How to Become a Non-Profit Corporation in Florida

Fill out articles of incorporation to form a nonprofit business.

Perhaps the most misunderstood issue about nonprofits is their tax-exemption status. As the U.S. Internal Revenue Service explains, state laws determine whether a group is a nonprofit or not. But no state law can grant an organization exemption from federal taxes. Therefore, after you form your nonprofit corporation in Florida, contact the IRS to apply for tax exemption under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The simplest way of applying to become a nonprofit in the state is by filling out and submitting your agency's articles of incorporation online. Mailing it in is also an option.

Things You'll Need

• Credit or debit card
• Check

Instructions

Online Filing

1. Get your credit card or debit card and have it by your computer. It costs $70 to apply to become a nonprofit in Florida. You're required to submit your billing information before the online system will accept your completed electronic articles of incorporation.

2. Go to the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations. See References for the link. Click the hyperlink that says "disclaimer statement" and read the disclaimer. Check the box indicating you've read it. Then click the button that reads, "Add Filing & Pay Fee."

3. Complete all items of the online application. Proof it before clicking "Continue." After you make your payment on the next page, you won't be allowed to make any corrections.

4. Go to the next page to add your payment information and submit your Florida nonprofit application.

By-Mail Filing

1. Obtain a paper copy of the "Articles of Incorporation" form. Download it online at the link listed in References.

2. Fill out the form online or print to complete it by hand. If you decide to work online, keep in mind that you're not able to save what you type into the document. Therefore, you have to answer all questions online in one step and print it immediately.

3. Mail the "Articles of Incorporation" form and a check for $70 payable to Department of State at:

   Department of State

   Division of Corporations

   P. O. Box 6327

   Tallahassee, FL 32314

Tips & Warnings

• To complete this process in person, stop by the Florida Department of State at:

• Clifton Building

• 2661 Executive Center Circle

• Tallahassee, FL

References

• IRS.gov: Applying for Exemption - Difference Between Nonprofit and Tax-Exempt Status
• Florida Department of State: Division of Corporations: Florida Nonprofit Filing
• Florida Department of State: Division of Corporations: Articles of Incorporation for Florida NonProfit Corporation
• Florida Department of State: Division of Corporations: Instructions for Not for Profit Articles of Incorporation