What is a Nonprofit in Florida?

2. Florida Legal Context

Florida nonprofits are governed by Chapter 617 of the Florida Statutes, also known as the Florida Not For Profit Corporation Act.

To start a nonprofit in Florida, you must:

• File Articles of Incorporation with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz)
• Designate a Registered Agent with a Florida address
• Draft and adopt Bylaws to govern the nonprofit’s operations
• Apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number)
• Apply for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status (if applicable) by filing IRS Form 1023 or 1023-EZ
• File a Charitable Solicitation Registration with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) if fundraising from the public

Nonprofits must also file Annual Reports with the state and may be subject to additional reporting to the IRS and state agencies.

3. Real-World Application

Examples of Florida nonprofits include:

• A church in Tampa registered as a religious nonprofit
• A youth tennis development program in Miami granted 501(c)(3) status
• A Sarasota-based animal rescue that accepts public donations

Many professionals also form nonprofits to run foundations, scholarship funds, or advocacy initiatives aligned with their values.

4. Why It Matters for Business Owners

Benefits of forming a nonprofit in Florida:

• Tax exemption – May qualify for 501(c)(3) status, exempting the nonprofit from federal income tax
• Credibility – Donors are more likely to give to registered nonprofits
• Grants and public funding – Many grants are only available to nonprofits
• Limited liability – Officers and directors are generally not personally liable for the nonprofit’s debts

Challenges to consider:

• Strict compliance and oversight from the IRS and state agencies
• No profit distribution – All revenue must support the mission
• Governance duties – Required bylaws, board meetings, and recordkeeping

Many Florida nonprofits struggle with initial setup or lose tax-exempt status due to missed filings or compliance errors.

5. How Our Law Firm Can Help

We support Florida nonprofit founders, board members, and executives with:

• Preparing and filing Articles of Incorporation
• Drafting customized Bylaws, Conflict of Interest Policies, and Board Resolutions
• Completing your IRS 501(c)(3) application (Form 1023 or 1023-EZ)
• Registering for Florida charitable solicitation compliance
• Advising on board governance, employee hiring, and liability protections

Flat-Fee Retainers – Know your upfront costs for full nonprofit setup. 1-Hour Strategy Consultations – Explore whether a nonprofit is the right vehicle for your mission. 3-Hour Master Strategy Sessions – For founders and boards building long-term strategic and compliance plans. BELAW Membership – Stay protected year-round with help for contracts, compliance, HR issues, and more.

6. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Do Florida nonprofits have to pay taxes? A: Florida nonprofits may be exempt from federal income tax if they apply and are approved for 501(c)(3) status. However, they may still be subject to other taxes like sales tax unless additional exemptions are obtained.

Q: Can I pay myself a salary as a nonprofit founder? A: Yes, if the salary is reasonable and approved by the board. The IRS prohibits “private inurement,” so compensation must be aligned with market standards.

Q: How long does it take to get 501(c)(3) status? A: If using Form 1023-EZ, approval can take as little as 2–4 weeks. Full Form 1023 may take several months. We help you choose the best path.

Q: Can I convert my for-profit into a nonprofit? A: Yes, but it involves dissolving the current entity or restructuring through legal filings and IRS approval. We can advise on the best strategy.

Q: Do I need a lawyer to start a nonprofit in Florida? A: It’s not required, but legal guidance ensures you build a solid, compliant foundation and avoid costly delays or mistakes.

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.