What is an LLC in Florida?

2. Florida Legal Context

Under Chapter 605 of the Florida Statutes, LLCs are governed by the Florida Revised Limited Liability Company Act. Florida requires you to file Articles of Organization with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz) and appoint a Registered Agent in the state.

Key Florida-specific requirements:

• Must have a unique business name ending in “LLC” or “L.L.C.”
• Maintain a principal office and mailing address
• File an Annual Report each year to remain active

3. Real-World Application

LLCs are used by a wide variety of Florida businesses, including:

• A solo consultant wanting personal asset protection
• A family-run retail shop operating under a shared brand
• A real estate investor managing rental properties

Whether you’re opening a restaurant in Tampa, starting a tech company in Miami, or launching an online boutique in Jacksonville, forming an LLC gives you legitimacy and peace of mind.

4. Why It Matters for Business Owners

Here’s why forming an LLC in Florida is a smart move:

• Limited Liability Protection: You’re not personally responsible for most debts or lawsuits against the business
• Flexible Tax Options: You can choose how your LLC is taxed (sole proprietor, partnership, S-Corp, or C-Corp)
• Credibility: Adds professional legitimacy when dealing with banks, vendors, and clients
• Easy Management: Fewer formalities than a corporation

Common pitfalls we see:

• Filing with Sunbiz but forgetting to create an Operating Agreement
• Using the wrong business name or omitting a registered agent
• Missing the deadline to file the annual report, resulting in administrative dissolution

5. Real-World Florida Examples

• A Tampa e-commerce seller forms an LLC and protects personal assets when a supplier files a lawsuit for breach of contract
• A Naples realtor places short-term rentals under separate LLCs to isolate liability for each property

Miami wellness coach uses her LLC to brand her digital courses, protect her logo, and limit liability from client claims

6. How Our Law Firm Can Help

We make it easy to start your Florida LLC the right way:

• We prepare and file your Articles of Organization
• Draft a custom Operating Agreement to protect your ownership rights
• Act as or help you appoint a qualified Registered Agent
• Guide you through EIN registration
• Ensure you avoid compliance pitfalls and missed filings

7. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: How much does it cost to form an LLC in Florida? A: Florida charges a $125 filing fee to register an LLC but this may change year to year.

Q: Do I need an Operating Agreement in Florida? A: It’s not legally required, but highly recommended. It defines the rights and responsibilities of members and protects you during disputes.

Q: Can a single person form an LLC in Florida? A: Yes, Florida allows single-member LLCs, which are common among solo entrepreneurs.

Q: What happens if I don’t file the Annual Report? A: Your LLC will be administratively dissolved. You must file a reinstatement and pay fees to bring it back to active status.

Q: Should I form my LLC myself or use an attorney? A: While it’s possible to DIY, using a Florida business attorney ensures legal compliance, proper structure, and peace of mind from day one.

8. How to Retain Our Law Firm

We offer multiple access points tailored to your needs:

• Flat-Fee Retainers: Set pricing based on project scope (quoted after your consultation)
• 1-Hour Strategy Consultations: A high-impact session to assess your issues, answer questions, and develop a legal roadmap. Pricing starts at $500.00.
• 3-Hour Master Strategy Sessions: A deep dive analysis with detailed, actionable solutions tailored to your business challenges
• Flagship Product: BELAW – Business + Entrepreneurship Law Advisor Program (Read below)

All services are available in-person, by phone, or virtually.

9. Flagship Product: BELAW – Business + Entrepreneurship Law Advisor Program

Our flagship service is the BELAW Membership – Business & Entrepreneurship Law Advisor Program. This is an exclusive, members-only, 12-month ON-DEMAND legal and business support program at a predictable flat monthly fee, tailored to each business client—regardless of company size.

BELAW is open to business owners, entrepreneurs, for-profit companies, non-profits, and foreign investors. Our members range from startups and nonprofits to established businesses.

At the core of BELAW is our P.O.N.C.E. methodology, developed by Attorney Gil Sanchez, to help businesses not just stay protected—but grow strategically.

What you get with BELAW:

• On demand strategic legal consultations with Attorney Gil Sanchez
• Document review and compliance audits
• Guidance on contracts, leasing, employment, and liability
• Drafting Collection Notices, Cease & Desist Letters and Confidentiality Agreements
• Proactive legal support to mitigate lawsuits and reduce risk exposure
• Strategic input on revenue-generating decisions like expansion, licensing, and joint ventures
• Entrepreneur coaching and a growing library of business education resources
• Litigation retainer and hourly rate discounts

We’re available when you need us—on demand, without hourly billing.

We make it easy to get started:

• Call or text us at (813) 254-1777
• Or fill out the secure contact form below

A member of our team will respond promptly to schedule your consultation.

10. How to Contact Our Law Firm to Retain

We make it easy for you to retain us:

• Call or text: (813) 254-1777
• Email: info@blackrocklaw.com
• Or submit your request using the form below

Our team will promptly follow up to confirm availability and next steps.

11. Who You Are Hiring

When you hire our firm, you’re not just hiring a lawyer — you’re securing the insight, grit, and expertise of Attorney Gil Sanchez.

A proud double Gator, Gil earned both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Florida — one of the top public universities in the country. Since 2004, he has built a reputation as a formidable business and trial attorney, successfully trying cases before juries in both Florida state and federal courts.

Gil’s legal practice is deeply informed by real-life experience. He launched his first business at age 13 and has continued to build, lead, and advise companies ever since. He’s a licensed business broker (since 2007), an adjunct professor of entrepreneurship at St. Petersburg College, and a trusted advisor to entrepreneurs, professionals, and business owners across Florida.

He’s also an inventor, author, and public speaker — holding a U.S. utility patent and federal trademark. His invention was featured in TIME Magazine’s Best Inventions of 2023, and his legal insights have appeared on CNN, ABC’s 20/20, and other national platforms. Raised by Colombian parents in West Virginia and fluent in Spanish, Gil brings cultural fluency, resilience, and a fighter’s mindset to every client matter.

Above all, Gil is a devoted family man — happily married and the proud father of three beautiful children. His commitment to family shapes the way he practices law: with empathy, integrity, and a relentless drive to protect what matters most.

At Black Rock Trial Lawyers, you’re not just getting a legal technician — you’re hiring a battle-tested strategist who understands both the courtroom and the real world. That’s who’s fighting for you.

12. The Law Firm’s Geographical Reach

We proudly represent businesses across all counties in Florida. With the power of virtual consultations, online filings, and remote court access, we can support your legal needs anywhere in Florida—without compromising service quality.

Our main office is in South Tampa, Florida, with a satellite office in South Florida – Miramar, Florida.

From Miami to Jacksonville, Pensacola to Key West—Black Rock Trial Lawyers is here to help Florida businesses thrive.

13. Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as, legal advice. Every individual and business matter involves unique facts and circumstances that must be carefully evaluated. Additionally, Florida laws, including statutes and case law, are subject to frequent changes, and the information presented here may not reflect the most current legal developments. For a formal legal opinion or advice specific to your situation, you must consult directly with an attorney at our firm. No attorney-client relationship is formed by viewing this site or by contacting our office through this website.