How to File a Florida Annual Report

2. Florida Legal Context

Annual Report requirements are governed by:

• Chapter 605 – Florida LLCs
• Chapter 607 – Corporations
• Chapter 617 – Nonprofits

All entities registered with the Florida Division of Corporations must file an Annual Report between January 1st and May 1st of each year.

Key requirements:

• Report must be filed online via Sunbiz.org
• Must include:
  • Entity name
  • Principal office and mailing address
  • Registered Agent name and address
  • Names and addresses of officers, directors, managers, or members
  • Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)
• Must pay the required filing fee (varies by entity type)

3. Real-World Application

Examples:

• A Miami-based LLC files its Annual Report by April to ensure continued operation and avoid late penalties
• A nonprofit board in Orlando updates its Registered Agent and board member contact information during the annual filing
• A Jacksonville real estate corporation adds new officers to its record as part of the report

4. Why It Matters for Business Owners

Timely filing of your Annual Report is critical:

• Maintains active status – Failure to file results in administrative dissolution
• Avoids penalties – Late filings (after May 1) incur a $400 penalty (for-profit entities)
• Ensures legal compliance – Keeps your public record current and accurate
• Preserves liability protection – Dissolved entities lose legal standing and asset protection

Common mistakes we see:

• Forgetting to file before the May 1 deadline
• Filing without confirming correct Registered Agent details
• Not updating officer or address changes, creating mismatch risks during audits or litigation

5. How Our Law Firm Can Help

We make sure your business stays compliant year-round:

• File your Florida Annual Report on your behalf
• Correct past-due filings and help reinstate administratively dissolved entities
• Update your Registered Agent, officers, or address during the filing
• Add filing support to your BELAW Membership for hands-free compliance

Flat-Fee Retainers – Know your cost up front. 1-Hour Strategy Consultations – Review compliance status and Sunbiz records. 3-Hour Master Strategy Sessions – Ideal for multi-entity or complex business structures needing organized compliance. BELAW Membership – Includes annual report tracking and proactive legal compliance management.

6. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: What happens if I miss the May 1 deadline? A: You’ll be charged a $400 late fee (for LLCs and corporations) and risk administrative dissolution if not filed by the third Friday in September.

Q: Do I have to file even if my company didn’t do any business this year? A: Yes. As long as your business is active in Florida, you must file an Annual Report each year.

Q: Can I make changes when filing the report? A: Yes. You can update addresses, officers, Registered Agents, and more.

Q: How much does it cost to file a Florida Annual Report? A: Fees vary by entity type (e.g., $138.75 for LLCs, $150 for corporations, $61.25 for nonprofits as of this writing).

Q: Can I file my Annual Report myself? A: Yes, but working with an attorney ensures accuracy, catches legal inconsistencies, and avoids filing errors.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.