How to Close a Business in Florida

2. Florida Legal Context

Closing a business in Florida requires compliance with state statutes and agency rules:

• For LLCs: Governed by the Florida Revised LLC Act (Ch. 605, Fla. Stat.). Dissolution may be voluntary (owner decision) or administrative (for failing to file reports or pay fees).
• For Corporations: Governed by the Florida Business Corporation Act (Ch. 607, Fla. Stat.). Requires board/shareholder approval and filing Articles of Dissolution.
• Sunbiz Filing: Businesses must file Articles of Dissolution with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz).
• Tax Clearance: Businesses must resolve obligations with the IRS and Florida Department of Revenue.
• Licenses and Permits: Must be canceled with state and local agencies.
• Employment Law: Employers must comply with wage laws, final paychecks, and employee notice obligations (including federal WARN Act if large layoffs are involved).

3. Real-World Application

Examples of closing a Florida business:

• A Tampa retail shop owner files Articles of Dissolution after paying creditors and selling off inventory.
• A Miami LLC is administratively dissolved by the state for failing to file annual reports.
• An Orlando consulting firm closes voluntarily, distributing remaining funds to members in proportion to ownership interests.

4. Why It Matters for Business Owners

Closing a business properly protects owners from liability and future disputes.

Why it matters:

• Legal protection: Proper dissolution cuts off future claims against the business entity.
• Debt resolution: Ensures creditors are paid before owners receive distributions.
• Compliance: Prevents penalties from Florida agencies for failing to dissolve properly.
• Peace of mind: Owners can move forward without lingering obligations.

Common mistakes Florida owners make:

• Forgetting to file Articles of Dissolution with Sunbiz.
• Distributing assets before paying creditors.
• Not canceling state/local licenses or tax accounts.
• Leaving unresolved lawsuits or debts tied to the company.

5. Real-World Florida Examples

• A Sarasota business avoided litigation by properly dissolving and notifying creditors before distributing assets.
• A Jacksonville LLC’s members were held personally liable for debts because they skipped formal dissolution steps.
• A Fort Lauderdale restaurant avoided penalties by canceling liquor licenses with state regulators during closure.

6. How Our Law Firm Can Help

At Black Rock Trial Lawyers, we guide Florida business owners through the closure process. Our services include:

• Preparing and filing Articles of Dissolution with Sunbiz
• Advising on creditor notification and debt resolution
• Handling employment and final wage issues
• Canceling licenses, permits, and tax accounts
• Protecting owners from personal liability during wind-down
• Representing businesses in disputes during closure

We make sure your business is closed legally, cleanly, and with minimal risk.

7. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Do I have to file anything to close my business in Florida?
A: Yes. LLCs and corporations must file Articles of Dissolution with Sunbiz.

Q: What happens if I don’t dissolve my business properly?
A: You may continue to owe fees, taxes, and risk personal liability for unresolved debts.

Q: How long does it take to close a business?
A: It depends on complexity, but filings can often be completed in weeks if debts and obligations are resolved.

Q: Can creditors sue me after my business is dissolved?
A: Proper dissolution limits claims, but creditors must be notified and debts resolved before distributing assets.

Q: Why hire a lawyer to close my business?
A: A lawyer ensures all legal steps are followed, debts are handled, and owners are shielded from liability.

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.