Florida Entity Conversion or Domestication

2. Florida Legal Context

Florida allows both entity conversions and domestications under the following statutes:

• Chapter 605, Florida Revised LLC Act – governs LLC conversions and domestications
• Chapter 607, Florida Business Corporation Act – governs corporate conversions and domestications

Conversion is permitted:

• Between Florida entities (e.g., LLC to corporation)
• From a foreign (out-of-state) entity to a Florida entity, and vice versa

Domestication is permitted:

• For corporations moving into Florida or out of Florida—if both states recognize the process

Florida requires:

• Filing Articles of Conversion or Articles of Domestication with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz)
• Proper documentation, including a Plan of Conversion or Domestication
• Amendments to your Operating Agreement or Bylaws as needed

3. Real-World Application

• A Delaware C-corporation moves its headquarters to Florida and domesticates to operate fully under Florida law—saving on annual franchise taxes.
• A Florida LLC converts into a Florida corporation to attract investors who require share-based equity.
• A Georgia LLC with operations in Tampa completes a statutory conversion to become a Florida LLC—simplifying regulatory and tax compliance.

These strategies help growing businesses stay agile without disrupting operations.

4. Why It Matters for Business Owners

Whether you’re relocating or restructuring, these legal tools help you adapt without rebuilding your entire business.

Why it matters:

• Avoid Starting Over: Keep your business’s EIN, contracts, bank accounts, and history—while legally changing its structure or jurisdiction
• Support Investment or M&A: Investors may require a specific entity type or home state for funding or acquisition
• Tax Planning: Changing your structure or state of formation may reduce tax burdens or compliance costs
• Regulatory Efficiency: Operating under Florida law can simplify filings, reduce fees, and improve local business relationships

Common mistakes:

• Filing a new business instead of converting—losing contracts, licenses, or tax history
• Attempting conversion or domestication without checking whether both states allow it
• Failing to amend internal documents like Bylaws or Operating Agreements

5. Real-World Florida Examples

• A Sarasota e-commerce company converts from an LLC to a corporation to issue shares and qualify for a venture capital round.
• A New York design firm moves its main office to Miami and domesticate into Florida to simplify payroll, sales tax, and local licensing.
• A Fort Myers family-owned LLC becomes a Florida corporation as part of a succession plan to issue stock to the next generation.

6. How Our Law Firm Can Help

At Black Rock Trial Lawyers, we handle Florida conversions and domestications from start to finish—so you can focus on running your business.

We offer:

• Strategic guidance to determine if conversion or domestication is the best fit
• Drafting and filing of Articles of Conversion or Articles of Domestication
• Creation of Plans of Conversion/Domestication that meet legal standards
• Revisions to Operating Agreements, Bylaws, and internal resolutions
• Coordination with your CPA to align your tax strategy

Whether you’re expanding into Florida or restructuring for growth, we’ll help you make the move legally and smoothly.

7. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: What’s the difference between conversion and domestication in Florida?
A: Conversion changes your entity type (e.g., LLC to corporation). Domestication moves your business from one state to another without changing its entity type.

Q: Can I move my out-of-state company to Florida without starting over?
A: Yes—Florida allows domestication, which preserves your company’s EIN, contracts, and business history.

Q: Can a Florida LLC convert to a Florida corporation?
A: Yes. This is common when raising investment or preparing for sale.

Q: Will my EIN or bank accounts change after conversion or domestication?
A: Typically, no. If done properly, your business retains its EIN and contracts. We coordinate with your accountant to confirm.

Q: Do both states have to approve domestication?
A: Yes. Both your current state and Florida must recognize and allow domestication. We help you verify and complete the process legally.

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.