6 Best LLC Services in Florida (2024) To Form Your Startup
In my years of advising startups and established businesses alike, I've witnessed the transformative impact of choosing the right LLC service in Florida. It's not just about fulfilling legal requirements; it's about laying a strong foundation for your business's future.
Recognizing the importance of reliable and efficient LLC services for budding entrepreneurs, I collaborated with my Venture Smarter team of experienced legal professionals to conduct a comprehensive investigation.
We meticulously analyzed various factors, including the preferences of numerous entrepreneurs, detailed online client reviews, and the assurance of compliance performance.
This article will reveal the benefits, drawbacks, service features, and prices of the best LLC services in Florida.
| Company | LLC Packages | LLC Fees | Registered Agent Price | Same & Next Day Filing | Money-Back Guarantee | Free Package Features | BBB Accredited | Advisory Services |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZenBusiness (Best Overall) |
3 | From 0$ | $199 | Pro & Premium Package | 60 days | LLC Filing & 100% Accuracy Guarantee | Yes | Accounting Consultation |
| Northwest (Best Premium) |
1 | $39 (using our link) | First year free with LLC purchase / $125 from 2nd year | No | 90 days | None | No, A rating | No |
| Bizee (Most Affordable) |
3 | From $0 | First year free with LLC purchase / $119 from 2nd year | Platinum Package | Order refundable before state payment (usually 24h), minus $30 fee. | LLC Filing, FREE Registered Agent (1 year), EIN, Operating Agreement, Business Tax Consultation & more | No | Tax: Free 1-hour Consultation |
| LegalZoom (Best Essentials) |
3 | From $0 | $299 | No | 60 days | LLC Filing, Digital welcome packet, Customizable website | Yes, A+ rating | Attorney Consultations (Premium Plan) |
| Swyft Filings | 3 | From $0 | $199 | Premium Package | 60 days | LLC Filing & Lifetime customer support | No | No |
| Harbor Compliance | 1 | $99 | $99 | Depending on the state | No | None | Yes | No |
ZenBusinessTop 6 Best LLC Services in Florida (November 2024)
1 - ZenBusiness (Best Overall)
Pros and Cons
- Starts with low-cost plans, only $0 plus state fees.
- Users consistently praise its ease of operation and support.
- Offers comprehensive services, including LLC formation and compliance.
- Known for quick processing and filing efficiency.
- Dedicated to social responsibility and active in community projects.
- Packages are competitively priced, ensuring value for money.
- Business formation plans do not include Registered Agent service.
- Customer support is not available 24/7.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Ideal for new entrepreneurs seeking an affordable, comprehensive LLC formation service.
Who is it not for?
- Not suitable for those needing specialized or highly personalized services.
The Verdict
ZenBusiness is highly recommended for its affordability, ease of use, and comprehensive features, making it perfect for new entrepreneurs who value efficiency and support.
ZenBusiness excels in demystifying the LLC formation process.
Their commitment to business success is evident through their provision of customized packages designed to support businesses at various stages of growth.
This approach particularly caught my attention in Florida, where an overwhelming 99.8% (3.1 million) of businesses are identified as micro-enterprises, according to 2023 US Small Business statistics.
Their user-centric platform facilitates a speedy 10-12 minute filing. They lay out clear package options, underscoring essentials like an EIN.
ZenBusiness's well-rounded and flexible LLC services package gives them an advantage over competitors. It has allowed us to select the most suitable subscription level for our needs.
Before submitting our LLC registration application, ZenBusiness performed a name eligibility check in Florida to ensure our proposed entity name was available.
This reduced our time consumption and outdated name search methods and ensured our application wouldn't be denied due to a minor error.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Starter ($0 + $125 State Fee): It includes standard fling speed (7 to 10 days), guaranteed accuracy of 100%, and tracking of expenses and deductions. Additionally, you'll also get a Worry-free compliance package at $0 for the first year with a renewal fee of $199 yearly if you accept the package. Plus, enjoy added advantages including Banking and Bank Account services at $5/month each, Money Pro Bookkeeping at $30/month, and a Website Builder at $15/month with a 1-month free trial for all services.
