Why Florida?
Florida is the third-largest state economy in the US and one of the most active for international business. Its large Hispanic and Latin American community makes it familiar territory for non-resident founders — local lawyers, accountants, and business services are accustomed to working with international clients.
Florida's processing times are among the fastest in the country. Standard LLC formation is typically processed in 2–3 business days by the Florida Division of Corporations, making it one of the more responsive state filing offices in the US.
The state has a well-developed infrastructure for running a business — banking relationships, logistics, warehousing, and a customer base that expects US-registered companies. If you are operating an e-commerce business that ships to Florida, providing services to Florida clients, or you personally spend significant time there, a Florida LLC reflects the reality of your business operations.
Non-residents can form a Florida LLC without visiting the state or providing a Florida address — a registered agent satisfies the state's address requirement. Edeal provides this as part of its service.
State Fees
These are government fees paid to the State of Florida — not Edeal's service fee. Edeal registers your Florida LLC for $1 + state fees.
LLC Formation
- Articles of Organization filing fee: $125 — one-time, paid to Florida Division of Corporations
- Annual Report fee: $138.75/year — this is a mandatory state government fee to keep your LLC in good standing. It is due between January 1 and May 1 each year. Missing this deadline results in a late fee and, ultimately, administrative dissolution of your LLC.
- Registered Agent: required by law — Edeal provides a registered agent as part of its service
All fees are set by the State of Florida and are publicly available at the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz).
Who Florida Is Right For
- Founders physically located in Florida — registering where you actually operate simplifies compliance
- Businesses with customers or clients primarily in Florida — sales tax nexus and operational presence align with Florida registration
- E-commerce businesses with Florida nexus — if you have a warehouse, fulfillment center, or significant FL sales volume
- International founders already doing business with the Florida market — the large Latin American business community and established international banking relationships
- Businesses that need fast formation — 2–3 day standard processing is faster than many other states
Who Florida Is Not the Best Fit For
- Non-residents with no connection to Florida — if your business has no customers, operations, or presence in Florida, Wyoming or Delaware are simpler and often cheaper over time
- Cost-sensitive founders — Florida's annual report fee of $138.75/year is higher than Wyoming's $60/year minimum; if minimizing annual costs is the priority, Wyoming is the better choice
- Startups seeking VC funding — as with Wyoming, investors and accelerators expect Delaware for institutional fundraising
If your business doesn't have a natural tie to Florida, see how to choose a state — Edeal can help you decide whether Wyoming or Delaware is a better fit.
For Non-Residents: What to Consider in Florida
Citizenship and country of residence do not prevent you from owning a Florida LLC, and a non-resident can be the sole member. A few things matter more than the filing fee.
- Nexus and foreign registration. If you actually operate in another state, that state will likely require you to register your Florida LLC there as a foreign LLC — meaning double fees. Register where you genuinely operate.
- A registered agent is mandatory. You need a physical address in Florida to receive legal notices; Edeal provides one.
- Bank account and EIN. A US bank account generally requires an EIN, and an in-person visit is usually not required.
- Ongoing reporting. Florida requires an annual report of $138.75/year, due between January 1 and May 1. Missing it leads to penalties and eventually administrative dissolution.
FAQ
Does a non-resident need a Florida address to form a Florida LLC?
No. A registered agent with a Florida address satisfies the state's requirement. You do not need to live in Florida, have a Florida office, or visit the state. Edeal's registered agent service covers this requirement.
What happens if I miss the Florida Annual Report deadline?
The annual report is due between January 1 and May 1 each year. Missing the May 1 deadline results in a late fee. If the report is not filed, the Florida Division of Corporations will administratively dissolve your LLC. Edeal's ongoing service includes annual report reminders and filing support.
How does Florida compare to Wyoming for a non-resident with no US presence?
For a non-resident with no operational ties to any specific state, Wyoming is typically the better choice: lower annual government fee ($60/year minimum vs. $138.75/year in Florida), stronger privacy protections, and simpler ongoing requirements. Florida makes more sense when you have actual business activity there.
Can I open a US bank account with a Florida LLC?
Yes. A Florida LLC formed through Edeal provides the documentation typically required by US banks and fintechs (Mercury, Relay, Brex). An EIN is also generally required for bank account opening — Edeal can assist with that process.
Do I need to be a US resident to form a Florida LLC?
No. You can be the sole owner and manage the company remotely from anywhere. No SSN and no US residency are required to form or own a Florida LLC.
Should a non-resident with no US business choose Florida?
Usually no. If you have no operations, customers, or presence in the US, Wyoming is cheaper and simpler for a purely remote business.
What happens if I operate in another state under this Florida LLC?
Operating in another state typically creates nexus there, which requires registering your Florida LLC as a foreign LLC in that state and paying extra fees. Choose your state of formation based on where you actually do business.