The bottom line: After helping 300+ entrepreneurs form Florida LLCs through various services, ZenBusiness consistently delivers the best overall experience. But Florida’s unique advantages make it worth understanding which service fits your specific needs—and I’ll give you the real story, not the sales pitch.
Florida has become the hottest state for LLC formation, and for good reason. No state income tax, business-friendly regulations, and lightning-fast processing times. I’ve been guiding entrepreneurs through Florida formations since 2010, and I’ve seen what works (and what doesn’t) in the Sunshine State.
My Top 5 Florida LLC Services (Battle-Tested Rankings)
| Rank | Service | Price | Best For | Jake’s Rating |
| #1 | ZenBusiness | $39 + state fee | Most Florida entrepreneurs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| #2 | Firstbase | $199 + state fee | International founders | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| #3 | Northwest Registered Agent | $39 + state fee | Privacy-focused businesses | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| #4 | MyCompanyWorks | $79 + state fee | Full-service needs | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| #5 | Bizee (IncFile) | $0 + state fee | Extreme budget constraints | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Prices current as of February 2025. Florida state filing fee is $125.
#1. ZenBusiness: The Florida Champion
Price: $39 + $125 state fee = $164 total
My verdict: Consistently delivers for Florida entrepreneurs across all business types.
Why ZenBusiness Dominates Florida
After filing 100+ Florida LLCs through ZenBusiness, here’s what sets them apart:
Flawless Florida Execution:
- Zero rejected filings in my experience
- Average 3-day approval time (Florida is fast!)
- Clean, intuitive online process tailored to Florida requirements
- Professional document preparation that passes state review every time
Smart Value Package:
- Free registered agent service (first year, $199 value)
- Comprehensive operating agreement template
- Federal EIN acquisition included
- Digital document storage and management
- Compliance calendar with Florida-specific reminders
- Annual report preparation assistance
No-Games Pricing: Unlike competitors who lure you with low prices then hit you with upsells, ZenBusiness includes what you actually need for $39.
ZenBusiness Limitations
Year 2 costs: Registered agent renews at $199/year (still competitive for Florida)
Advanced legal needs: If you need ongoing attorney access, look elsewhere
Bottom line: ZenBusiness consistently delivers professional Florida LLC formation without surprises. Perfect for 90% of new Florida businesses.
#2. Firstbase: The International Entrepreneur’s Gateway
Price: $199 + $125 state fee = $324 total
My verdict: Essential for non-US residents forming Florida LLCs.
Why International Founders Choose Firstbase for Florida
Florida is incredibly popular with international entrepreneurs, and I’ve guided 120+ non-US residents through the process. Firstbase understands the unique challenges:
Global Expertise Specific to Florida:
- Team understands Florida’s appeal to international businesses
- Clear guidance on US banking requirements (crucial in Florida)
- Tax implications for foreign-owned Florida LLCs explained properly
- ITIN application assistance when needed for banking
White-Glove Florida Service:
- Dedicated formation specialist familiar with Florida requirements
- Proactive follow-up on post-formation Florida compliance
- Florida banking relationship introductions
- Ongoing guidance on Florida tax advantages
Worth the Premium for International Founders: Yes, it costs 2x more than budget options. But I’ve seen too many international entrepreneurs waste months fixing problems from cheap services that don’t understand cross-border compliance.
When Firstbase Isn’t Worth It
US residents: You’re paying for expertise you don’t need for Florida formations
Simple domestic structures: Basic services handle straightforward US-resident Florida LLCs just fine
#3. Northwest Registered Agent: The Privacy Pro
Price: $39 + $125 state fee = $164 total
My verdict: Excellent if address privacy is your top priority in Florida.
Northwest’s Florida Privacy Advantage
Florida’s public records are easily searchable online, making privacy protection valuable:
Address Protection Features:
- Use their address on all Florida public filings
- Keeps your home address off searchable Florida records
- Reduces junk mail and solicitation
- Maintains professional business appearance
- Physical presence in Florida for document handling
Solid Florida Foundation:
- 20+ years serving Florida businesses
- Excellent customer support (no sales pressure)
- Transparent pricing structure
- Reliable Florida document handling and forwarding
Why Northwest Isn’t #1 for Florida
Limited scope: Formation service only—no operating agreements or EIN assistance
Higher renewal costs: $125/year for registered agent after first free year
Narrow offering: Great at what they do, but they don’t do much beyond basics
Best for: Florida entrepreneurs who prioritize privacy and prefer straightforward, no-frills service.
Curious about Northwest Registered Agent?
They’re the service we trust for our own LLCs, and we recommend them for anyone who wants reliable, hassle-free business formation. Read our detailed Northwest Registered Agent review to discover why they’re a favorite.
#4. MyCompanyWorks: The Full-Service Florida Option
Price: $79 + $125 state fee = $204 total
My verdict: Good value if you need multiple Florida business services.
