Florida LLC Documents: Real Examples & State Comparison

A woman holding Florida LLC documents.

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.

StateMain Formation DocumentWhat It’s CalledFiled With
FloridaArticles of OrganizationNot Called CertificateFlorida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz)
Texas Certificate of FormationForm 205Texas Secretary of State
DelawareCertificate of FormationSimple, 1-page FormDelaware Division of Corporations 
GeorgiaArticles of OrganizationSimilar to FloridaGeorgia Secretary of State
WyomingArticles of OrganizationFast online filingWyoming 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:

DocumentDo You File It with the State?What It Does
Operating AgreementNo (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 ReportYes (every year)Keeps your LLC active and up to date
Bank ResolutionNoShows 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.

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