LLC in Florida for Non-Residents (2025 Guide): Sunshine & Public Records?

Author's Bio: The Foreign Founder Team has analyzed corporate data from all 50 states. We love Florida for vacation, but we are careful about recommending it for business—unless you want to be found.

Florida is booming. Miami is the new tech hub. Everyone wants a piece of the "Sunshine State."

For non-residents (especially from Latin America), Florida feels like the default choice. It is close, it speaks Spanish, and it has 0% Personal Income Tax.

But here is the warning: Florida is the "Sunshine State" for a reason—it shines a light on everything. Unlike Wyoming or Delaware, Florida publishes everything online. Your name, your address, your email.

Is the lack of privacy worth the tax benefits? Let's dive in.

The "Sunbiz" Privacy Problem

In Wyoming, if someone searches your company, they see your Registered Agent's name. In Florida, they go to Sunbiz.org, type your company name, and see:

1. Your Full Name.
2. Your Address (even if it's in Brazil or Germany).
3. Your Email Address.

Why does this matter?

• Spam: You will get 100+ junk mails promising "Labor Law Posters."
• Security: If you are a high-net-worth individual, your assets are easily traceable.
• Competitors: They can see exactly who owns the company.

Solution: You can use a "Manager-Managed" LLC and list a nominee manager, but it is complex and expensive. If privacy is your goal, do not choose Florida.

Cost Breakdown: Cheap Start, Expensive Mistakes

Florida is affordable, but they are aggressive with penalties.

Expense	Cost	Frequency	Notes
State Filing Fee	$125	One-time	Reasonable.
Registered Agent	~$50 - $150	Annually	Required.
Annual Report Fee	$138.75	Annually	Due by May 1st.
Late Penalty	$400	One-time	If you file on May 2nd, you pay $400 extra.
State Income Tax	0%	Annually	No personal income tax.

The "Late Fee" Trap: Florida makes millions from the $400 late fee. They do not waive it. Even if you were in a coma. Even if there was a hurricane. Set a calendar reminder for April 1st.

Florida vs. Wyoming: Public vs. Private

Feature	Florida 🌴	Wyoming 🤠
Privacy	None (Public)	High (Private)
Filing Fee	$125	$100
Annual Fee	$138.75	$60
Late Penalty	$400	Small
Banking	Excellent	Very Good
Physical Presence	Good for Offices	Good for Remote

When Should You Choose Florida?

If Wyoming is cheaper and more private, why does anyone choose Florida?

1. Real Estate: You are buying a condo in Miami to rent out. The property is in Florida, so the LLC should usually be in Florida.
2. Physical Business: You have a warehouse in Orlando or an office in Tampa. You must register in Florida anyway.
3. Latin American Trade: Banks in Miami are very comfortable with international trade finance for Florida LLCs.
4. Vanity: You want "Miami, FL" on your business card.

Step-by-Step: How to Form a Florida LLC

Step 1: Name Search

Check Sunbiz.org. Florida names must be unique.

Step 2: Registered Agent

You need a Florida address.

Step 3: File Articles of Organization

• Online: Sunbiz.org.
• Fee: $125.
• Processing: 1-2 business days (Very fast).

Step 4: The "Foreign" Concept

If you form a Wyoming LLC but open an office in Miami, you must register your Wyoming LLC as a "Foreign LLC" in Florida.

• Cost: You pay Wyoming fees + Florida fees.
• Result: You pay double.
• Advice: If you have an office in Florida, just form a Florida LLC.

Decision Tree: The Sunshine Test

graph TD
    A[Start: Are you buying Real Estate in Florida?] -->|Yes| B[Choose Florida LLC]
    A -->|No| C[Do you have a physical office/warehouse in Florida?]
    C -->|Yes| B
    C -->|No| D[Are you 100% Remote?]
    D -->|Yes| E[Do you care if your name is on Google?]
    E -->|Yes, I want privacy| F[Choose Wyoming or New Mexico]
    E -->|No, I want the Florida Brand| B

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Florida a tax haven?

For Personal Income Tax, yes (0%). For Corporate Tax, no (5.5% flat rate for C-Corps). For LLCs (Pass-through), you pay federal tax but no state tax.

Can I use a Virtual Address in Florida?

Yes, for your mailing address. But Sunbiz requires a "Street Address" for the Principal Place of Business. Many virtual offices work, but PO Boxes do not.

How do I pay the Annual Report?

Online at Sunbiz.org. You just need your document number. It takes 5 minutes. Just don't be late!

Final Verdict

Florida is a great place to visit, and a great place to own real estate. But for a remote, digital, non-resident business, it is not the best choice.

You pay more ($138 vs $60), you risk a $400 fine, and you lose all your privacy.

Our Advice: Unless you are buying property in Miami, stick to Wyoming or New Mexico.

Ready to start?

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