. That means the forms and documents are different depending on where you file.
The Main Document You’ll Need: Florida’s Articles of Organization
In Florida, the main form you need is called the Articles of Organization.
This form tells the state:
- Your LLC’s name
- Who runs it (managers or members)
- Your main business address
- Who your registered agent is
A registered agent is someone who receives official mail and legal papers for your business. In Florida, this person or business must have a physical address in the state.
Sample Florida Certificate of Formation (Also Known as Articles of Organization)
Florida does not call it a “Certificate of Formation” like Texas does. Instead, Florida uses the term Articles of Organization.
Here’s what a Florida sample looks like:
- Page 1: Lists your LLC’s name, address, and registered agent
- Page 2: Includes the signature of the person forming the LLC
- Page 3 (if online): You get a filing acknowledgment from the Florida Division of Corporations
These documents are filed with Sunbiz.org, the Florida government’s business portal.
What About the Operating Agreement?
Florida does not require you to file an Operating Agreement, but it’s smart to have one. It explains:
- Who owns what part of the company
- How decisions are made
- What happens if someone leaves the business
Even if the state doesn’t need it, banks or partners might.
Florida vs. Other States: Real Documents Compared
Let’s compare Florida’s LLC documents with those from Texas, Delaware, Georgia, and Wyoming.
State | Main Formation Document | What It’s Called | Filed With |
Florida | Articles of Organization | Not Called Certificate | Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz) |
Texas | Certificate of Formation | Form 205 | Texas Secretary of State |
Delaware | Certificate of Formation | Simple, 1-page Form | Delaware Division of Corporations |
Georgia | Articles of Organization | Similar to Florida | Georgia Secretary of State |
Wyoming | Articles of Organization | Fast online filing | Wyoming Secretary of State |
Texas Certificate of Formation: Real Example
Let’s look at Texas as an example. In Texas, you must file a Certificate of Formation (Form 205).
Here’s what’s inside:
- Name of LLC
- Registered agent (must be in Texas)
- Management structure (who runs the business)
- Signature of the person creating the LLC
After filing, you get a stamped Certificate of Filing from the Texas Secretary of State.
This is very similar to Florida, but the layout and wording are different.
Delaware, Georgia, and Wyoming Examples
Delaware:
- Simple 1-page Certificate of Formation
- Just asks for the LLC name and registered agent
Georgia:
- Articles of Organization + Transmittal Form
- Georgia wants a little more detail than Delaware
Wyoming:
- Easy online form
- Includes organizer’s name, address, and registered agent
Each state has its own rules, so it’s smart to look at real examples before you file.
Other Florida LLC Documents You Might Need
Besides the Articles of Organization, here are a few more documents you may need for your Florida LLC:
Document | Do You File It with the State? | What It Does |
Operating Agreement | No (but keep it in your records) | Explains how your LLC runs |
EIN (from the IRS) | No (file online with IRS) | Lets you open a bank account and pay taxes |
Annual Report | Yes (every year) | Keeps your LLC active and up to date |
Bank Resolution | No | Shows who can use the company bank account |
Florida-Specific Tip: Don’t Forget Your Annual Report
Every LLC in Florida must file an Annual Report between January 1 and May 1 each year. If you miss it, you’ll pay a late fee or even lose your LLC.
Need a Local Florida Agent? See Our Rapid Office Hours
You must list a Florida registered agent to file your LLC. That’s where we come in. We’re local and ready to help.
Need a local Florida agent? See our Rapid office hours
We can receive your official mail, help with forms, and remind you about your annual report.
Final Thoughts
Starting an LLC in Florida is simple if you know what to do. The most important Florida LLC document is the Articles of Organization, but don’t forget the other pieces like your Operating Agreement and Annual Report.
Use our slider tool to compare documents from other states like Texas, Delaware, Georgia, and Wyoming. Seeing real examples helps you file with confidence.
And if you need help, we’re here.
Start your Florida LLC the easy way—let Rapid Registered Agent help you get it done.