How much does it cost to form a C-Corp in Florida?

The state filing fee is $70. Includes $35 filing + $35 registered agent designation. ClearFormation includes registered agent service in every plan.

How long does it take to incorporate in Florida?

The Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz) usually processes filings in 5-10 business days. Expedited options may be available from the state.

Do I need a registered agent for a Florida corporation?

Yes. Every Florida corporation needs an in-state agent with a physical address. ClearFormation includes agent service in all 50 states.

Does a Florida C-Corp have to file an annual report?

Yes. Florida requires a Annual Report, due May 1, fee $150. Corporate income tax (5.5%).

Should you be your own Florida registered agent?

You can if you have a physical FL address and are there during business hours. Most corps use a commercial agent to keep their home off public records.

Does running a corporation in Florida involve more paperwork than running other types of businesses?

Yes. A C-Corp needs bylaws, board meetings, minutes, a stock ledger, and Form 1120 each year. An LLC is simpler for owner-operated businesses.

What is the difference between an LLC and a corporation in Florida?

Both give liability protection. An LLC defaults to pass-through tax with fewer formalities. A C-Corp pays corporate tax but can issue preferred stock and ISO options.

Is an LLC better than a corporation?

For owner-operated businesses without VC plans, an LLC is usually simpler. A C-Corp fits founders who need stock options or institutional investment.

How many people are needed to form a corporation in Florida?

Florida allows one shareholder and one director. A solo founder can be the sole incorporator, director, and all officers.

Can I form my Florida corporation online?

Yes. Florida accepts online filings through the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz). ClearFormation files online and returns stamped docs to your dashboard.

How do I change my corporation's name in Florida?

File Articles of Amendment with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz) and pay the state fee. Update bylaws, bank accounts, and contracts that use the old name.

How do I dissolve my Florida corporation?

Get board and shareholder approval, file dissolution papers with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz), pay state taxes, and file a final Form 1120.

Does Florida have other professional entity types?

Florida may offer professional corporations (PCs) for licensed fields. Check Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz) rules for your profession.

Do I need an EIN for my Florida C-Corp?

Yes. Every C-Corp needs an EIN for banking, payroll, and Form 1120. ClearFormation can file for non-US founders without an SSN.

LLC vs C-Corp in Florida — which should I form?

An LLC is simpler and pass-through by default. A C-Corp fits VC fundraising and stock options. US VCs often prefer Delaware C-Corp for priced rounds.

Can a non-US resident form a C-Corp in Florida?

Yes. Florida has no US residency requirement for shareholders or directors. You need a US agent (included) and an EIN from the IRS.

Can I convert a Florida LLC into a C-Corp later?

Yes. Florida allows statutory conversion or a Delaware flip before a priced round. You file conversion papers and issue stock to former members.

What's the difference between a C-Corp and an S-Corp in Florida?

Both file Articles of Incorporation with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz). An S-Corp elects pass-through tax via Form 2553 but caps at 100 US shareholders and one stock class.

When does forming a C-Corp in Florida make sense (vs. Delaware)?

Form in Florida if you operate mainly there and are not raising VC soon. US VCs usually prefer a Delaware C-Corp for institutional rounds.

Do C-Corps in Florida need to hold annual meetings?

Yes. Hold at least one board meeting and one shareholder meeting each year with documented minutes to preserve the liability shield.

Does a Florida C-Corp need a separate bank account?

Yes. Keep corporate and personal funds separate. You need stamped Articles, an EIN, and a board resolution to open the account.

How much does it cost to incorporate in Florida?

The Florida corporation filing fee is $70 ($35 filing + $35 registered agent designation on Sunbiz). The annual report is $150, due May 1 — late filings incur a $400 penalty.

Florida C-Corp vs LLC — which is better?

Choose a Florida LLC for pass-through tax and simpler compliance. Choose a Florida C-Corp if you plan to raise venture capital, issue stock options, or create multiple share classes. Both require a Florida registered agent.

Does Florida have a corporate income tax?

Yes — Florida imposes a 5.5% corporate income tax on C-Corp profits. Florida has no personal income tax, but C-Corps file separately. LLCs are pass-through by default unless they elect corporate taxation.

Incorporation cost in FL

The corporation filing fee is $70. Includes $35 filing + $35 registered agent designation. Ongoing: Annual Report ($150, due May 1). Corporate income tax (5.5%).

FL · C-Corp formation

Form C Corp in Florida

Q: How do I form a C-Corp in Florida?

