Start Here, Finish Faster National Registered Agents, Inc.
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LeapLaw's 50 State Blawg  > Florida
Sponsored by:
GEC Group, LLC.
GEC Group, LLC.
2731 Executive Drive
Suite 4
Weston, FL 33331
www.gecgrp.com
Phone: (954) 318-2787
Toll Free: (877) 261-6823
Fax: (954) 318-2790



ParaNet Corporation Services, Inc.
ParaNet Corporation Services, Inc.
3761 Venture Drive
Duluth, GA 30096
www.paranetlegal.com
Phone: (770) 497-9977
Toll Free: (800) 277-9977
Fax: (800) 815-0477



Triad Professional Services, LLC
Triad Professional Services, LLC
Parkway Forest 100, Suite 150
2050 Marconi Drive
Alpharetta, GA 30005
/www.triadpros.com
Phone: (877) 805-6723
Fax: (770) 220-1943



UCC Filing & Search Services, Inc.
UCC Filing & Search Services, Inc.
526 E. Park Avenue
Tallahassee, FL 32301
Phone: (850) 681-6528
Toll Free: (800) 822-5436
Fax: (800) 424-7979




Search posts for:

Basics Box: Florida
Dept. of State; Division of Corporations
Status Search
Forms
  • Fax File:
  • UCC: Yes (with account)
    Corporate: Yes (with account)
  • E File:
  • UCC: No
    Corporate: Yes
  • Expedited Services:
  • UCC: No
    Corporate: No
  • Name Reservations:
  • No
  • Preclearance:
  • No
    Address Changes (Business Entities) (Florida)
    Advantages of Choosing NRAI as Your Registered Agent (Florida)
    Apostilles and Authentications (Florida)
    Contact Information (Florida)
    Domestic Corporate Dissolution Summary (Florida)
    Domestic Corporation Summary (Florida)
    Foreign Qualification Summary (Florida)
    LLC - Formation Summary (Florida)
    Recommended Service Companies (Florida)
    UCC Contact Information (Florida)
    UCC Filings (Florida)

    Address Changes (Business Entities) (Florida)
    To change a business address for any business entity or Fictitious Name Registration via email .

    Your request should include:

    Principal Office (must be a physical address)
    Mailing address
    Officer/Director, Manager/Managing Member, General Partner, or Owner addresses, when applicable

    Registered Agent changes of address are filed on a Change of Registered Agent/Registered Office form.

    Address changes may also be made on the yearly annual report filing. If you have not yet filed your Annual Report it is recommended that you do so now and make all necessary changes. Do not send anything other than address changes to this link. It will delay processing of your request.

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    Advantages of Choosing NRAI as Your Registered Agent (Florida)
    NRAI offers the most comprehensive suite of registered agent and entity management services available anywhere. Services are available in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and in most International Jurisdictions and include:

  • Comprehensive Nationwide and International Registered Agent Network

  • Registered Agent and Registered Office in all locations

  • Telephone and e-mail notification of Service of Process

  • Free delivery of all Service of Process via express courier

  • Computerized tracking of Service of Process

  • Forwarding of all official communications received including tax forms

  • Customized electronic tax calendar

  • Full access to NRAI Document Library and website tools

  • Convenient annual invoicing for all company groups, resulting in one common renewal month selected by the client

  • Representation as agent under contract such as loan agreements, etc.

  • Nominee Officer and Director and Holding company services

  • Special representation under specific statutes such as insurance, banking, broker dealer, real estate, etc.

  • Special Purpose Entity Services such as Independent Director/Member/Trustee

  • Annual Report filings services (ARMS)

  • Electronic annual report filing in some jurisdictions

  • Access to the NRAI Affiliate Network of over 500 services professionals

  • And more………

    NRAI offers the most competitive rates and in most instances can provide substantial savings over your existing service with an upgrade in responsiveness and service. To learn more about NRAI services, contact either NRAI or NRAI Affiliate Network members.

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  • Apostilles and Authentications (Florida)
    Apostilles and authentications in Florida are obtained from the Florida Department of State (FL DOS).

    Requirements: The document must be notarized or certified by an active Florida notary or official. The country where the document will be sent must be provided.

    Documents can be presented to:

    Department of State
    Division of Corporations
    Apostille Certification
    P.O. Box 6327
    Tallahassee, FL 32314

    Fee: Generally $10.00

    Turnaround Time: 5 business days

    DOS Additional Information

    About Authentication and Apostilles

    Authentication or a certificate of magistracy is an official certificate issued by the state official's office where the notary public is commissioned, confirming the existence of the notary public (or public officer) who has notarized the document. These certifications may be required when a document is being sent to another state or foreign country.

    If the countries where the document is being sent is a member of the Hague Convention, you can receive an "apostille" from the state where the notary is commissioned.

    In order to obtain an apostille or authentication, the document must be an original signed by the executing party, bearing an accurate notary public's signature (exact name of the notary as it currently stands of the state's records), date commission expires and notarial seal.

    It the country is not a member of the Hague Convention, the authentication process is a two step process. First the document will require certification from the FL SOS as to the notary's signature. Second, it will require authentication of the country's embassy or consulate.

