Can You Get a Free LLC in Florida

Can You Get a Free LLC in Florida?

No. There is no way to form a Florida LLC without paying Florida's $125 state filing fee. What companies advertise as a "free LLC" is a $0 service fee, not a $0 state fee. The state's charge is unavoidable no matter who prepares or submits your filing.

Why a Truly Free LLC Doesn't Exist

Florida's Division of Corporations charges $100 for the Articles of Organization and $25 for the registered agent designation, a mandatory $125 total. This fee goes to the state, not to whichever company or person files the paperwork on your behalf. Filing it yourself directly on Sunbiz does not waive it. There is no fee waiver, discount, or free-formation program offered by the state.

What "Free LLC Formation" Offers Actually Mean

When a formation company advertises a free LLC, it means the company is not charging its own service fee for preparing and submitting your filing. You still pay Florida's $125 directly, usually collected by the company at checkout and passed through to the state, or paid by you separately.

These offers are a legitimate way to save on service fees, but read the order carefully. Many "free" formation packages generate revenue elsewhere, through add-ons such as:

  • A paid registered agent subscription after a free first year.
  • An EIN filing fee, even though the IRS issues an EIN at no cost directly at irs.gov.
  • Rush processing, operating agreement templates, or compliance alert services sold as upsells.

How to Evaluate a Free LLC Offer

Before accepting a free-formation offer, confirm exactly what is included, what renews at a paid rate after year one, and whether any add-on you are offered (especially an EIN) is something you can get free directly from a government source. Compare the total realistic first-year cost, not just the advertised $0 headline.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida's $125 state filing fee is mandatory and cannot be waived, regardless of who files your LLC.
  • A "free LLC" offer means a $0 service fee from the filer, not a $0 state fee.
  • Common upsells in free-formation packages include paid registered agent renewals and EIN filing fees, the latter of which the IRS provides at no cost.
  • Compare realistic first-year total cost, not just the advertised free headline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is getting an EIN free?

Yes. The IRS issues an Employer Identification Number at no cost directly through irs.gov. Paying a third party for EIN filing pays only for their service, not a government fee.

Are there any Florida fee waivers for LLC formation?

No. Florida does not offer income-based, veteran, or other fee waivers for LLC Articles of Organization filing fees.

Is a free-formation service worth using?

It can be, if you understand what renews at a paid rate and skip unnecessary add-ons. Compare the total realistic cost across offers rather than choosing based on the word "free" alone.

Last verified: August 3, 2026, against the Florida Division of Corporations LLC fee schedule at dos.fl.gov/sunbiz and irs.gov EIN application guidance.

Sources

  • Florida Division of Corporations, New Florida Limited Liability Company Fees, dos.fl.gov/sunbiz/start-business/efile/fl-llc
  • Internal Revenue Service, Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) Online, irs.gov

Ready to File Without the Upsells?

We handle Florida LLC filing transparently, with no hidden renewal traps. Our team helps you understand the real cost before you commit. Contact us to get started.

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