Pick a compliant name, appoint an in-state agent, file Articles of Incorporation with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz) ($70), adopt bylaws and issue stock, get an EIN, and file Annual Report filings.

Incorporate a Florida C-Corporation in the nation's third-largest state economy — no personal income tax, Sunbiz online filing, and a $70 state incorporation fee. ClearFormation includes a Florida registered agent with every plan.

Business Formation + Registered Agent

$298first year

+ $70 FL state filing fee

Florida C-Corp formation ($149 one-time)
FL Registered Agent — 1 year included ($149/yr after)

Start your FL C-Corp

Florida C-Corp at a glance

Quick reference for incorporating a for-profit C-Corporation in Florida with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz).

State filing fee	$70
Processing time	5-10 business days
Filing agency	Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz)
Registered agent	Required — physical FL street address
Annual report	Annual Report — $150, due May 1
Franchise / corporate tax	Corporate income tax (5.5%)
Registered agent (ClearFormation)	Included with formation

Includes $35 filing + $35 registered agent designation.

How to form a C-Corp in Florida

There are six steps. File Articles of Incorporation with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz), pay the $70 state fee, and appoint a Florida registered agent. Most filings finish in 5-10 business days.

1
Step 1: Name your Florida corporation
- Your name must include "Corporation", "Incorporated", "Company", or an abbreviation.
- It must be unique on Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz) records.
- Search before you file.
- Words like "bank" may need approval.
- ClearFormation runs a name check before we file.
2
Step 2: Appoint a Florida registered agent
- Florida requires an in-state contact with a physical FL street address.
- They accept lawsuits and state mail during business hours.
- Most founders use a commercial agent for privacy.
- ClearFormation includes agent service in all 50 states.
3
Step 3: File with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz)
- Submit Articles of Incorporation with the $70 state fee.
- Processing is usually 5-10 business days.
- You list your name, agent, authorized shares, and incorporator.
- ClearFormation prepares and files online for you.
4
Step 4: Issue stock and adopt bylaws
- Hold an organizational meeting: adopt bylaws, appoint directors, elect officers, and issue founder stock.
- If stock vests, file an IRS 83(b) election within 30 days.
- Included with ClearFormation.
5
Step 5: Get your EIN from the IRS
- You need an EIN to open a US bank account, hire staff, and file Form 1120.
- The IRS issues EINs for free.
- ClearFormation can file Form SS-4 for you — including for non-US founders without an SSN.
6
Step 6: Stay compliant in Florida
- Florida requires the Annual Report ($150), due May 1.
- Corporate income tax (5.5%).
- ClearFormation tracks deadlines and pre-fills your report.

Form your FL C-Corp now

We prepare the filing, include a FL registered agent, and walk you through bylaws and stock.

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How much does a Florida C-Corp cost?

One-time state filing fee to the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz)
Ongoing state reports and any franchise or income tax
Federal EIN and annual Form 1120 corporate tax return

One-time Florida formation cost

The Florida C-Corp filing fee is $70. Includes $35 filing + $35 registered agent designation. Bylaws and stock certificates are included with ClearFormation.

Ongoing Florida C-Corp cost

The Annual Report is $150, due May 1. Corporate income tax (5.5%). Every C-Corp also files federal Form 1120 and pays 21% federal corporate tax on profits.

What's included with ClearFormation

Registered agent service bundled into every plan
Bylaws, stock certificates, and organizational consent
Optional EIN filing for non-US founders without an SSN

Fees reviewed against Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz) (last reviewed June 2026).

Ready to file in Florida?

State fee is $70. Our formation plan includes your first year of FL registered agent service.

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Post-incorporation checklist for a Florida C-Corp

Stamped Articles from the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz) create your company legally. Complete these steps in the first 30 days:

1. Adopt bylaws and hold the organizational meeting

Appoint the initial board and adopt bylaws.
Elect officers and authorize a bank account.
Approve the founder stock plan at the organizational meeting.

2. Issue founder stock and file 83(b) elections

Issue founder shares at par value on day one.
If stock vests, each founder must file an IRS 83(b) election within 30 days.
Missing the 83(b) window cannot be fixed later.

3. Get your EIN and open a corporate bank account

Get a corporate EIN — never use a founder SSN for the business.
Bring stamped Articles, EIN letter, bylaws, and a board resolution to the bank.
Keep personal and corporate funds in separate accounts.

4. Lock in tax and compliance calendars

Federal Form 1120 is due April 15 for calendar-year corps.
State: Annual Report is $150, due May 1. Corporate income tax (5.5%).
Foreign-owned corps may need Form 5472 with the corporate return.

