Florida Annual Report Filing Instructions (Mar. 2026)

Filing your Articles of Organization with the Florida Division of Corporations officially establishes your Limited Liability Company (LLC) as a separate business entity. Once approved, you must file your Florida Annual Report each year to keep your LLC active and maintain your good standing.

You still need to file an Annual Report even if your LLC has no changes or activity. You’ll be charged an automatic late fee if you miss the deadline. If you continue to ignore your filing, your LLC faces administrative dissolution. Your Florida Annual Report filing must be completed using the Sunbiz online system.

In this article, I’ve walked you through the Annual Report filing process in Florida. I’ve discussed the required filing information, applicable fees, and how to meet the deadline so your LLC stays active and compliant when operating in the state.

An Overview Of The Florida Annual Report Filing

Under the Florida Statutes § 605.0212, completing your Annual Report is a mandatory requirement. All domestic and foreign LLCs operating in the state must file an Annual Report in Florida once a year to maintain their active status with the Florida Department of State.

The purpose of your Florida LLC Annual Report is to verify your business details with the state. It provides the state with up-to-date business information and confirms that your LLC legally exists when operating. You must include:

• Your LLC’s full legal name (Exactly as it appears on the state records).
• Your LLC’s principal office address and mailing address.
• Your Registered Agent’s details (Name, Florida street address, and written acceptance).
• The main details (Name and address) of at least one authorized person or LLC manager.
• A valid email address for official state notices and compliance communication.

1. The Florida Annual Report Filing Method

You must file your Florida Annual Report online using the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz) system. Log in using your LLC’s document number, review your information, make the necessary changes, and submit your filing electronically.

2. What Are Your Florida LLC Annual Report Fee And Payment Options

You must pay a standard Florida LLC Annual Report filing fee of $138.75. You can add a Certificate of Status for $5 (Optional). This verifies that your LLC is active, registered, and in good standing with the state. You can only order one during your Annual Report filing, but you can request another one online at any time.

While you can only file your Annual Report online, you can choose between three payment methods:

1. Online payment: Pay at the end of your online filing process using a debit card or a credit card.
2. Pay by check or money order: Select “Pay by check” once you’ve completed your online form. You will get a payment voucher that must be printed and mailed in with your check.
3. Sunbiz e-filing account: This option is available only if you already maintain a prepaid account. You must set it up and fund it in advance ($300 minimum).

3. When Is Florida’s Annual Report Due

You must complete your Florida Annual Report filing each year between January 1 and May 1. This is required by the Florida Statutes § 605.0212(3), regardless of your LLC formation date. Your first Annual Report is due in the calendar year after your LLC is approved, and every year thereafter within the same January to May filing window.

For example:

1. Your Florida LLC was approved on December 30, 2026. Therefore, your first Annual Report is due between January 1 and May 1, 2027. This is the case even though your LLC was formed at the end of the year.
2. Your Florida LLC was approved on March 10, 2026. Your first Annual Report is still due between January 1 and May 1, 2027. This applies to every other LLC formed in the previous calendar year.

4. Receiving Your Annual Report Reminder Notices

You will be sent courtesy reminders each year by the Division of Corporations to help you remember your filing deadline. These reminders start in mid-January and continue for 4–5 weeks until May 1.

You’ll receive them depending on how you submitted your Articles of Organization filing to the Division of Corporations.

• Your reminders will be mailed to the address listed on your cover letter if you sent one by mail. Otherwise, they’ll be sent to your Registered Agents’ Florida street address.
• Sunbiz will send your Annual Report reminder by email if you have completed your filing online. They may also send a physical copy to your Registered Agent. If you’re unsure if you have the correct email address on file, you can update the state records during your Annual Report filing.

Read my article on the Florida Articles of Organization if you need further help with your formation filing. This includes how to file it and the associated fees: How To File A Florida Articles Of Organization.

How To File The Annual Report For Your LLC In Florida Using The Sunbiz System

The first screen you’ll see when beginning your Florida Annual Report filing is the Annual Report – Sunbiz entry page.

