Formation Requirements

Florida LLC Registered Agent Requirements (2026): Fees and Statute

Updated 2026-04-30 · Verified against Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations

What is a Registered Agent in Florida?

Florida business law (Fla. Stat. §605.0113) requires every domestic and foreign entity to appoint a registered agent at the time of formation and to keep that designation current. The agent must have a physical street address in Florida — P.O. boxes and commercial mailbox addresses without a registered street component are not acceptable — and must be available during normal business hours to accept service of process. The agent’s name and street address are filed with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations and become part of the public business record.

Beyond appointing an agent, Florida LLCs file Articles of Organization with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations at a cost of $125, with ongoing maintenance handled through an annual report of $138 due annually between January 1 and May 1. Florida charges a late fee of $400 if the annual report is not filed by May 1, making the May deadline one of the most enforced in the country.

Best Registered Agent Services for Florida (2026)

#ServicePrice/yrBest for
1Northwest Registered Agent$125privacy-focused customers
2ZenBusiness$199new businesses bundling formation
3LegalZoom$249customers wanting brand-name support
4Mainstay Filing$99balanced value

Florida-specific option: Florida Registered Agent.io operates exclusively in Florida and specializes in same-state filings. Best for businesses that want a state-focused provider with local-only operations.

Florida Registered Agent Requirements

Physical address requiredYes — must be a street address in Florida
P.O. box allowedNo
Business hours availabilityRequired during normal business hours
Resident requirementMust be a Florida resident OR a business entity authorized to do business in Florida
Listed in public recordYes — name and address are publicly searchable via Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations
Statute referenceFla. Stat. §605.0113

How to Choose a Registered Agent in Florida: Step-by-Step

  1. Decide between self, friend, or commercial service. Self-serving is free but places your home address in the public record. Commercial services maintain privacy.
  2. Verify the agent's Florida address is a physical street address. The Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations rejects filings that list a P.O. box.
  3. Confirm the agent will be available during business hours. Service of process delivery failure can result in default judgment.
  4. Compare commercial pricing. Typical Florida commercial registered agent services cost $50–$150 per year.
  5. File the designation with Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations. Submit via https://dos.fl.gov/sunbiz/forms or by mail.
  6. Pay the filing fee. Florida charges $125 for online filings.
  7. Set a reminder for annual maintenance. Florida requires an annual report at $138, annually between January 1 and May 1.

Florida Filing Fees Summary

Filing TypeFeeRenewalRenewal Fee
LLC formation (Articles of Organization)$125annually between January 1 and May 1$138
DBA / Fictitious Name$50Every 5 years$50
Registered Agent change$25
Annual Report$138annually between January 1 and May 1$138

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be my own registered agent in Florida?

Yes — if you are a Florida resident with a physical street address and are available during business hours.

Do I need a registered agent if I form an LLC in Florida but live elsewhere?

Yes. Florida law requires every LLC to maintain a Florida-based registered agent regardless of where the owner lives.

What happens if I don't have a registered agent in Florida?

The Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations can administratively dissolve your business after approximately 60 days of non-compliance.

Can I change my registered agent in Florida later?

Yes — file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations for $25.

How much does a Florida registered agent cost?

$50–$150 per year for commercial services; free if you self-serve.

Is my registered agent's address public in Florida?

Yes. The agent's name and address are searchable via the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations business records.

How fast can I get a registered agent in Florida?

Same-day with most commercial services; same-business-day filing if submitted online before the daily cutoff.

This page provides general information about Florida registered agent requirements, not legal advice. Filing fees and procedures may change; verify current details with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations before filing. We may receive compensation from services listed in our comparisons; this does not influence our editorial selections.