New Business Registration Tampa, FL | LLC, EIN, Sunbiz

What we handle for new Florida businesses.

Registering a new business involves navigating state and federal requirements that don't show up in any one place. The wrong entity choice can cost you thousands in self-employment tax or expose your personal assets. The wrong Sunbiz filing can delay your bank account. The wrong EIN application can lock you out for weeks. We've handled the full registration cycle dozens of times, so we know where the friction is.

We simplify the process, ensure your business is structured correctly, and confirm you're compliant from day one. You finish with an active Florida entity, an EIN, an operating agreement, and a clear understanding of what comes next (registered agent, bank account, sales tax registration, payroll, insurance).

Entity selection consultation. LLC, single-member LLC, multi-member LLC, S-Corp election, C-Corp, or sole proprietor. We walk through the tax, liability, and growth implications of each.
Sunbiz filing. Preparation and filing of Articles of Organization (LLC) or Articles of Incorporation (Corp) with the Florida Department of State at Sunbiz.org.
EIN from the IRS. Apply for and obtain your federal Employer Identification Number, the tax ID you need to open a bank account, hire employees, or file taxes.
Operating Agreement or Bylaws. Foundational governance documents tailored to your ownership structure. Florida doesn't require an LLC operating agreement, but every bank, lender, and partner will ask for one.
S-Corp election. If S-Corp tax treatment makes sense, we file Form 2553 with the IRS within the deadline window.
Florida sales tax registration. If you'll collect sales tax, registration with the Florida Department of Revenue and setup for DR-15 filing.
Registered agent guidance. Florida requires a registered agent with a Florida street address. We help you choose the right option.
Initial compliance checklist. What to do in the first 30, 60, and 90 days so you don't miss a deadline.

Why entity selection matters in Florida

Florida has no state income tax, which is a major advantage, but the federal entity choice still drives your tax bill. A single-member LLC taxed as a sole proprietor pays full self-employment tax on every dollar of profit. The same business as an S-Corp can save thousands per year by splitting profit between salary and distribution. We model both scenarios for you so the decision is grounded in real numbers, not guesswork.

Benefits of working with us

Avoid the most common entity-selection mistakes
Faster Sunbiz turnaround when filings are prepared correctly the first time
EIN obtained without the SS-4 errors that cause IRS rejections
Clear handoff into ongoing bookkeeping, payroll, and tax compliance
Bilingual guidance: English and Spanish, every step

Who we register

Contractors (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, roofing, construction)
Real estate investors and property managers
E-commerce shops and online sellers
Restaurants and food service
Professional service firms (consultants, agencies, creatives)
Holding companies and second-entity setups

FAQ

Common questions about new business registration.

Sunbiz typically processes online LLC filings within 2 to 5 business days, sometimes faster. After Sunbiz, the EIN application with the IRS is usually same-day if you apply online during business hours. Realistic timeline: a week to be fully operational with entity, EIN, and bank account ready.

Almost everyone starts as an LLC. The real question is whether to elect S-Corp tax treatment. Rough rule of thumb: if you'll net more than about $40,000 to $50,000 per year in self-employment income, S-Corp election usually saves money. Below that, the extra payroll and filing costs eat the savings. We run the numbers for your specific situation.

Sunbiz (the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations) is where your entity legally exists in Florida. The IRS is where your business gets its federal tax ID (EIN) and where you'll file federal taxes. You need both. We handle both.

Yes, Florida requires every LLC and corporation to have a registered agent with a Florida street address (not a P.O. box) who can accept legal service of process during business hours. You can serve as your own registered agent if you have a Florida address and are available during business hours, but most owners use a commercial registered agent service for privacy and convenience.

Florida requires an Annual Report filing with Sunbiz between January 1 and May 1 each year. The fee for LLCs is $138.75 (subject to change). Miss the May 1 deadline and the penalty jumps to $400. We can handle Annual Reports as part of an ongoing compliance package so you never miss the window.

Launch your Florida business confidently.