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Best LLC Services in Florida
By Talon Abernathy MONEY RESEARCH COLLECTIVE
Are you planning on starting an LLC? You can create one on your own, though some people find the process intimidating. LLC service providers help business owners with the LLC formation process and with registered agent services.
We’ve compiled a list of the seven best LLC services in the state of Florida. In the following guide, you’ll learn about each service’s strengths and weaknesses. We’ll also go over how to create an LLC in Florida.
Our Top Picks for Best LLC Services in Florida
- Northwest — Best for customer service
- LegalZoom — Best satisfaction guarantee
- ZenBusiness — Best for subscription options
- Incfile — Best for low budgets
- Tailor Brands — Best for online use
- Rocket Lawyer — Best for legal help
- Incorporate Fast — Best for quick LLC establishment
- Help setting up any type of business
- Useful educational resources and state guides
- All packages include registered agent service
- Business management and expansion resources
- Free DIY business registration tools
- Set up any business entity type
- Starts at $0 + State fees
- Get help from real attorneys in your state
- Unlimited lifetime customer support
- Business tax and compliance services
Fast & Simple LLC Formation- Start an LLC in Minutes
- Starts at $0 + State fees
- Superior Registered Agent & Compliance services
- Affordable EIN & expedited filing options
- 100% Accuracy guarantee
- All major business entity types
- Fee as low as $0 plus mandatory state filing fee
- Free unlimited customer support in every package
- Next business day processing
- Free registered agent service for your first year
- Free business tax consultation
Best LLC Services in Florida Review
A limited liability company, also known as an LLC, is a business structure that combines the liability protection of a corporation with the tax benefits of a partnership. LLCs are popular choices for small businesses because they offer some of the same protections as a corporation, but with less paperwork and fewer formalities.
An LLC’s members are not personally liable for the debts and obligations of the business. This means that if the LLC is sued or incurs debt, the members’ personal assets, such as their homes and bank accounts, are generally not at risk.
In Florida, an LLC must designate an individual to act as the company’s registered agent. This agent must be present at a fixed address during normal business hours throughout the year to receive official company correspondence. While a business owner can designate themselves or an employee as the company’s registered agent, many find it convenient to hire out the service to a third party.
Here are our top picks for the best LLC services in Florida.
Best for Customer Service: Northwest
Why we chose it: Northwest took our top spot for best customer service due to its knowledgeable and helpful support staff. When you purchase an LLC formation package with Northwest, you gain access to their team of Corporate Guides, many of whom are former or current paralegals, accountants, advisors, educators, lawyers and entrepreneurs.
- Knowledgeable support staff
- Customer reviews on popular review websites mention positive customer service experiences
- Free registered agent service for one year after LLC formation
- Address privacy keeps your address off the public record
- Customer service is not always readily available, some reviews say
- Fees are slightly higher than average
Numerous customer reviews for Northwest on popular review websites like Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau mention stellar customer support. However, some reviews note that getting a service agent on the phone can take a while. Northwest charges somewhat above-average fees for its services.
With Northwest, you receive free registered agent service for one year. Afterward, you can choose to continue the service for $125 a year. While you don’t need to hire a professional agent, many business owners like the flexibility and privacy that comes with the service. Northwest also maintains client privacy by shielding your address from the public.
With over 20 years in business and offices in all 50 states, Northwest is one of the most established LLC formation services out there. Northwest’s success may lie partly in its 100% error-free guarantee. If a Northwest representative makes a mistake, the company will file all necessary amendments free of charge to fix the error.
Best Satisfaction Guarantee: LegalZoom
Why we chose it: With an emphasis on customer support, LegalZoom has earned its status as one of the biggest players in online LLC formation assistance. You can see just how much customers appreciate LegalZoom by looking at online reviews hosted on platforms like Yelp, Trustpilot and Google.
- Access to a support team of licensed attorneys
- Fantastic online reviews across a range of platforms
- Strong understanding of local laws
- Expensive add-on features
- No free plan
- Slow turnaround time
LegalZoom currently holds a 4.5 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot with more than 1,800 reviews. Many reviews praise LegalZoom for its helpful support staff and easy LLC setup. Some negative reviews complain about software glitches and a lack of straightforward pricing.
