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Starting a business can be daunting. That’s why we offer different corporate formation types to make it easy for you.
We have the experience and knowledge to help you get your business off the ground. We’ll work with you every step of the way to make sure you have everything you need to succeed.
Our team is passionate about helping businesses grow and thrive. We want to see your company succeed, and we’re here to help make that happen.
Simple, transparent pricing
Choose the package that fits your business. One-time fee plus your state's filing fee.
Starter
LLC or Corporation
- Unlimited business name searches
- Prepare & file your Articles of Organization or Incorporation
- Business Tax ID Number (EIN)
- Digital copies of all filed documents
- Standard state processing
Pro
LLC or Corporation
- Everything in Starter
- FREE Registered Agent service (first year)
- Personalized Operating Agreement or Corporate Bylaws
- Personalized organizational minutes
- Expedited filing
- Compliance calendar & annual report reminders
Complete
LLC or Corporation
- Everything in Pro
- Business bank account setup assistance
- FREE business tax consultation
- First annual report filing (state fee extra)
- S-Corp election filing, if eligible
- Priority support
Nonprofit
501(c)(3) Organizations
- Nonprofit entity formation
- Filing of State Nonprofit Articles of Incorporation
- IRS Form 1023-EZ preparation (IRS user fee separate)
- Customized nonprofit bylaws
- Organizational minutes
- Organization Tax ID Number (EIN)
State filing fees vary by state and are passed through at cost (for example, Florida charges $125 to form an LLC). IRS user fees for 501(c)(3) applications are separate. Not sure which entity is right for you? Talk to us first.
Which business structure fits you?
A side-by-side look at the most common ways to set up a business in Florida, so you can choose with confidence.
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| Sole Proprietorship | LLC | S-Corp (tax election) | C-Corporation | Nonprofit Corporation | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Owner liability protection | None. Owner is personally liable for business debts. | Generally yes. Note: in Florida, a single-member LLC gets weaker protection from the owner’s personal creditors than a multi-member LLC. | Same as the underlying LLC or corporation. | Generally yes. | Generally yes for directors and officers. |
| How it’s taxed (federal) | Profit reported on owner’s personal return (Schedule C). | Pass-through by default (single-member: Schedule C; multi-member: partnership return). Can elect S-Corp or C-Corp tax. | Pass-through. Owners who work in the business must be paid a reasonable salary. | Corporation pays corporate income tax (21% federal); dividends are taxed again to shareholders. | Can be exempt from federal income tax once the IRS approves 501(c)(3) status. |
| Self-employment tax | On all net profit. | On all net profit by default. | Only on wages paid; distributions are not subject to SE tax. | Not applicable; owners who work are paid wages. | Not applicable. |
| Ownership rules | One owner. | One or more members; very flexible. | Up to 100 shareholders, generally U.S. citizens or residents, one class of stock. | Unlimited shareholders; multiple stock classes allowed. | No owners; run by a board of directors. |
| Florida state filing fee | None to start ($50 to register a fictitious name/DBA). | $125 (Articles of Organization + registered agent). | No state fee; IRS election on Form 2553 for an LLC or corporation. | $70 (Articles of Incorporation + registered agent). | $70 (Articles of Incorporation + registered agent). IRS 501(c)(3) user fee: $275 (Form 1023-EZ) or $600 (Form 1023). |
| Florida annual report | None. | $138.75 per year (due by May 1; $400 late fee). | Follows the LLC or corporation report. | $150 per year (due by May 1; $400 late fee). | $61.25 per year (due by May 1). |
| Paperwork & upkeep | Lowest. | Low to moderate; operating agreement recommended. | Moderate; payroll and separate business records required. | Highest; bylaws, board meetings, and minutes. | High; bylaws, board, and IRS reporting (Form 990 series). |
| Often a fit for | Testing an idea with low risk. | Small businesses that want flexibility and less paperwork. | Profitable owner-operators looking to manage self-employment tax. | Businesses planning to raise investment or grow large. | Charitable, educational, or community missions. |
Florida fees are state filing fees from the Florida Division of Corporations as of 2026 and can change; confirm current amounts at sunbiz.org. Federal tax details are general. This comparison is for general information only and is not legal or tax advice. Talk with a licensed attorney or CPA about your situation.
Still wondering which is the right corporate formation type for you. Keep reading below.