5. BOI report — only if foreign-formed

Domestic US corps do not file a BOI report as of March 2025.
Foreign-formed entities registered in the US must file within 30 days of US registration.

Annual cadence: board meeting, shareholder meeting, Form 1120, Annual Report renewal, updated cap table.

Start your FL C-Corp today

Name check, state filing, registered agent, bylaws, and stock certificates in one checkout.

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Questions?

What is a Florida C-Corp?

A Florida C-Corp is a for-profit corporation filed with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz), taxed at the entity level (Form 1120), and built for stock issuance, employee equity, and venture fundraising. For a full LLC vs C-Corp comparison, see our LLC vs C-Corp guide.

No state personal income tax and a large consumer market. Incorporate in FL when you operate primarily here and want a domestic corporation without a Delaware flip. Non-US founders can own 100%.

Why incorporate in Florida?

VC-ready structure — preferred stock, board governance, ISO options.
One domestic filing — $70 with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz); simpler than DE + foreign qualification for local operators.
Limited liability — shareholders are generally not personally liable for corporate debts.

Florida C-Corp pros and cons

Drawbacks to weigh before you incorporate:

Double taxation — corporate profits taxed at 21% federally, then dividends taxed again on personal returns.
More formalities — annual board and shareholder meetings, minutes, bylaws, and stock ledger maintenance.
Florida corporate tax: Corporate income tax (5.5%).
US VCs often prefer Delaware C-Corp over a Florida domestic corporation for priced rounds.

Types of corporations in Florida

C-Corporation — default tax treatment; unlimited shareholders and multiple stock classes.
S-Corporation — same formation filing, but elect pass-through tax via IRS Form 2553 (100-shareholder cap, one stock class).
Professional corporation (PC) — may be required for licensed professions; check Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz) rules.
Nonprofit corporation — separate filing path if you seek 501(c)(3) status (not covered here).

Is a Florida C-Corp right for you?

Compare alternatives before filing:

LLC in Florida — simpler pass-through tax for owner-operated businesses.
S-Corp vs LLC — payroll tax savings with added compliance.
LLC vs corporation — full comparison of structures.
Best state to form a business — if you're weighing Florida vs Delaware.

Corporate governance in Florida

A Florida C-Corp is more formal than an LLC. After the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz) approves your filing:

Adopt corporate bylaws.
Appoint a board of directors.
Elect officers (President, Secretary, Treasurer — titles can vary).
Issue stock to founders at the organizational meeting.

What does a corporate board of directors do?

Oversees major decisions: budgets, stock issuances, CEO hire, financings.
Early-stage founders often sit on the board themselves.
Document decisions in written consents or meeting minutes.
Skipping minutes is the fastest way to lose corporate veil protection.

What kind of stock can I issue?

Authorize common stock for founders in your Articles of Incorporation.
Reserve preferred stock for future investors when needed.
List authorized share counts and par value on the formation document.
ClearFormation includes bylaws and stock certificates for founder issuance.

Officers and day-to-day operations

Officers run daily operations; the board sets strategy.
A solo founder can be the sole director and hold all officer roles.
Update cap table, bylaws, and board composition as you add co-founders or investors.

Foreign entities doing business in Florida

Out-of-state corps with staff, offices, or major sales in Florida may need to register as a foreign corporation with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz).
That filing needs a FL registered agent with a physical in-state address — included with ClearFormation.
If you incorporate in Florida but operate elsewhere, you may need to foreign-qualify in those states instead.
See our foreign qualification guide or get a FL registered agent.

Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz) contact information

File Articles of Incorporation with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz).
Search the state business database to confirm your name is available.
Keep stamped formation docs with your bylaws, stock certificates, and EIN letter for banking and investors.

How is a Florida C-Corp taxed?

A Florida C-Corp pays tax at these levels:

Files IRS Form 1120 and pays 21% federal corporate income tax on profits.
Dividends to shareholders are taxed again on personal returns — the classic double tax.
State level: Corporate income tax (5.5%)
File the Annual Report ($150) with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz).

You can elect S-Corp treatment (Form 2553) if you meet IRS rules. See S-Corp vs LLC. Operating outside Florida? You may need to foreign-qualify elsewhere.

Quarterly estimated taxes and payroll

Profitable C-Corps often pay quarterly estimated federal tax (Form 1120-W).
With employees in Florida, withhold payroll taxes and file state unemployment returns.
Budget for CPA support — corporate compliance is heavier than a pass-through LLC.

Foreign-owned C-Corps

25%+ foreign ownership may require IRS Form 5472 with the corporate return.
Non-US founders should plan for this from incorporation day.