In its more than 20 years of operation, LegalZoom has helped build more than 2 million businesses. However, this expertise does not come cheap. LegalZoom offers three pricing tiers: $79, $329 and $349.
While its base plan isn’t too expensive, it comes with a lengthy 30-day turnaround time. Add-on features will also set you back. Registered agent services start at $299 a year, which is more than twice as much as some of the other options on our list.
Best for Subscription Options: ZenBusiness
Why we chose it: ZenBusiness offers comprehensive and affordable subscription packages. With ZenBusiness you can gain access to helpful add-on services, like ongoing annual compliance assistance and access to ZenBusiness’s legal document library.
- A rich suite of added features (like annual compliance assistance)
- Positive online reviews
- Transparent pricing model
- Automatic alerts for important renewal dates
- Automatic registered agent service opt-in at service renewal
- Some services can be purchased elsewhere at a lower cost
When you purchase a plan through ZenBusiness, you receive the company’s Worry-Free Guarantee. This compliance-centered guarantee stays in force for one year from your LLC filing. The Worry-Free Guarantee protects you with notifications for filing dates, two free amendments and support that will keep you up-to-date and compliant with Florida state law.
ZenBusiness has a range of plan options, from a free starter plan up to its $299 Premium package. Overall, ZenBusiness enjoys high ratings on third-party review platforms like Trustpilot and its Google Business Profile. Customers are enthusiastic about its straightforward and transparent pricing structure.
Aside from the main LLC filing service, customers can choose from a host of add-on services ranging from EIN procurement to website set-up assistance.
ZenBusiness’s website has an automatic alert feature that lets users know when important filings are due. Florida residents may find this to be helpful for complying with the state’s annual filing requirement.
ZenBusiness users can also access boilerplate legal document templates from its online library for an extra fee. Customers have access to experienced business specialists who can help answer questions about the Florida LLC filing process.
Best for Low Budgets: Incfile
Why we chose it: Incfile made our list for its affordable plan options. It offers three competitively priced plans, including the Silver package, which provides a free LLC filing service.
- Affordable and transparent pricing structure
- Fast turnaround time
- One year of registered agent service available with paid plans
- Free filing plan available
- Some negative customer service reviews on popular review websites
Incfile’s Silver package costs $125. The company doesn’t charge you any fee for creating, preparing and filing legal paperwork on your behalf, or for access to their registered agent service for one year. Instead, 100% of your $125 payment goes directly to the Florida Secretary of State as your filing fee.
Incfile offers two other plan tiers. Its Gold package comes with an Employer Identification Number (EIN), express shipping, a business formation kit and banking services. The Platinum package offers the same services as the Gold package plus business contract templates, free next-day filing and a personalized business email and domain name.
It’s important to note that you don’t need an LLC formation service to access certain services. For example, you can receive an EIN free of charge from the IRS, and you can purchase a domain name for your business and set up a website yourself. The benefits of using a service like Incfile come in the form of convenience and expertise gained from years of LLC formation experience.
Numerous reviews hosted on third-party websites like Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau note a quick turnaround time. However, other reviews mention unhelpful customer support staff and difficulties resolving issues.
Best for Online Use: Tailor Brands
Why we chose it: Tailor Brands offers quick and comprehensive LLC start-up assistance. Its easy-to-use and powerful online web portal has earned Tailor Brands our number-one slot for online use.
- A rich array of online offerings, including a logo design tool
- Positive online reviews regarding customer service and ease of use
- Personalized service
- Quick online LLC filing
- Pricier than most services
- Can take a while to learn all of the online tools
Tailor Brands has received generally positive reviews on websites like Trustpilot and its Google Business profile. These reviews mostly focus on the service’s diverse array of online features. With Tailor Brands, you get:
- A domain name
- A custom logo design tool
- A website
- Social media graphics
- Digital business cards
The company has a reputation for excellent customer support. If you need help understanding or accessing any of its add-on tools, you can receive assistance from a customer service agent over the phone or via online chat.