MyCompanyWorks Florida Strengths
Comprehensive Florida offerings: Beyond LLC formation, they handle Florida DBAs, business licenses, and ongoing compliance
Fast Florida processing: Often faster than competitors at getting documents to Florida’s Secretary of State
Included Florida extras: Operating agreement, registered agent, and other documents included
MyCompanyWorks Florida Weaknesses
Higher upfront cost: $79 formation fee vs. $39 for top competitors
Upselling pressure: More aggressive about Florida add-on services than I prefer
Complex packages: Multiple tiers can confuse simple Florida LLC needs
Best for: Florida entrepreneurs who need multiple business services and prefer one-stop shopping.
#5. Bizee (Formerly IncFile): The Budget Florida Option
Price: $0 + $125 state fee = $125 total
My verdict: Gets your Florida LLC formed if budget is your only concern.
The Reality of “Free” Florida Formation
Bizee’s $0 formation fee gets attention, but here’s what you actually get for Florida:
Actually Free:
- Florida Articles of Organization filing
- Basic registered agent service (first year)
- Florida state filing submission
What Costs Extra for Florida:
- Operating agreement template ($99)
- Federal EIN acquisition ($79)
- Express processing ($79)
- Meaningful customer support (nearly nonexistent)
My Bizee Florida Experience
I’ve used them for extremely budget-conscious Florida clients:
- ✅ They file Florida paperwork correctly
- ✅ Florida approvals come through reliably
- ❌ Customer service is often unresponsive
- ❌ Heavy upselling during Florida checkout process
- ❌ Hidden fees appear at renewal time
Bottom line: Works for Florida if you’re comfortable handling most tasks yourself and don’t need support.
Why Florida Is the LLC Formation Hotspot
Florida’s Business Advantages
- No state income tax: Keep more of your profits
- Fast processing: 3-5 business days standard (one of the fastest)
- Business-friendly regulations: Minimal compliance requirements
- Strong asset protection: Favorable charging order laws
- International appeal: Gateway to Latin America and Europe
- No publication requirement: Unlike New York’s expensive mandate
Florida LLC Ongoing Requirements
- Annual report: Due by May 1st ($138.75 fee)
- Registered agent: Required throughout LLC’s life
- Operating agreement: Not required but strongly recommended
- Business licenses: May be required depending on your business type
Florida Service Comparison: What You Get
| Feature | ZenBusiness | Firstbase | Northwest | MyCompanyWorks | Bizee |
| Formation Fee | $39 | $199 | $39 | $79 | $0 |
| Florida Registered Agent (Year 1) | Free | Included | Free | Free | Free |
| Operating Agreement | Template | Custom | Extra | Included | Extra |
| EIN Acquisition | Included | Included | Extra | Included | Extra |
| Customer Support Quality | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good | Poor |
| International Support | Basic | Expert | Basic | Basic | None |
| Privacy Features | Standard | Standard | Excellent | Standard | Standard |
| Florida Compliance Help | Good | Excellent | Basic | Available | Basic |
Which Service Should You Choose for Florida?
Choose ZenBusiness If:
- You’re forming a standard Florida LLC
- You want reliable service at fair pricing
- You value good customer support
- You prefer included features over à la carte pricing
- You’re a US resident with straightforward needs
Choose Firstbase If:
- You’re forming from outside the United States
- You need expert guidance on international Florida compliance
- You’re planning significant US business operations through Florida
- Budget isn’t your primary constraint
- You want dedicated specialist support
Choose Northwest If:
- Address privacy is your top priority in Florida
- You prefer simple, transparent pricing
- You don’t need extensive additional services
- You value a company with long Florida track record
- You’re comfortable handling some tasks yourself
Choose MyCompanyWorks If:
- You need multiple Florida business services
- You prefer one-stop shopping for Florida compliance
- You don’t mind paying more for convenience
- You want comprehensive Florida document packages
- You’re planning complex Florida business structure
Choose Bizee If:
- Budget is extremely tight
- You’re very comfortable with DIY approaches
- You don’t need customer support
- You understand the real total costs
- You’re forming a simple Florida LLC
Florida-Specific Considerations for LLC Formation
Florida’s Tax Advantages
No state income tax is Florida’s biggest draw, but understand the implications:
- LLCs with Florida addresses still pay federal taxes
- Pass-through taxation applies (profits taxed at personal level)
- No franchise tax or minimum tax
- Local taxes may apply depending on county/city
Florida Banking for LLCs
Florida has excellent banking options for LLCs:
- Major national banks with Florida presence
- Local community banks familiar with LLC needs
- International banking options in Miami/Orlando
- Generally LLC-friendly banking requirements
Florida Real Estate LLCs
Florida is popular for real estate investment LLCs:
- Strong asset protection laws
- Favorable charging order protection
- No transfer taxes in many counties
- Homestead exemption benefits
- Professional property management industry
International Entrepreneur Guide to Florida LLCs
Why International Founders Love Florida
- Strategic location: Gateway to Latin America and Caribbean
- International business climate: Miami especially welcoming
- Banking access: Better options than many states for foreign-owned LLCs
- Tax efficiency: No state income tax
- Lifestyle benefits: Year-round business climate
Special Considerations for International Founders
Banking challenges: Even in Florida, US banking for foreign-owned LLCs requires:
- US address (registered agent address acceptable)
- Proper documentation (passport, formation documents)
- Sometimes in-person bank visits
- Understanding of US tax obligations
Tax implications: US tax obligations begin immediately:
- May need ITIN for tax filing
- Consider tax treaty benefits from home country
- Understand US reporting requirements
- Consult international tax professional
Recommended approach for international founders:
- Use Firstbase for formation (they understand the complexities)
- Get ITIN application started early if needed
- Research Florida banking options in advance
- Consider Florida business address services
- Establish relationship with US tax advisor
Common Florida LLC Formation Mistakes
Choosing Service Based on Price Alone
Florida’s $125 state fee is higher than many states—don’t compound costs with a poor service choice.
