Quick Answer: Yes, you can start a Florida LLC if you live in another US state or another country. Florida does not require owners to be Florida residents, US citizens, or US residents. You need a unique name, a registered agent with a physical Florida street address, Articles of Organization filed on Sunbiz for $125, a free EIN, and an annual report for $138.75 by May 1 each year.
Can a Non-Resident Own a Florida LLC?
Yes. A person living abroad can own 100% of a Florida LLC, and out-of-state partners can own one together. You need no Social Security Number, Florida home address, or US visa, only a registered agent in Florida to receive legal and state documents. Florida also has no state personal income tax and offers fast online filing.
Domestic LLC vs. Foreign LLC
- Domestic Florida LLC: A brand-new LLC created in Florida. Choose this if Florida is your state of formation, even though you live elsewhere.
- Foreign LLC registration: You already have an LLC in another state and now want to do business in Florida, such as opening an office there.
6 Steps to Start Your Florida LLC
1. Choose an Available Name
Your name must include “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C.” and be distinguishable from other Florida entities. Search it on Sunbiz, the Division of Corporations portal, before building a brand around it.
2. Appoint a Florida Registered Agent
Every Florida LLC must maintain a registered agent with a physical Florida street address, not a P.O. Box, available during business hours. Non-residents normally hire a commercial agent for $50 to $200 per year, which also keeps their home address off public records.
3. File Articles of Organization on Sunbiz
File online for $125: $100 for the Articles plus $25 for the registered agent designation. Provide the LLC name, addresses, registered agent details, and manager or member information. Online filings usually process within a few business days. For the full process, see how to llc florida requirements.
4. Create an Operating Agreement
Florida does not require filing it, but sign one and keep it internally. It proves ownership, signing authority, and profit splits. Banks often request it, especially for foreign owners.
5. Get an EIN From the IRS
An EIN is your LLC’s free federal tax ID, needed for banking, taxes, and platforms like Stripe or Amazon. US owners with an SSN or ITIN can apply instantly online. Non-US residents without one cannot: complete Form SS-4, write “Foreign” or “N/A” on line 7b, and submit it by fax, mail, or phone. That takes days to several weeks.
6. Open a Bank Account and Sort Taxes
With your approved Articles, EIN letter, operating agreement, and passport or ID, apply for a US business bank or fintech account, many providers onboard non-residents remotely.
Federal duties still apply. A foreign-owned single-member LLC typically files Form 1120 with Form 5472 yearly, even with no US income, and penalties for missing it are severe. Out-of-state owners may also owe home-state tax, so consult a CPA experienced with non-residents before trading.
Costs and Ongoing Compliance
| Item | Cost | When |
| Articles of Organization | $125 | One time |
| Registered agent | $50 to $200 | Yearly |
| EIN | $0 | One time |
| Annual report | $138.75 | Yearly, Jan 1 to May 1 |
File the annual report on Sunbiz every year, starting the year after formation. Miss May 1 and Florida adds a non-waivable $400 late fee; keep missing it and the state may dissolve your LLC.
Common mistakes: using a P.O. Box for the registered agent, expecting an instant online EIN without an SSN, ignoring Form 5472, mixing personal and business money, and forgetting May 1.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start a Florida LLC without living in the USA?
Yes. No US residency, citizenship, or visa is required, only a Florida registered agent and the Sunbiz filing.
Can I be my own registered agent?
Only if you have a physical Florida street address and are available there during business hours. Most non-residents hire a service.
Do I need an SSN to form a Florida LLC?
No. An SSN is needed only for the online EIN application. Without one, apply using Form SS-4.
Does a Florida LLC eliminate tax at home?
Not automatically. Your home state or country and US federal rules may still require tax and filings, so get professional advice.
Bottom Line
Conclusion
Name, registered agent, Sunbiz filing, operating agreement, EIN, then banking and taxes, follow that order and a Florida LLC is simple to open from anywhere. File the annual report by May 1, and it stays in good standing year after year.