Filling out the necessary forms to get your Florida LLC up and running takes just minutes on Tailor Brand’s website, the company claims. While Tailor Brand isn’t the cheapest service provider on our list, its prices are in line with other premium LLC service providers.
Best for Legal Help: Rocket Lawyer
Why we chose it: Rocket Lawyer takes our top spot for legal help due to its paid membership plan. For $40 a month, members receive access to free legal advice, a free 30-minute consultation with a lawyer and up to a 40% discount on attorney fees.
- Free legal advice for members
- Members get one free LLC filing
- Free seven-day trial
- Highly accessible customer service
- Pricey add-on fees
- Many features only available to members
- The free trial automatically converts to a paid membership
Rocket Lawyer focuses its efforts on assisting clients with long-term legal needs. Its membership program is built around the assumption that members will need assistance with ongoing legal issues.
While some small business owners may find this service helpful, many will consider it unnecessary. If you only need to file your LLC with the state, you can take advantage of Rocket Lawyer’s free seven-day trial. Just make sure to cancel the service before it automatically converts into a paid membership.
If you think you’ll need access to ongoing legal services, a Rocket Lawyer membership may be a savvy purchase. In addition to the legal services covered above, you’ll also receive access to a library of customizable legal documents and document review services. New business owners may find this service helpful when drawing up employment, vendor and long-term service contracts.
Be sure to sit down and run the numbers before you make a decision. Subscription services can add up quickly and you may find cheaper alternatives elsewhere.
Best for Quick LLC Establishment: Incorporate Fast
Why we chose it: Incorporate Fast lives up to its name. With an application that can be completed in just five minutes and a speedy turnaround time, it’s a solid option for business owners with itchy feet.
- LLC application can be completed in just five minutes
- Helpful and accessible customer service
- Free one-year registered agent service available at all plan levels
- Fast turnaround time on filings
- High-priced premium plans
- Lack of online customer feedback
Incorporate Fast offers three plan options at $99, $199 and $299 (plus $125 for Florida’s filing fees). You’re likely best off selecting from one of the first two plans, as the most expensive package doesn’t offer enough additional features to justify the added cost. Incorporate Fast offers a standard range of features, including a year of free registered agent service for all plan levels.
Despite being around for two decades, Incorporate Fast has a small online presence. However, the reviews we did find were mostly positive. Several reviews from the BBB website praised Incorporate Fast for its quick turnaround time and helpful customer service agents.
Other companies we considered
The following businesses offer quality LLC formation services. However, they did not make our list due to blemishes in one or more of our assessed areas.
Harbor Compliance
Harbor Compliance offers quality LLC formation services, but it failed to make our list due to its high prices and confusing website design.
- Personalized customer support
- One-day processing
- Positive online reviews
- Uncompetitive pricing
- Poor website design
- Lack of add-on features
Swyft Filings
Swyft Filings offers solid LLC formation services at a reasonable price. However, it failed to make our list due to its expensive add-on features, many of which have been outsourced to third-party contractors.
- Free business tax consultation
- Assistance with getting an EIN
- 60-day money-back guarantee
- Positive online customer reviews
- Registered agent service only available as an add-on feature
- Many add-on features contracted out to third parties
MyCompanyWorks
MyCompanyWorks provides quality service to its customers. It did not make our list due to its uncompetitive pricing and lack of a registered agent service in its lower plan tiers.
- Good online reviews
- Refunds are available if you're not 100% satisfied
- Interactive online checklist to help guide users through the business formation process
- Prices are slightly higher than the competition
- Registered agent service is not available in basic packages
A Guide to Florida LLC Service
We’ve put together the following guide to answer a few common questions about LLCs and how they function in Florida.
What is an LLC?
An LLC is a business structure that protects business owners from debts and other liabilities incurred by their company. LLCs are unique to the U.S., though other countries have similar types of business structures. They combine the liability limits of a corporation with the pass-through tax benefits of a partnership.
LLCs have been around since 1977 when the Hamilton Brothers Oil Company successfully lobbied the Wyoming state legislature to legally recognize the business structure. Florida became the second state to recognize LLCs in 1982.