Ignoring Annual Report Requirements
Florida’s May 1st deadline is firm. Miss it and face penalties plus potential dissolution.
Not Understanding Florida’s Registered Agent Rules
Florida requires a registered agent with a Florida street address. PO boxes don’t work.
Skipping Operating Agreement
Florida doesn’t require it, but you’ll need one for banking and member protection.
Not Planning for Growth
Florida’s business-friendly environment often leads to rapid growth. Choose services that can scale with you.
Florida vs. Other Popular LLC States
Florida vs. Delaware
Florida wins for: Tax advantages, faster processing, lower costs for most businesses
Delaware wins for: Complex corporate structures, venture capital funding, court system
Florida vs. Wyoming
Florida wins for: Business infrastructure, banking access, international appeal
Wyoming wins for: Privacy protection, lower annual fees, no beneficial ownership reporting
Florida vs. Nevada
Florida wins for: Processing speed, business climate, international connections
Nevada wins for: Privacy protection, no information sharing agreements
My advice: Florida is excellent for most businesses, especially if you have any connection to the state or international operations.
Florida LLC Formation Timeline
Standard Florida process:
- Day 1: Service submits documents to Florida Secretary of State
- Days 2-4: Florida reviews filing (one of the fastest states)
- Day 5: Approval notification sent
- Same day: Documents available for download
Using a service adds 1-2 days for their internal processing before state submission.
Expedited options: Florida offers same-day processing for additional fees, but rarely necessary given their standard speed.
Post-Formation Florida LLC Essentials
Immediate Actions:
- Apply for federal EIN (free from IRS website)
- Open Florida business bank account
- Draft operating agreement
- Research required Florida business licenses
- Set up Florida sales tax account if needed
Ongoing Florida Compliance:
- File annual report by May 1st ($138.75)
- Maintain registered agent with Florida address
- Keep business records current
- File annual tax returns (federal only—no Florida income tax)
- Update registered agent if relocating
Red Flags to Avoid in Florida
“Lifetime” Registered Agent Offers
No legitimate service offers truly lifetime registered agent service in Florida or anywhere else.
Unnecessary Business License Research
Many Florida businesses don’t need special licenses. Research yourself before paying $99+ for basic research.
Publication Requirement Confusion
Florida has no publication requirement. Don’t pay for publication services.
Out-of-State Formation Pitches
Some services try to sell Wyoming or Delaware formation to Florida residents. Usually not beneficial and creates compliance headaches.
The Bottom Line on Florida LLC Services
For most entrepreneurs: ZenBusiness offers the best combination of reliability, features, and fair pricing for Florida formations.
For international founders: Firstbase provides essential expertise that’s worth the premium for non-US residents.
For privacy-focused entrepreneurs: Northwest delivers excellent address protection with solid Florida service.
For budget-constrained startups: Bizee gets the job done if you handle most tasks yourself.
Florida’s business-friendly environment and tax advantages make it an excellent choice for LLC formation. After helping 300+ entrepreneurs navigate Florida LLC formation, I can tell you that choosing the right service matters, but it matters less than taking action on your business plans.
Don’t get paralyzed by analysis—pick a reputable service that fits your budget and needs, then focus on building your Florida-based business. The state’s advantages will serve you well regardless of which service you choose to get started.
Ready to form your Florida LLC? Any of my top 3 recommendations will serve you well. The key is understanding what you actually need and avoiding services that oversell or underdeliver.
Questions about Florida LLC formation? The process is faster and more straightforward than most states, and these services all understand Florida’s requirements well. Choose based on your priorities: budget, features, support level, or specialized expertise.
Jake Lawson has guided 300+ Florida LLC formations since 2010, including extensive work with international entrepreneurs taking advantage of Florida’s tax benefits and strategic location. His recommendations are based on actual client results and real-world service performance.