- Pro ($199 + $125 State Fee): This package is billed annually and includes state filing fees and Employer ID Number (EIN) registration. In addition to previous package features, this package has the fastest rush-filling speed (1 day). The package also provides a guided operating agreement (at $99).
- Premium ($299 + $125 State Fee): This package includes everything from the Pro and Starter plans, plus a domain name, a customizable business website, an email address, business document templates, and 1 business day filing speed for faster processing.
- Registered Agent Service ($199): The price of $199 is billed annually.
2 - Northwest Registered Agent (Best Premium)
Pros and Cons
- Ensures privacy by keeping your address off public records, a Northwest hallmark.
- Offers the flexibility to select services that meet your needs.
- Customer service acclaimed for its responsiveness and expertise.
- Venture Smarter readers enjoy a unique discount.
- Over 25 years of experience, indicating a strong track record.
- More economical options may exist, but with varying levels of quality.
- Standard services are affordable, but additional features can increase the cost.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Best for businesses prioritizing privacy and personalized customer service in their LLC formation.
Who is it not for?
- Less suited for entrepreneurs looking for the lowest possible cost.
The Verdict
Northwest excels in providing excellent customer support and privacy protection, making it ideal for businesses that value these aspects highly.
I remember when I was in the early steps of my company journey, feeling overwhelmed with all the formalities. Turning to Northwest Registered Agent was a life-saver. Their two decades of experience shone through as they addressed each of my questions quickly and thoroughly.
In the United States, where small businesses provide jobs for 61.6 million workers, making up 45.9% of the U.S. workforce according to the Small Business Economic Profile, the offerings provided by Northwest Registered Agent made the LLC formation process straightforward and intuitive.
The beginning filing was completed in just 9 minutes, with everything processed within 72 hours, even though we opted for a 5-day service and started on a Saturday. Their attention to detail and service were clear throughout.
Using PrivacybyDefault ensured that we had no concerns about protecting our privacy.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Basic Plan ($39 + $125 State Fee): Fast LLC setup service with additional state filing fees, with one year of free registered agent service, a business address, and complimentary mail forwarding when you form your LLC with Northwest Registered Agent. Enjoy added privacy by default, along with a free domain, website, email, and business phone to launch your business effortlessly.
- Registered Agent Services ($125): Once you set up your LLC with Northwest Registered Agent, you are given the first year of this service for free. After the first year, it will be renewed yearly. Lowered to $100 for national registered agent service for multi-state companies.
3 - Bizee (Most Affordable)
Pros and Cons
- LLC formation with no initial fee.
- Complimentary Registered Agent for the first year in all plans.
- Established for over a quarter-century, ensuring reliability.
- Quick service turnaround, typically within one business day.
- Certain additional services are costly.
- Customer support available only during the week.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Entrepreneurs needing an easy, budget-friendly start to their business with good ongoing support.
Who is it not for?
- Not for those looking for robust in-person legal consulting services.
The Verdict
Bizee offers an excellent no-frills service with a competitive price, making it particularly appealing for startups and small businesses on a tight budget.
Bizee (formerly Incfile) is a trusted Florida LLC formation service that offers entrepreneurs an affordable and reliable way to start a business.
Unlike other services, Bizee doesn't charge fees for forming an LLC.
We tried Bizee's free LLC service and were delighted to find it was exactly as advertised. The other fees we had to pay were Florida state, address, and certification fees. Bizee handled everything else.
Bizee's customer service department is known for its quick and responsive service. Customers can expect to receive a response to their inquiries within a few hours or less.
The company's commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in the over 10,000 customer reviews they have received.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Silver Package ($0 + $125 State Fee): Includes Florida LLC formation, giving you the legal protection and tax benefits of a limited liability company. You also get free registered agent service for one year and unlimited alerts for company compliance.