On this, you first need to enter your LLC’s document number to access your Annual Report record. You’re assigned this 12-character identification number when initially forming your LLC. The first character is always a letter.

You can find your LLC’s document number:

• On your approved Articles of Organization.
• By searching your legal LLC name or Employer Identification Number (EIN) on the Sunbiz Entity Search page.

Click “Submit” once you’ve entered your document number to move to the next section.

Follow the steps outlined below to complete your online filing:

1. Report & Update Your LLC Information

In the first stage of your filing process, you must verify that all details on the Sunbiz portal accurately reflect your LLC. The state treats this information as your official public record. Therefore, any incorrect or outdated information must be corrected before continuing.

Sunbiz will display your LLC’s current state record information in the “Report and update information” screen. You should see your core LLC identifiers at the top of the page:

• Your legal business name.
• Your entity type (e.g., Florida Limited Liability Company).
• Your state-assigned document number.
• Your Annual Report filing fee ($138.75).

The system will also show some factual formation details, including your effective date, file date, filing state, and your LLC’s status.

After your main LLC details, you’ll see the section allowing you to review and edit your information. This is where you can update your LLC filing record.

a. FEIN / EIN Number

In the first section, you should confirm your LLC’s Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN/EIN). This is issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and acts as your Federal Tax ID.

• Sunbiz will display it here if your EIN is already on record. Make sure you check it for accuracy.
• You do NOT need an EIN to file your Annual Report. If you don’t have one yet, update your application and move to the next step.
• If this field shows “Applied for,” it means that you previously indicated that you were obtaining an EIN, and the system needs you to enter your actual number before continuing.

Select “Edit FEI/EIN” to update the number shown if it’s newly assigned or incorrect.

b. Principal LLC Address

Underneath your FEIN/EIN, you must enter your principal LLC address. This is the location where your LLC keeps its records and conducts primary business activities. The system will display the primary address already on file, so check it and update it if needed.

Your principal LLC address may be any valid street address, such as:

• Your home address.
• An office location.
• A virtual office address.
• A commercial mailbox with a real street address.
• Your Florida Registered Agent’s address (if allowed).

c. LLC Mailing Address

In the next section, provide your LLC mailing address. This is the address where your LLC receives regular correspondence. The system will display your current address on file, which can be updated at any time.

Your mailing address may be:

• Your home address.
• A P.O. box.
• A virtual office or mailbox service.
• An office or commercial location.
• Your Registered Agent’s address (With their permission).

Your LLC mailing address may be inside or outside Florida. It does NOT need to match your LLC principal address. Many LLC owners choose a separate mailing address for privacy.

d. LLC Registered Agent Name And Signature

After updating your mailing address, you need to review or update your Registered Agent information. A Florida Registered Agent is the individual or company responsible for receiving and processing official state regulatory notices, legal filings, and service of process on behalf of your LLC.

Your Florida Registered Agent must:

• Maintain a physical Florida street address.
• Be a Florida business entity or resident.
• Be available during normal business hours to receive service of process and state notices.

Make sure that you verify that the listed individual or business entity is currently correct when reviewing this section. If you’re appointing a new agent, enter their full legal name, exactly as it appears on the state records.

Select “Edit Agent/Signature” or “Edit address” to make any changes in this section. A new Registered Agent must provide an electronic signature confirming they accept their appointment. This then becomes part of your public record.

• Typing the individual’s name into the signature field acts as the signature.
• An authorized principal must type their individual name if your Registered Agent is a business entity.
• Under Florida Statutes § 831.06, it’s classed as forgery if you type someone’s name without permission. This exposes you to criminal liability and may invalidate your filing.

e. LLC Registered Agent Address

The next field is about your registered office address. This is the Florida street address where your Registered Agent receives and processes your legal documents.

• You must use a physical Florida street address.
• You can NOT use a P.O. box address.

