Cost to Form Corporation in Florida

Quick Answer

The total cost to form a corporation in Florida ranges from $225-$350 in Year 1 for DIY filing, or $500-$1,500+ when using a formation service, including the $70 state filing fee and essential services like registered agent and EIN filing.

Total Cost: Year One

Cost Category	DIY Range	With Service
State Filing Fee	$70	$70
Registered Agent	$100-$200	Included
EIN Filing	Free (DIY)	$50-$100
Corporate Bylaws	$0-$50	$50-$200
Business License	$50-$500+	$50-$500+
Total Year 1	$220-$820	$500-$1,500+

Note: Costs vary based on business type, location, and service provider. Data as of April 13, 2026.

Government Filing Fees

Fee Type	Amount	Notes
Articles of Incorporation	$70	Mandatory state filing fee
Processing Time	N/A	3-5 business days (online filing available)
Expedited Processing	Contact SOS	Available for additional fee
Name Reservation	Contact SOS	Optional, protects name before filing

Source: Florida Department of State Division of Corporations (dos.fl.gov/sunbiz/) as of April 13, 2026.

Florida’s $70 corporation filing fee is among the most competitive in the nation, making it an attractive state for business formation. The state accepts online filings through their SunBiz portal, which typically process within 3-5 business days.

Optional Costs

While Florida only requires the $70 filing fee, most corporations need additional services:

Registered Agent Service: $100-$300/year Florida law requires corporations to maintain a registered agent with a Florida address. You can serve as your own registered agent for free, but many business owners prefer hiring a service for privacy and reliability.

EIN (Federal Tax ID): Free-$100 All corporations need an Employer Identification Number from the IRS. You can apply directly with the IRS for free, or pay a service $50-$100 to handle the application.

Corporate Bylaws: $50-$500 While not required by Florida, bylaws establish your corporation’s internal rules and are typically required by banks and investors. You can draft simple bylaws yourself or hire an attorney for $200-$500.

Business Licenses: $50-$500+ Licensing requirements vary by industry and location. Most businesses need at least a general business license from their city or county.

Corporate Kit: $50-$150 Includes corporate seal, stock certificates, and record-keeping materials. Not legally required but useful for maintaining corporate formalities.

Annual Ongoing Costs

Florida corporations face these recurring expenses:

Annual Cost	Amount	Due Date
Annual Report	$150	By May 1
Registered Agent	$100-$300	Ongoing
State Corporate Income Tax	5.5% of net income	March 15
Federal Corporate Tax	21% of net income	March 15

Florida Annual Report Every corporation must file an annual report by May 1st each year, with a $150 fee. The report updates the state on your corporation’s current information including officers, directors, and registered agent.

Corporate Income Tax Florida imposes a 5.5% corporate income tax on C-corporations, while S-corporations are generally pass-through entities for state tax purposes. This is in addition to the 21% federal corporate tax rate.

No Personal Income Tax One of Florida’s major advantages is the absence of personal state income tax, which benefits corporate shareholders when taking distributions or salaries.

DIY vs. Formation Service Comparison

Method	Year 1 Cost	Pros	Cons
DIY Filing	$220-$350	Lowest cost, full control	Time-consuming, learning curve
Budget Service	$500-$800	Guided process, basic support	Limited features, additional fees
Premium Service	$800-$1,500+	Full-service, ongoing support	Higher cost, may include unnecessary features

DIY Filing Process:

1. Choose and verify your corporation name
2. Prepare Articles of Incorporation
3. File online at dos.fl.gov/sunbiz/ with $70 fee
4. Obtain EIN from IRS
5. Draft corporate bylaws
6. Secure registered agent
7. Obtain necessary business licenses

Formation Service Benefits:

• Professional document preparation
• Registered agent service included
• EIN filing assistance
• Ongoing compliance reminders
• Customer support

Cheapest States Comparison

State	Filing Fee	Annual Fee	Total Year 1
Wyoming	$100	$60	$260-$460
Nevada	$75	$350	$425-$625
Florida	$70	$150	$220-$420
Delaware	$89	$300	$389-$589
Texas	$300	$0	$450-$650

Estimates include state fees plus typical registered agent service costs.

Florida ranks among the most cost-effective states for corporation formation, with the lowest filing fee and reasonable annual costs. The state’s business-friendly environment, combined with no personal income tax, makes it attractive despite the 5.5% corporate income tax.

FAQ

How long does it take to form a corporation in Florida?

Online filings through Florida’s SunBiz portal typically process within 3-5 business days. Paper filings take longer, usually 2-3 weeks. You can check your filing status online using the confirmation number provided after submission.

Can I be my own registered agent in Florida?

Yes, you can serve as your own registered agent if you have a Florida street address (not a P.O. Box) and are available during business hours. However, many business owners prefer hiring a registered agent service for privacy and reliability, especially if they live out of state.

What’s the difference between C-Corp and S-Corp taxation in Florida?

C-corporations pay Florida’s 5.5% corporate income tax plus 21% federal tax, with potential double taxation on distributions. S-corporations are pass-through entities for both state and federal purposes, meaning profits and losses flow through to shareholders’ personal tax returns. Florida has no personal income tax, making S-corp election particularly attractive.

Do I need an attorney to form a corporation in Florida?

No, Florida law doesn’t require an attorney to form a corporation. The Articles of Incorporation are relatively straightforward, and many business owners file successfully on their own. However, consider consulting an attorney if you have complex ownership structures, multiple investors, or industry-specific requirements.

What business licenses do I need for my Florida corporation?

License requirements vary by business type and location. Most businesses need a general business license from their city or county. Professional services may require state occupational licenses. Check with your local government and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation for specific requirements.

Can I change my corporation name after filing?

Yes, but you’ll need to file Articles of Amendment with the Florida Department of State and pay the required fee. It’s easier and cheaper to verify name availability before filing your initial Articles of Incorporation using the SunBiz name search tool.

What happens if I miss the annual report deadline?

Florida corporations that don’t file their annual report by May 1st face penalties and eventual administrative dissolution. Late fees apply, and the state may dissolve your corporation if the report remains unfiled. Set calendar reminders or use a compliance service to avoid missing this critical deadline.

Do I need corporate bylaws in Florida?

While Florida doesn’t legally require bylaws, they’re highly recommended and often required by banks, investors, and insurance companies. Bylaws establish your corporation’s internal rules, procedures for meetings, and officer responsibilities. They’re essential for maintaining proper corporate formalities and liability protection.

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This article provides general information for educational purposes only. Consult with a qualified attorney or accountant for advice specific to your business situation. Business formation requirements and fees are subject to change.