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    Contact Information (Florida)
    Contact Information:

    Physical Address:
    Department of State
    Division of Corporations
    Clifton Building
    2661 Executive Center Circle
    Tallahassee, FL 32301

    Mailing Address:
    Department of State
    Division of Corporations
    Corporate Filings
    P.O. Box 6327
    Tallahassee, FL 32314

    Phone: General Inquiries (800) 755-5111

    Email: [email protected]

    Additional Contact Information.
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    Domestic Corporate Dissolution Summary (Florida)
    Pursuant to Florida Business Corporation Act (Fla. Stat. Ann. § 607.1401) a corporation incorporated in Florida may be voluntarily dissolved by delivering Articles of Dissolution to the Florida Department of State (FL DOS).

    Tax Clearance: A tax clearance is not required.

    Consents:

  • Prior to Stock Issuance or Commencing Business: Majority of incorporators or initial directors (if within one year of incorporation).

  • After Stock Issuance: Resolution of the board of directors and majority of all voting shareholders at a meeting or by written consent; or by unanimous written consent of at least a majority of all shareholders entitled to vote.

    Execution and Filing: Executed by an officer of the company. Original is submitted to the state. Faxed filings are acceptable.

    Filing Fee:: $35.00 payable to Florida Department of State. Additional fees for certified copies are applicable.

    Dissolutions, Generally

    A corporation, by a recommendation of directors and a majority vote of stockholders or incorporators if stock has not yet been issued, may elect to voluntarily dissolve and liquidate. Generally, this will involve a sale of all the corporation’s assets, satisfaction of all debts of the corporation, and the distribution of any remaining assets to the stockholders according to the liquidation procedures and priorities set forth in the corporation’s charter.
    IRS liquidation issues are provided for in IRC Sections 331 and 336, which provide for distribution to stockholders. An IRS Form 966 is required to be filed as part of the dissolution.

    For more information regarding dissolutions, see LeapLaw's Dissolution Best Practice Summary.

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  • Domestic Corporation Summary (Florida)
    Pursuant to Florida Business Corporation Act (Fla. Stat. Ann. § 607.0101 et seq.) a corporation incorporating in Florida files Articles of Incorporation with the Florida Department of State (FL DOS).

    Online: Filing can be done online.

    Corporate Name: The corporate name must contain "corporation" "incorporated" "company" or abbreviation thereof.

    Maximum Stock for Minimum Filing Fee: There is no maximum stock for miminum fee in Florida. However, consideration should be given to the Florida Documentary Stamp Tax.

    No. of Directors: The corporation may have 1 director.

    Paid in Capital: No minimum paid in capital is required to commence business.

    Purpose: No specific business purpose is required.

    Preemptive Rights: Denied unless specifically granted.

    Cumulative Voting: Granted unless specifically denied.

    Incorporator: Incorporator may be anyone over 18 years of age and does not have to be a resident of Florida.

    Filing: Submit one original and one copy to the FL DOS. Faxed filings are acceptable.

    Filing Fee: $70.00 payable to the Florida Department of State.

    Incorporations, Generally

    A corporation is a legal entity created through and subject to the state laws of its state of incorporation. The separate legal existence of a corporation begins when the charter is filed with the secretary of state of the state of incorporation. State laws vary regarding the documents required to organize a corporation and the management of its internal affairs and corporate powers.

    LeapLaw's Incorporation Checklist identifies the information needed for an incorporation.

    A complete incorporation process generally consists of:

  • Determining name availability and possibly reserving the name

  • Performing trademark, trade name and domain name preliminary or full searches

  • Preparing a charter document for filing

  • Drafting bylaws

  • Preparing consent of incorporator (if applicable under relevant state law)

  • Preparing an organizational consent of directors

  • Obtaining the federal tax identification number by preparing IRS Form SS-4

  • Preparing IRS Form 2553 (if the company intends to qualify as an S corporation pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code)

  • Preparing a specimen stock certificate as well as all stock certificates of representing the initial stock issuance

  • Creating a stock ledger

  • Preparing and filing applications of foreign qualifications (if any)

  • Organizing the minute book

    For more information regarding incorporations, see LeapLaw's Incorporation Best Practice Summary.

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  • Foreign Qualification Summary (Florida)
    Pursuant to the Florida Business Corporation Law (Fla. Stat. Ann. § 607.1702 et seq.), a foreign corporation may not transact business in Florida until it files an Application by Foreign Corporation for Authorization to Transact Business in Florida with the Florida Department of State (FL DOS).

    Name of Corporation: The corporate name must contain "corporation" "incorporated" "company" or abbreviation thereof.

    Name Conflict: In the event of a name conflict, a letter of consent from the company that has the conflicting name is acceptable.

    Certificate of Good Standing: A certificate of good standing from the domestic state must accompany the filing, and dated not more than 90 days old.

    Filing and Execution: The filing is signed by an officer of the company and submitted to the FL DOS. Faxed copies are accepted.

    Filing Fee: $70.00 filing fee. Add $8.75 for a certified copy. Payable to the FL Dept. of State.