How to dissolve a Florida corporation

Get board and shareholder approval to dissolve.
File Articles of Dissolution with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz).
Pay outstanding state taxes and cancel foreign registrations.
File a final IRS Form 1120. Skipping formal dissolution can trigger ongoing report fees.

Common Florida C-Corp mistakes

Missing the 83(b) election window. Founders with vesting stock must file within 30 days of issuance — there is no extension.
Skipping board meetings and minutes. Corporate formalities preserve the liability shield; skipping them is the #1 veil-piercing risk.
Commingling personal and corporate funds. Use a dedicated corporate bank account from day one.
Missing the annual report. Can cost you good standing or trigger administrative dissolution.

C-Corp vs LLC in Florida: which should you form?

Both entities give you the same liability shield. The main differences are tax, ownership, and fundraising options.

Form an LLC in Florida if

You want pass-through tax with less paperwork.
You do not plan to raise US venture capital.
You run a consulting firm, agency, store, or freelance business.

Form a C-Corp in Florida if

You plan to raise from VCs or angels via SAFEs.
You want to grant ISO stock options to employees.
You need multiple share classes for investors.

Rule of thumb: US VCs usually prefer a Delaware C-Corp. A Florida C-Corp fits local operating businesses not on the VC track.

Florida C-Corp questions

Also for Florida founders: Form an LLC in Florida · Florida registered agent

Ready to form your FL C-Corp?

Everything you need to launch and maintain your Florida corporation.

Everything you need to launch and maintain
your Florida corporation — all in one place.

Start your Florida C-Corp

Questions?

Form C Corp in Florida

Business Formation + Registered Agent

Florida C-Corp at a glance

How to form a C-Corp in Florida

Step 1: Name your Florida corporation

Step 2: Appoint a Florida registered agent

Step 3: File with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz)

Step 4: Issue stock and adopt bylaws

Step 5: Get your EIN from the IRS

Step 6: Stay compliant in Florida

Form your FL C-Corp now

How much does a Florida C-Corp cost?

One-time Florida formation cost

Ongoing Florida C-Corp cost

What's included with ClearFormation

Ready to file in Florida?

Post-incorporation checklist for a Florida C-Corp

1. Adopt bylaws and hold the organizational meeting

2. Issue founder stock and file 83(b) elections

3. Get your EIN and open a corporate bank account

4. Lock in tax and compliance calendars

5. BOI report — only if foreign-formed

Start your FL C-Corp today

What is a Florida C-Corp?

Why incorporate in Florida?

Florida C-Corp pros and cons

Types of corporations in Florida

Is a Florida C-Corp right for you?

Corporate governance in Florida

What does a corporate board of directors do?

What kind of stock can I issue?

Officers and day-to-day operations

Foreign entities doing business in Florida

Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz) contact information

How is a Florida C-Corp taxed?

Quarterly estimated taxes and payroll

Foreign-owned C-Corps

How to dissolve a Florida corporation

Common Florida C-Corp mistakes

C-Corp vs LLC in Florida: which should you form?

Form an LLC in Florida if

Form a C-Corp in Florida if

Florida C-Corp questions

How much does it cost to form a C-Corp in Florida?

How long does it take to incorporate in Florida?

How do I form a C-Corp in Florida?

Do I need a registered agent for a Florida corporation?

Does a Florida C-Corp have to file an annual report?

Should you be your own Florida registered agent?

Does running a corporation in Florida involve more paperwork than running other types of businesses?

What is the difference between an LLC and a corporation in Florida?

Is an LLC better than a corporation?

How many people are needed to form a corporation in Florida?

Can I form my Florida corporation online?

How do I change my corporation's name in Florida?

How do I dissolve my Florida corporation?

Does Florida have other professional entity types?

What does a corporate board of directors do?

What kind of stock can I issue?

Do I need an EIN for my Florida C-Corp?

LLC vs C-Corp in Florida — which should I form?

Can a non-US resident form a C-Corp in Florida?

How is a Florida C-Corp taxed?

Can I convert a Florida LLC into a C-Corp later?

What's the difference between a C-Corp and an S-Corp in Florida?

When does forming a C-Corp in Florida make sense (vs. Delaware)?

Do C-Corps in Florida need to hold annual meetings?

Does a Florida C-Corp need a separate bank account?

How much does it cost to incorporate in Florida?

Florida C-Corp vs LLC — which is better?

Does Florida have a corporate income tax?

Incorporation cost in FL

Ready to form your FL C-Corp?