Business Law in Florida
Starting a Florida business begins with a few key choices: which entity to form, the filings that create and maintain it, and the contracts that run it. This hub explains the essentials in plain English, with links to step-by-step guides.
By Find Local Law Editorial Team · Last reviewed: May 26, 2026
Researched and drafted with AI assistance and verified against primary sources (statutes, Judicial Council forms, and official court websites). This is general information, not legal advice.
This is general information, not legal advice.
Running a Florida business comes down to early decisions that shape your liability and taxes: which entity to form, how to file and maintain it, and the contracts that keep it running. The guides below walk through each step.
Entity types
Florida businesses commonly operate as sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs (Florida Revised LLC Act, ch. 605), or corporations (Florida Business Corporation Act, ch. 607). LLCs and corporations generally shield owners’ personal assets, while a sole proprietor or general partner does not have that shield.
Forming with the Division of Corporations (Sunbiz)
LLCs and corporations are created by filing with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations — the office behind the Sunbiz portal. State filing fees apply; always confirm current fees on the Division of Corporations site before filing.
No Florida personal income tax
Florida has no state personal income tax (Fla. Const. Art. VII, § 5), which affects how pass-through income is taxed at the state level.
Contracts
Most Florida deals run on contracts. Some agreements must be in writing to be enforceable, and there are deadlines to sue if a contract is broken.
The guides
- Choosing a business entity
- How to form an LLC
- How to form a corporation
- Fictitious name (DBA) registration
- Contract basics
- Business disputes
To get matched with a local Florida business attorney, connect with a lawyer.
Guides
- Florida Business Disputes & Breach of Contract
When a contract is breached in Florida, typical remedies are money damages and — where damages are inadequate — specific performance. The deadline to sue (§ 95.11) is 5 years for a contract founded on a written instrument and 4 years for an oral or unwritten contract.
- Choosing a Business Entity in Florida
Florida businesses commonly operate as sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs (Florida Revised LLC Act, ch. 605), or corporations (Florida Business Corporation Act, ch. 607). LLCs and corporations are formed by filing with the Division of Corporations and generally shield owners' personal assets; sole proprietors and general partners do not get that shield. Florida has no state personal income tax.
- Florida Contract Basics
A valid Florida contract generally needs offer, acceptance, and consideration. Florida's statute of frauds (§ 725.01) makes certain agreements unenforceable unless in writing and signed — including a promise to answer for another's debt, an agreement in consideration of marriage, the sale of land or an interest in land, a lease of land for more than one year, and any agreement that can't be performed within one year.
- Florida Fictitious Name (DBA) Registration
A Florida business operating under a name other than its legal name must register the fictitious name with the Division of Corporations (§ 865.09). Before registering, the registrant must have advertised the intention to register at least once in a newspaper in the county of the principal place of business.
- How to Form a Corporation in Florida
To form a Florida corporation you file Articles of Incorporation under § 607.0202 with the Division of Corporations — name, principal/mailing address, authorized shares, registered agent, and incorporators. You file an annual report between January 1 and May 1 (§ 607.1622). An S corporation is a federal IRS tax election, not a separate Florida entity. State filing fees apply — confirm current fees on Sunbiz.
- How to Form an LLC in Florida
To form a Florida LLC you file Articles of Organization with the Division of Corporations under § 605.0201, stating the name, principal/mailing address, and registered agent with acceptance. You must continuously maintain a Florida registered agent (§ 605.0113) and file an annual report between January 1 and May 1 each year (§ 605.0212). State filing fees apply — confirm current fees on Sunbiz.
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