- Bizee Gold Package ($199 + $125 State Fee): This package includes business tax consultation, EIB registration, a business license compliance tool, and free document retrieval. This package also includes banking resolution, lifetime company alerts, and online access dashboard.
- Platinum Package ($299 + $125 State Fee): It includes all the features of the Silver and Gold packages. It also includes access to a dedicated business specialist and a business compliance dashboard. You'll also get a free domain name and business email address.
- Registered Agent Services ($119): Includes a free year of service, with an annual renewal fee of $119. If made with a package for forming an LLC, it is free for the first year.
4 - LegalZoom (Best Essentials)
Pros and Cons
- Complimentary access to a range of business templates.
- Offers a wide spectrum of legal services.
- Website is intuitive and process is streamlined.
- Customer support acclaimed for its effectiveness.
- LLC formation services are comparatively expensive.
- Aggressive marketing of supplementary services.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Individuals seeking a wide array of legal services in addition to LLC formation.
Who is it not for?
- Not the best choice for those only needing simple and quick LLC formation.
The Verdict
LegalZoom is suitable for those who may require various legal services over time, providing a comprehensive solution but at a higher cost.
LegalZoom is ideal for a start-up or small business owner looking for extensive legal services, such as business formation, registered agent services, business annual report services, and consultation with independent attorneys.
They have successfully helped over 4 million people and businesses with various services, including forming LLCs.
LegalZoom commitment to excellence has resulted in an outstanding track record of success, with half of their services involving Florida LLC formation services.
Besides providing exceptional customer service, this business formation service features more generous support contact hours than its competitors.
Based on our experience, their team is highly knowledgeable and adept at addressing our queries. We strongly recommend them to anyone starting a new venture.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Basic ($0 + $125 State Fee): On top of the economic Florida LLC services package, you’ll get a business name search, articles of organization, a digital welcome packet, and wix powered professional website.
- Pro ($249 + $125 State Fee): Includes all Basic package services and a comprehensive Florida business licensing guide. The package also offers an EIN, operating agreement, and prior phone consultations on taxes and insurance.
- Premium ($299 + $125 State Fee): Here, you’ll get all Pro package features plus a half-an-hour limitless attorney consultation on the latest topics on legal matters. You also get an in-depth guide from a professional Florida attorney.
- Registered Agent Services ($299): Includes a dedicated agent to receive and forward documents, access to an online dashboard, and email notifications.
5 - Swyft Filings
Pros and Cons
- Affordable options for LLC formation.
- Simplified website layout.
- Positive customer service reviews.
- Some services involve extra fees.
- Registered Agent expense escalates later.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Entrepreneurs who need to quickly set up their LLC without hassle, with good support.
Who is it not for?
- Not ideal for those requiring extensive legal advice or international services.
The Verdict
Swyft Filings is known for its speed and efficiency, offering rapid LLC formation and excellent customer service, making it a solid choice for those in a hurry.
Swyft Filings provides personalized services tailored to your specific needs.
In our experience, they've proven to be very familiar with Florida business laws.
One of their top priorities is assisting entrepreneurs in establishing their own businesses through formation packages.
They provide some of their services directly, while others are offered through collaborations with other businesses.
We evaluated their performance and were highly satisfied with the results. We valued their reminder system that alerted us about important upcoming deadlines.
It is very simple to obtain their LLC services. They will give you a form you can easily fill out in 10 minutes.
Once you've completed the form with your future LLC's information, you can send it back to them, and they'll file the paperwork as part of their registered agent service.
All you have to do now is wait for the state-approved documents to be returned to you.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Basic Formation Package ($0 + $125 State Fee): Package for the first step. Includes articles of Incorporation, company name availability check, a compliance Guard warning system, a 30-minute business tax consultation, and a free domain name.
- Standard Formation Package ($199 + $125 State Fee): Everything that is in the Basic LLC formation services package, as well as banking resolution, EIN, and a draft of the operating agreement.