We want to see you succeed in your business endeavors! That’s why we offer a wide variety of corporate formation types and are here to answer any questions you may have.
Types of Corporations: Which One is Right for You?
What are the different types of corporations and what do they offer
A corporation is an entity that is legally recognized as having its own rights, privileges, and liabilities distinct from those of its members. There are four different types of corporations: C corporations, S corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), and non-profit organizations. Each type of corporation has its own advantages and disadvantages.
C corporations are the most common type of corporation. They offer limited liability protection to their shareholders, meaning that the shareholders are not personally liable for the debts and liabilities of the corporation. C corporations also have the ability to raise capital by selling shares of stock. However, C corporations are also subject to double taxation, meaning that they are taxed on their profits at the corporate level and then again at the individual level when the profits are distributed to the shareholders.
S corporations are similar to C corporations, but they offer pass-through taxation, meaning that the corporation is not taxed on its profits and the shareholders are only taxed on their share of the profits. S corporations also have limited liability protection for their shareholders.
LLCs offer the benefits of both C corporations and S corporations, including limited liability protection and pass-through taxation. LLCs are not subject to double taxation like C corporations, but they are not as well-known as C corporations or S corporations and may be more difficult to raise capital.
Non-profit organizations are exempt from federal income taxes and offer some of the same benefits as C corporations, such as limited liability protection. However, non-profit organizations are not able to distribute profits to their shareholders and may be subject to other restrictions.
Which type of corporation is right for you depends on your specific business needs and goals. C corporations are the most common type of corporation and offer the most flexibility, but they are also subject to double taxation. S corporations are a good option for businesses that want pass-through taxation, while LLCs offer the benefits of both C corporations and S corporations. Non-profit organizations can be a good option for businesses that want to give back to their community. Talk to an attorney or accountant to determine which type of corporation is right for you.
The pros and cons of each type of corporation
A corporation is a legal entity that is separate from its owners. There are three main types of corporations: S corporations, C corporations, and LLCs. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. S corporations are advantageous because they offer limited liability protection to the owners, meaning that the owners are not personally liable for debts incurred by the corporation. However, S corporations have strict requirements regarding shareholder eligibility, and they may be subject to higher tax rates. C corporations offer more flexibility in terms of shareholder eligibility, and they are not subject to the same tax rates as S corporations. However, C corporations are subject to double taxation, meaning that the corporation itself is taxed on its profits, and then shareholders are taxed on dividends received from the corporation. LLCs offer the benefits of both S corporations and C corporations, including limited liability protection and pass-through taxation. LLCs are not subject to double taxation like C corporations, but they are not as well-known as C corporations or S corporations and may be more difficult to raise capital. Non-profit organizations are exempt from federal income taxes and offer some of the same benefits as C corporations, such as limited liability protection. However, non-profit organizations are not able to distribute profits to their shareholders and may be subject to other restrictions.
How to decide which type of corporation is right for you
When starting a business, one of the first decisions you will need to make is what type of corporation to form. This can be a complex decision, as there are many different types of corporations, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. To help you decide which type of corporation is right for you, here are a few key factors to consider:
The size of your business: If you are starting a small business with only a handful of employees, it may not make sense to form a large, complex corporation. On the other hand, if you are starting a business that will have hundreds or even thousands of employees, you will need to choose a corporate structure that can accommodate this growth.
The nature of your business: The type of business you are starting will also dictate the type of corporation you should form. For example, if you are starting a manufacturing company, a C corporation may be the best option, while if you are starting a software company, an LLC may be more appropriate.
The tax status of your business: One of the biggest factors to consider when deciding which type of corporation to form is the tax status of your business. S corporations are advantageous because they offer pass-through taxation, meaning that the profits and losses of the business are passed through to the shareholders and are taxed on their individual tax returns. C corporations are subject to double taxation, meaning that the corporation itself is taxed on its profits, and then shareholders are taxed on dividends received from the corporation. LLCs are also subject to pass-through taxation, but they are not subject to double taxation like C corporations.
The level of liability protection you need: Another important factor to consider is the level of liability protection you need. Owners of S corporations and LLCs are protected from personal liability for the debts of the corporation, while owners of C corporations are not.
The amount of capital you have: Finally, another important factor to consider is the amount of capital you have available. C corporations and LLCs are both able to raise capital from outside investors, while S corporations and non-profit organizations are not.
Taking all of these factors into account, you should be able to determine which type of corporation is right for your business.