Because LLCs are a relatively recent innovation, case law is limited. Rules and regulations surrounding LLCs can vary quite a bit from state to state. In general, though, setting up an LLC is a simple process.
The law treats LLCs as separate entities from their business owners. This limits the liability of the owner. For example, suppose a construction company organized as an LLC goes bankrupt. In that case, creditors can liquidate the company’s assets but cannot touch the owner’s personal assets, regardless of how much money the company owes.
However, if in the above scenario the business were organized as a sole proprietorship, the creditors could seize the owner’s house, bank account and car.
LLCs also function as pass-through organizations. This means that revenue only gets taxed once. For example, if a lawyer gets paid by a client, the payment will only be taxed when the lawyer accepts the money as wages and not when the business receives the payment. By contrast, corporations are subject to double taxation.
How does an LLC in Florida work?
Florida LLCs are relatively simple and straightforward. You must choose a unique name, assign a registered agent and file your articles of organization with the state to form a new LLC. You must pay a fee to file your annual report and keep your Florida LLC in good standing every year.
Depending on your business type, you may need to acquire an industry-specific business license. You will probably also need to get a county or municipal business license. Once your LLC is set up, it’s important that you keep your personal and business accounts separate. LLCs protect you from debts and other liabilities incurred by your company, but lenders can still pursue you personally in some cases.
In LLC jargon, owners are referred to as members. An LLC can have a single member or more than one member. LLCs can be managed by one or more of the members or the members can hire a manager to oversee the day-to-day functioning of the business.
“Piercing the corporate veil” refers to an action taken by courts that lets business owners become liable for debts undertaken by the company. This can happen for several reasons. Commingling funds — or failing to separate personal and business accounts —is one common reason for this. Other reasons include fraud and instances in which the business owner uses company resources for personal purposes.
How do you start an LLC?
Wondering how to get an LLC? The process for starting an LLC in Florida begins by selecting a unique name for your business. You can search for your business’s name on the Florida Division of Corporations website to ensure it’s not in use already. In Florida, LLCs must have the words “limited liability company” or the acronym LLC or L.L.C. somewhere in the name. If you refer to your business by another name for advertising or general purposes, you must register this name with the DOC.
Once you’ve selected your company’s name, you must designate a registered agent. A registered agent is an individual or legal service that accepts official correspondence on behalf of your business. You can act as the registered agent for your business or you can assign the duty to an employee, another LLC member (owner), a friend, a family member or any other Florida citizen above the age of 18 with a physical address within the state. You can even hire someone — including the companies we review above — to act as your registered agent.
Next, you need to fill out and file the appropriate paperwork with the DOC. Known as the articles of organization, these forms contain key information about your business.
Once you’ve filed your business’s articles of organization and paid the mandatory filing and registered agent fees, you’re all done. Sit tight and wait for confirmation that your application has been accepted. If you need help funding your LLC, consider applying for a small business loan.
Best Florida LLC Service FAQ
Is Florida a good state for an LLC?
Florida is a good state to start an LLC due to its lack of a state-level personal income tax and its lenient business regulations. It's a relatively quick and inexpensive process to set up an LLC in Florida. Perhaps that's why more than 100,000 new LLCs are formed in Florida each year.
Florida doesn't require business owners to apply for a general business license. However, many local state and county governments issue business tax receipts that function in a similar manner. Certain industries and occupations — like dentistry and architectural service firms — also require specific licenses to operate.
The Florida DOC is responsible for issuing LLCs in the state of Florida. The application process is straightforward and fees are minimal compared to other states like California or Massachusetts. Online applicants often receive a decision within 24 to 48 hours of filing their application.
Note that if you do not live and work in Florida, you shouldn't set up an LLC there unless you have a compelling reason to do so. Sometimes, individuals living in one state will set up their LLC in a second state in an attempt to circumvent state-level income taxes, higher LLC filing fees or strict business regulations.
For example, in California, all LLCs with annual revenue in excess of $250,000 will have to pay an LLC fee that starts at $900 a year. In Florida, LLC owners only have to pay a $138.75 annual filing fee.