- Premium Formation Package ( ($299 + $125 State Fee): All-in Basic and Standard LLC formation services package added by an expedited filing, free web hosting, certificate of incorporation, a business specialist that you can count on, fast delivery of documents, and an LLC kit.
- Registered Agent Service ($99): This will be an ongoing quarterly subscription, according to a sales representative.
6 - Harbor Compliance
Pros and Cons
- Quick, thorough management of compliance duties.
- Attractive pricing for long-term service agreements.
- One-on-one expert consultations in compliance.
- Generally more expensive than competitor services.
- Occasional lapses in customer service quality.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Businesses that need dedicated compliance services and support for complex regulatory environments.
Who is it not for?
- Less suited for very small businesses or solopreneurs who may find the comprehensive services overextended.
The Verdict
Harbor Compliance is recommended for its specialized compliance services and expertise, particularly for companies that face stringent regulatory requirements.
Harbor Compliance was created by a group of professionals and has been in place since 2012.
Obviously, given the name, their priority is to assist businesses in remaining in compliance through the use of proprietary tracking software and compliance experts to ensure that nothing goes unnoticed.
Their program is designed to assist businesses in keeping track of crucial annual report deadlines and swiftly identifying where they are registered to conduct business.
We were genuinely impressed with this program. Additionally, they offered us a 10 percent discount when we procured an extra service.
They have much prior experience creating LLCs in numerous states, including Florida.
LLC Formation Packages:
- LLC Formation Package ($99 + $125 State Fee): This starting package includes a business name availability search and a draft of articles of organization; they will also provide you a preliminary operating agreement, an EIN from the IRS, and a free registered agent for 1 year.
- Registered Agent Service (89-$99): You get immediate online access to the registered agent's address. If you prepay for registered agent services for more than two years, you can receive a 5–10% discount.
Why should you trust us?
You should trust Venture Smarter for your Florida LLC formation needs because our team of seasoned legal professionals has conducted extensive evaluations of various LLC services within the state. Our methodology is thorough and unbiased, ensuring that our recommendations are based on the services' performance, reliability, and value to our readers.
The Venture Smarter team is committed to transparency and integrity. We interact anonymously with LLC services and leverage the insights of an independent review team to provide you with unbiased, evidence-based recommendations. This approach ensures that our suggestions are made with your best interests in mind.
We understand the importance of a reliable LLC service in laying a strong foundation for your business's future. That's why we've meticulously reviewed each service's features, pricing, customer support, and efficiency. Our goal is to empower Venture Smarter readers with the information needed to make an informed decision that aligns with their business needs and legal requirements.
By choosing Venture Smarter, you're not just selecting any LLC service; you're choosing a partner committed to your business's success and legal compliance in Florida. Trust us to guide you to the best LLC service that meets your specific needs, ensuring your business is set up correctly and remains in good standing with state laws.
How We Picked And Tested The Best LLC Services In Florida
In our comprehensive evaluation of Florida's LLC services, we meticulously analyzed 15 different providers. Our approach included anonymous testing to ensure an unbiased perspective of their offerings and customer experience.
We closely examined each service's pricing structure, the breadth of their primary and supplementary services, and their reputation within the industry.
Here was our in-depth criteria analysis:
1. Pricing
We explore how LLC services in Florida structure their pricing to meet the state's unique economic landscape, balancing affordability with comprehensive service offerings.
We highlighted services like Bizee, which offers a no-cost initial package, and Northwest, known for its value-driven $39 deal, examining how these pricing models cater to Florida's diverse business ecosystem.
2. Customer Support
Effective customer support is crucial for timely assistance and guidance, especially in the complex process of LLC formation.
Our focus was on how LLC services in Florida innovate in customer support, combining technology with a human touch to enhance the business experience.
We delved into the customer support strategies of companies like Northwest, with its personalized approach, and ZenBusiness, with its extended communication channels, assessing how they stand out in the Florida market.
3. Service Offerings
This section, we examined the comprehensive service offerings of LLC services in Florida, highlighting how they cater to basic compliance needs and broader business support.
