How to Incorporate a Business in Florida

A corporation is a business that gives employees and owners limited liability in the company's financial affairs (up to their own financial investment). Florida is one of the simpler states in which to incorporate your business, and, while you can do so with the help of an experienced attorney, you can do it by yourself as well. Now it's even possible to incorporate a business in Florida online.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Go to Florida's Department of State Web site (see Resources, below) to download the forms you need in order to incorporate in the state (Form cr2e010). You may also contact the Secretary of State's office directly by calling [phone].
2. Submit a Name Registration form to the office of the Secretary of State. This will reserve the name of your business and prevent others from reserving it. You may fill out the form online and print it out or print it and fill it in by hand. There is a fee for getting this form registered.
3. Complete the Articles of Incorporation and remit them to the office of the Secretary of State. The Articles of Incorporation require that the name of your company be restated as well as the names of those officers who are serving as managers of the corporation. There is a fee to have the Articles of Incorporation registered with the Secretary of State.
4. Expect the process of incorporation to take between 4 and 8 weeks, depending on the expedience of the Secretary of State's office. Once your corporation has been registered as a legal entity within the state, you will receive a copy of the Articles of Incorporation and your Employer Identification Number (EIN).

Tips & Warnings

• It is possible to incorporate a business in Florida without having to hire a lawyer or business specialist, although it will require a significant amount of research on your part. Even so, doing it on your own can save you thousands of dollars.
• Ask questions of any online service you decide to use to incorporate your business in Florida. Some are more expensive than others, while some offer more assistance in the incorporation process. Weigh your options carefully.
• Avoid double taxation on dividends by investigating available tax credits for your shareholders. Tax credits are available depending on the size of your corporation.
• Understand that incorporating does not mean you are free from all liability. Creditors can still pursue your investments in the business.