    NOTE: If you begin doing business before qualification - an entity may begin transacting business on January 1st as long as the qualification is filed before the year end in order not to accrue penalty fees. Once the entity has gone over that year of not qualifying they will begin to accrue penalty fees.

    Foreign Qualifications, Generally

    A business entity is initially recognized as a legal entity only in its state of incorporation or formation. If the company plans to "do business" in any other state, it must qualify or register before doing so. State laws, found at LeapLaw's Corporate/LLC Connection provide requirements for business entities doing business in each state.

    For more information regarding doing business in foreign states, see LeapLaw's Foreign Qualification Best Practice Summary.

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    LLC - Formation Summary (Florida)
    Pursuant to the Florida Limited Liability Company Act (Fla. Stat. Ann. § 608.401-608.703 et seq.) a limited liability company forming in Florida files Articles of Organization (together with Designation of Resident Agent) with the Florida Department of State (FL DOS).

    Online: Filing can be done online.

    Limited Liability Company Name: The name must contain the words "limited liability company," the abbreviation "L.L.C.," or the designation "LLC" as the last words of the name.

    "Limited Company," the abbreviation "L.C.," and the designation "LC," are no longer acceptable suffixes as of July 1, 2007.

    No. of Members: The LLC may have 1 member.

    Execution and Filing: Executed by organizer(s). Faxed filings are accepted.

    Filing Fee: $125.00. Add $30.00 for a certified copy. Payable to the FL Dept. of State.

    LLC Formation, Generally

    A limited liability company (LLC) is an entity created by state statute offering limited liability protection to its members (owners) similar to that enjoyed by stockholders of a corporation. LLC statutes exist in all 50 states.

    LeapLaw's LLC/LLP Checklist identifies the information needed for an LLC formation.

    A complete formation process generally consists of:

  • Determining name availability and possibly reserving the name

  • Performing trademark, trade name and domain name preliminary or full searches

  • Preparing the formation certificate for filing with the secretary of state

  • Drafting an operating agreement

  • Preparing an organizational consent of managers or members

  • Obtaining the federal tax identification number by preparing IRS Form SS-4

  • Preparing and filing applications of foreign registrations (if any)

  • Organizing the company records book

    For more information regarding the general formation process see LeapLaw's Limited Liability Company Best Practice Summary.

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  • Recommended Service Companies (Florida)
    The service companies listed below are members of NRAI’s Affiliate Network. These companies are high-quality service companies that deliver double the service for a fraction of the cost of the larger companies.

    So whether you’re looking to save significant money on Registered Agent services or double the service for half the price on corporate and UCC services, we strongly encourage you to contact:

    Charles Coyle & Company, Inc.
    1366 Bailey's Corner, Suite B
    Marietta, GA 30062-2074
    Phone: 800.211.8645 / 770.321.0678
    Fax: 800.211.8647

    ------------------------------------------------

    GEC Group, LLC
    2731 Executive Drive, Suite 4
    Weston, FL 33331
    Phone: 877.261.6823
    Fax: 954.318.2790

    ------------------------------------------------

    ParaNet Corporation Services, Inc.
    3761 Venture Drive
    Duluth, GA 30096
    Phone: 800.277.9977 / 770.497.9977
    Fax: 800.815.0477

    ------------------------------------------------

    Triad Professional Services, LLC
    Parkway Forest 100, Suite 150
    2050 Marconi Drive
    Alpharetta, GA 30005
    Phone: 877.805.6723
    Fax: 770.220.1943

    ------------------------------------------------

    UCC Filing & Search Services, Inc.
    526 E. Park Avenue
    Tallahassee, FL 32301
    Phone: 800.822.5436 / 850.681.6528
    Fax: 800.424.7979
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    UCC Contact Information (Florida)
    UCC Contact Information:

    FloridaUCC, Inc.
    2670 Executive Center Circle West
    Tallahassee, FL 32301

    Phone: 850.222.8526

    E-mail: [email protected]

    FAQs.

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    UCC Filings (Florida)
    UCC Financing Statements are filed in Florida with the Florida Secured Transaction Registry (FL UCC). Fixture filings will be filed at the county level where the mortgage is registered.

    Filing: UCC financing statements may be filed online.

    UCC Forms: Paper filed UCCs are filed as they are received.

    Fees

    The Florida Secured Transaction Registry requires that a reference to Florida Documentary Stamp Tax be included on all state-level UCC-1 filings. If using the IACA National UCC-1 form, included into box #4 (collateral section) of the form one of the following statements must be included:

    Florida Documentary Stamp Tax has been paid.
    - or -
    Florida Documentary Stamp Tax is not required.

    If there is no reference to Florida Documentary Tax, the UCC will be rejected.

    The Florida Secured Transaction Registry's does not monitor payment, determine if the tax is due, calculate the amount, or collect the tax if due. Payment and collection is made by the Florida Department of Revenue. Additional information


    UCC Filings, Generally


    Once a security interest has been granted in collateral in exchange for credit or some other funding, usually by entering a security agreement, the security interest should be
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