We spotlighted services like ZenBusiness and Northwest for their wide range of offerings and provided critical analysis of more focused services like Bizee.
In contrast, Swyft Filings, while efficient in basic offerings, seemed limited in providing a wider array of services, which could be a constraint for businesses seeking more extensive support.
"Think beyond just the initial formation process. Choose a service that can offer long-term support and guidance as your Florida LLC grows."
Delina Yasmeh, J.D./Tax LL.M, Distinguished Expert in Mergers & Acquisitions
4. Turnaround Time
Quick processing of legal documents is essential for timely business operations and compliance.
Here, we evaluate the efficiency of LLC services in Florida and how their speed influences the operational dynamics of local businesses.
ZenBusiness and Bizee are known for their swift turnaround times, efficient handling of document processing, and communication with the State Office.
5. Local Expertise
In-depth knowledge of state-specific laws is crucial for ensuring compliance and effective operation.
We looked for companies demonstrating a deep understanding of Florida's legal landscape.
Northwest Registered Agent and Bizee showed strong expertise in Florida-specific regulations. In contrast, companies with a more generalized approach lacking focus on Florida-specific details, like Rocket Lawyer, fall short in providing tailored guidance.
6. Reliability and Reputation
A reliable service with a strong reputation ensures trust and consistency in business operations.
Northwest Registered Agent won our trust in this category, backed by consistently positive feedback and high platform ratings.
7. Ease of Use
A user-friendly platform simplifies the process of forming and managing an LLC, saving time and reducing complexity.
In our analysis, we navigated through each service's platforms to evaluate their user-friendliness and accessibility.
Bizee and LegalZoom offer platforms renowned for their ease of use, featuring intuitive interfaces and straightforward navigation.
Florida LLC Formation Process
The Florida Secretary of State doesn’t require small business owners and entrepreneurs to employ an LLC formation service to form an LLC. Forming an LLC in Florida is a relatively straightforward process.
To get started, follow these nine easy steps for LLC formation in Florida:
- Step 1: Choose a Business Name
- Step 2: Find a Florida Registered Agent Service
- Step 3: File Florida Articles of Organization
- Step 4: Create a Florida LLC Operating Agreement
- Step 5: Obtain an EIN
- Step 6: Register with the Florida Department of Revenue
- Step 7: Open a Bank Account
- Step 8: Obtain Licenses and Permits
- Step 9: File your Florida LLC Annual Report
FAQs
Do I Need an LLC Service in Florida?
No, you don't need an LLC service in Florida because it is not mandatory. But, it will save you a lot of time and money and help you to deal with all the legal requirements and documents in the formation process.
How Many Small Businesses Are There in Florida Today?
There are more than 2.5 million small businesses in Florida, by the most recent federal report. The data covers a wide range of businesses, from one-person sole proprietorships or LLCs to considerably bigger corporations with hundreds of workers.
Is Florida good for LLCs?
Yes. Florida is a good state for LLCs. In fact, many LLC businesses operate there. LLCs provide limited liability protection by separating your personal assets from the company's in case it is sued or goes bankrupt with many debts.
Do I Need to Renew My LLC Every Year in Florida?
Yes, you need to renew your LLC every year in Florida. This will help you and your company maintain good standing with the state.
Our Verdict
Selecting the right LLC service in Florida is a critical step for any entrepreneur aiming to establish a successful business. The services reviewed in this article offer a range of options catering to different needs, from affordability and ease of use to comprehensive legal support.
However, ZenBusiness stood out as our top choice for its balance of affordability, comprehensive service options, and strong customer support. Our experience with ZenBusiness was instrumental in setting up a strong foundation for our business.
ZenBusiness makes it simple for entrepreneurs to begin their business journey. They take off the worry about the tedious paperwork and filing requirements associated with business registration.
We also recommend ZenBusiness for its well-rounded service options and the high-quality customer support that quickly and thoroughly answered our questions.