Click “Edit address” if:

• Your Florida Registered Agent has moved locations.
• Your registered office address contains errors.
• You recently changed your Registered Agent, and the address hasn’t been updated.

f. Name And Address Of Person(s) Authorized To Manage The LLC

Underneath, list the individuals authorized to manage or represent your LLC. Review the person currently displayed on screen:

• Move to the next section if the information is correct.
• Select “Edit or delete manager” or click “Add new manager/Authorized member/Authorized representative” if you want to make changes or include another individual.

Make sure you use the correct title abbreviations (AMBR or MGR) in this section. You do NOT need to use titles reserved for corporations (Chairman, CEO, President, Vice President, Secretary, etc.).

g. Certificate Of Status (Optional)

In the last section before your final review, you’ll be asked if you want to purchase a Certificate of Status when filing your Annual Report.

This is issued by the Florida Department of State to confirm that your LLC is active, properly registered, and has paid all required fees through December 31.

Select “Yes” to add the certificate to your Annual Report order for $5. It’ll be delivered to your email once your Annual Report goes on the public record.

2. Final Review

You’ll be taken through a multi-step final review screen before submitting your Annual Report. This ensures that all entered information is correct. This is your last chance to fix any mistakes before signing your documents, paying, and submitting your filing with the state.

a. Review Your Information And Filing Fee

In the first section, you’ll see a summary of your LLC’s core details. This includes your business name, document number, status, FEIN, Registered Agent information, and authorized persons. This is the final safeguard to ensure that your Annual Report information is current and correct.

Read through each field carefully and ensure that all information entered:

• Reflects your current LLC status and is accurate.
• Is free of outdated or unintended entries.
• Free of typos and spelling mistakes.

b. Confirm Your Information Is Correct

Click “NO! Continue editing” if you spot anything that needs to be corrected. In this case, go back and fix the information before moving to the next step. You should only proceed to the final step once everything is current, accurate, and ready to be filed.

c. Sign And Certify Your Filing

This is the last step before payment. In your certification section, you must enter:

• The name of the person signing.
• The signer’s title.
• A valid email address (Used for future notices and your filing receipt).

Here’s what title you should choose based on your LLC structure:

• Manager: Your LLC is manager-managed, meaning management is delegated to one or more managers and not the LLC members.
• Authorized Member: Your LLC is member-managed, meaning all LLC members are actively involved in running your business.
• Managing Member: An LLC member personally handles the daily business operations. Choose this if you want their dual role to be clearly defined.
• Authorized Person: Someone needs signature authority to complete a filing, but does NOT manage or own your LLC.
• Officer: This is an optional role adopted by some LLCs for internal organization. Examples include a president or treasurer.

Click “Move on to payment screen” once you’ve completed the required fields to move to the payment page.

3. Make A Payment

Your final filing step is to submit your payment. This completes your Annual Report filing with the state. The system will automatically display the total amount due, including your Annual Report fee and any optional add-ons such as the Certificate of Status.

Your payment breakdown typically includes the:

• Annual Report filing fee: $138.75 (Standard for Florida LLCs).
• Certificate of Status: $5 (Optional).
• Total amount due: Automatically calculated.

You can use three main payment options:

• Credit/Debit card: This is the fastest and most common payment method.
• Check/Money order: Use this option if you want to pay by mail. The system will generate a payment voucher with instructions on how to mail your payment.
• Sunbiz e-filing account: Use this method if you have an established prepaid account. In this case, you must register in advance and load funds before filing. Further guidance can be seen on the Division of Corporations website.

Once payment is completed, your Annual Report is officially filed.

What Happens Once You File Your Annual Report?

Sunbiz will place your submission in the processing queue once your Annual Report has been filed and the payment has been accepted. Here’s what to expect after filing:

1. The Processing Time And Confirmation Of Your Annual Report Filing

Your processing speed depends on your chosen payment method, system volume, and the state’s daily processing schedule:

• Online payments: These are processed immediately. Your Annual Report will be posted to the Department of State’s record within 24 hours. However, processing may take longer during peak filing periods.
• Check or money order payments: These must be processed manually, meaning they may take up to three weeks before your report appears on the state’s records.