While it's possible to set up an LLC in a state that you don't live or do business in, you will still have to register your LLC as a foreign entity in the state in which you conduct business. That means you'll still have to pay all applicable taxes and fees and abide by all state-level regulations in the state in which you do business, negating any potential cost savings.
How much does an LLC cost in Florida?
The cost of forming an LLC in Florida will vary based on several factors, such as whether you use a third-party service or if you choose to file yourself. The cheapest way to form an LLC in Florida is to fill out and file the paperwork without the help of a third-party service or with the use of a free service.
How much is an LLC in Florida? In Florida, the filing fee for a new LLC is $100 and the registered agent fee is $25, meaning you'll pay a minimum of $125 to have your LLC legally recognized. Every year, you will have to pay an ongoing annual report fee of $138.75 to keep your LLC in good standing. This report must be filed between Jan. 1 and May 1. Reports filed after May 1 will incur an additional $400 late fee.
If you would like to receive assistance with your LLC, many third-party providers offer LLC formation services between $100 and $200. Lower- and higher-priced packages are available.
What is the best way to get an LLC in Florida?
Here's how to open an LLC in Florida. While Florida still processes paper LLC applications, online filings are faster and more convenient. When filing, you should use the free tools available on the Florida DOC website to help you choose a unique name and access the correct paperwork. Make sure you have the right business documents on hand for this step.
If you don't feel confident about completing the LLC formation process by yourself, or if you feel that you would benefit from expert guidance, consider hiring one of the Florida LLC formation services from our list. All seven of our chosen LLC service providers excel at assisting everyday business owners with the LLC creation process.
How We Chose the Best LLC Services in Florida
We assessed the LLC service providers in the following five areas. LLC service providers had to excel in most of these areas to win inclusion on our list.
Formation packages
A formation package is a checklist of everything you’ll need to successfully complete your Florida LLC registration. It will include a business’s:
- Name
- Management structure
- Registered agent
- Business purpose or activity
- Operating agreement
- Federal EIN
An LLC service provider should ideally provide assistance with all six of these business formation aspects.
Prices
When evaluating businesses for inclusion on our list, we looked at the price level of different plan tiers. We weighed the price against the services offered when comparing plans. We didn’t just select the cheapest plans on the market. Instead, we ensured that plans combined affordable prices with excellent service options.
Additional services
Many LLC service providers offer additional bells and whistles as part of their package deals. Some of these services are closely related to the LLC service provider’s core offering. For example, many LLC service providers will offer a free year of registered agent service when you purchase a filing package.
Other add-on services, like purchasing a domain name and setting up a personalized website and email account, have nothing to do with filing for an LLC, but they’re important for new businesses to have nonetheless.
When selecting LLC service providers for our list, we looked for businesses that provided a comprehensive suite of add-on services. In particular, we gave careful consideration to companies that provide the following add-on services:
- Name availability search
- Registered agent services
- Access to boilerplate business contracts
- Amendment filing
- DBA registration
- Certificates of good standing
Reviews
We looked at what customers had to say on popular review websites such as Yelp, the BBB, Trustpilot and Google Business Profiles. During this part of the investigation, we identified trends and common threads between comments and review platforms. In particular, we looked at aspects of the customer experience, including ease of use, support and customer satisfaction.
Customer service
We favored businesses that provide accessible customer support staff. Since we only looked at businesses in Florida, we weighted 24/7 support less heavily than we otherwise would. Instead, we mainly focused on factors like low phone wait times and multiple-channel support, including online chat options, email and over-the-phone assistance. We also paid attention to support staff training, knowledge and attitude.
Summary of Best LLC Services in Florida
- Northwest — Best for customer service
- Incfile — Best for low budgets
- ZenBusiness — Best for subscription options
- Tailor Brands — Best for online use
- LegalZoom — Best reviews
- Rocket Lawyer — Best for legal help
- Incorporate Fast — Best for quick LLC establishment
Talon Abernathy is a freelance writer, former teacher, and author. He has written on a broad variety of topics including SaaS for business, the legal industry, and personal finance and investing. He excels in simplifying complex topics while writing with an eye toward SEO and reader satisfaction.