What is a Corporation in Florida?

2. Florida Legal Context

Corporations in Florida are governed by Chapter 607 of the Florida Statutes, also known as the Florida Business Corporation Act. To form a corporation in Florida, you must file Articles of Incorporation with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz) and comply with specific structural and reporting requirements.

Florida corporations must:

• Have a unique corporate name ending in “Inc.,” “Corp.,” or “Incorporated”
• Designate a Registered Agent with a Florida address
• Maintain a Board of Directors and hold annual meetings
• File an Annual Report to remain in active status

There are two primary types of corporations:

• C-Corporation: Default structure; taxed separately from owners
• S-Corporation: Pass-through tax structure (must elect S-status with IRS and meet eligibility criteria)

3. Real-World Application

Corporations are well-suited for:

• Startups seeking outside investment or venture capital
• Growing businesses with multiple shareholders
• Companies planning to issue stock or go public
• Family businesses needing a clear succession structure

A Tampa-based medical practice, a Jacksonville software company, or a Fort Lauderdale construction firm may all benefit from incorporating, depending on ownership goals, tax strategy, and long-term plans.

4. Why It Matters for Business Owners

Forming a corporation in Florida can provide:

• Liability Protection: Shareholders aren’t personally liable for company debts
• Credibility: A corporate entity projects professionalism to investors, banks, and clients
• Investment Ready: Corporations can issue stock and attract outside funding
• Tax Planning Opportunities: Potential tax deductions and retained earnings benefits

However, corporations involve:

• Formalities: Required bylaws, board meetings, and minutes
• Double Taxation (C-Corps): Profits may be taxed at the corporate and personal level
• S-Corp Restrictions: Limits on number and type of shareholders

Many business owners miss key compliance steps like drafting Corporate Bylaws, issuing stock certificates, or electing S-Corp status properly.

5. How Our Law Firm Can Help

We guide Florida business owners through every step of incorporating:

• Prepare and file Articles of Incorporation
• Draft custom Corporate Bylaws tailored to your operations
• Assist with Shareholder Agreements and stock issuance
• Ensure proper Board of Directors setup and initial corporate resolutions
• Help you evaluate and elect S-Corp status (if beneficial)

6. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: How much does it cost to incorporate in Florida?
A: The filing fee for Articles of Incorporation in Florida is currently $70. Additional fees may apply for registered agent services, certified copies, or legal drafting.

Q: Do I need Corporate Bylaws?
A: Yes. While not filed with the state, bylaws are essential to outline how your corporation operates internally.

Q: Can I form a corporation by myself?
A: Yes, Florida allows one-person corporations. However, you must still observe formalities like appointing a director and maintaining records.

Q: What’s the difference between a corporation and an LLC in Florida?
A: LLCs are simpler and more flexible, while corporations offer better fundraising potential and a more rigid structure.
Q: Should I choose S-Corp or C-Corp?
A: It depends on your tax goals, investor needs, and ownership structure. We walk you through these options in every strategy session.

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.