After sending your report, you should get a confirmation email at the address provided on your form. Once approved, you’ll get:

1. A payment receipt.
2. A downloadable image of your Annual Report.
3. A Certificate of Status (If ordered). This is typically emailed in 24–48 hours.

Furthermore, your Sunbiz status will remain as “Active.” This confirms that you meet the state’s compliance requirements for the year.

2. Downloading Your LLC Annual Report Using The Sunbiz Search Records

Go to the Sunbiz Search Records page to download your filed Annual Report directly once it’s approved. I recommend doing this so you can keep a copy with your official business records.

This can be done whenever you want. I’ve written a step-by-step guide on how to do it below:

You can pull up and download your Annual Report from Sunbiz whenever you want.

1. Locate your LLC: Go to the Sunbiz Search Record page and search your LLC’s name, EIN, or document number.
2. Locate your Annual Report: Click on your LLC and scroll down to the “Document images” or “Filing History” section. Then, look for your relevant Annual Report.
3. Download your Annual Report: Open your Annual Report image, save and print the PDF, and keep it with your official business records.

This is an example of what your LLC’s Annual Report should look like on Sunbiz records.

How To Amend Your Florida LLC Annual Report

If you detect errors in your Annual Report, you can correct them by filing an Amended Annual Report to the Division of Corporations. This is also required if your information changes after your submission (Misspelled names, incorrect addresses, or updates to LLC managers, members, and authorized persons).

All amendments to Florida LLCs need to be filed through the online Sunbiz system using the same Annual Report filing page. You can read the instructions for the Amended Annual Report on the Division of Corporations website.

The state does NOT set a deadline for Annual Report amendments. Therefore, you can submit one or make changes to your Annual Report at any time in the year, including outside of your filing window. You must pay a $50 Amended Annual Report filing fee. Your updated report will replace your original one once it’s processed by the state.

The Importance Of Filing Your Florida Annual Report

Under Florida law, failing to file your LLC Annual Report has several serious consequences. These include financial and administrative penalties, or some that affect your LLC’s legal existence. With the state relying on your Annual Report to keep accurate public records, you’ll be seen as non-compliant if you fail to file.

These are some of the potential consequences of non-filing:

1. You Face Late Filing Fines

Any Annual Report filed after May 1 will automatically incur a $400 non-negotiable late fee under Florida Statutes § 607.193(2)(b). This fee cannot be waived, reduced, or appealed against under any circumstances. This includes lost mail, technical issues, or not receiving your number.

2. Your LLC Faces Administrative Dissolution

The state will administratively dissolve your LLC under Florida Statutes § 605.0714(1) if you fail to file by the final cutoff (typically the third Friday of September).

If your LLC is dissolved, you will:

• Lose your good standing with the state.
• Be unable to conduct business in the state.
• Maintain lawsuits in court.
• Keep your business name unavailable.
• Potentially have your bank frozen or have your accounts questioned.

To get your LLC back to being in good standing, you must file a Reinstatement under Florida Statutes § 605.0715, and pay your current year’s Annual Report fee.

3. The Public Visibility And Business Credibility Risk

On the Sunbiz public records, everyone can see your LLC’s status in real time. This includes partners, lenders, customers, and banks. If your LLC is shown to be inactive or administratively dissolved due to non-compliance, you lose good standing immediately.

This can delay transactions, harm your business’s credibility, and cause additional scrutiny from institutions using the Sunbiz portal as verification.

4. You Face Potential Liability For Incorrect Information

Lastly, failing to keep your records current by filing your Annual Report or your Amended Annual Report means that third parties must rely on your current business information stated on the Sunbiz portal.

If someone is disadvantaged because of incorrect information (An outdated address, the wrong manager, or incorrect authority), your LLC may be held liable under Florida Statute § 605.0205.

Furthermore, filing false information is treated as a criminal offence in the state. This is according to the Florida Statutes § 817.155.

Main Contact Information For The Florida Division of Corporations

You can contact the Florida Division of Corporations directly if you have questions regarding your filing, need assistance, or want to follow up on your processing. This is the official state agency responsible for maintaining your Sunbiz records and handling your Annual Report submissions.

Frequently Asked Questions