What Is a Florida Annual Report?
If you own a business entity registered in Florida, you're required to file an annual report with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations. This filing is essential for maintaining your entity's "active" status and ensuring your business records remain current with the state. The annual report is not a financial statement—it's an administrative update that confirms or changes key information about your business on file with the Division of Corporations
Every Florida corporation, limited liability company, limited partnership, and limited liability limited partnership must file this report annually, regardless of whether any information has changed. Failure to file can result in administrative dissolution or revocation of your business entity.
Key Deadline: May 1st
Your annual report is due by May 1st of each year. Missing this deadline triggers significant penalties:
- $400 late fee applies to profit corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and limited liability limited partnerships filing after May 1st
- Not-for-profit corporations are exempt from the $400 late fee
- The late fee cannot be waived or abated under any circumstances—even if you didn't receive filing notices
Note: Failure to file by the 3rd Friday of September results in administrative dissolution or revocation of your entity by the close of business on the 4th Friday of September. Names of dissolved entities become available to other parties after one calendar year
Filing Fees by Entity Type
Annual report filing fees vary depending on your business structure. Below are the standard fees when filing on time (by May 1st):
| Entity Type | Filing Fee | Certificate of Status |
|---|---|---|
| Profit Corporation | $150.00 | + $8.75 |
| Not-for-Profit Corporation | $61.25 | + $8.75 |
| Limited Liability Company (LLC) | $138.75 | + $5.00 |
| Limited Partnership / LLLP | $500.00 | + $8.75 |
Note: Filing after May 1st adds a $400 late fee to all entity types except not-for-profit corporations
What You Can Update on the Annual Report?
The annual report allows you to confirm or update specific information on file with the Division of Corporations
- Add, delete, or change names and addresses of officers, directors, managers, and managing members
- Update addresses of general partners (for LPs and LLLPs)
- Change your registered agent and registered office address
- Update the principal office address and mailing address
- Add or correct your Federal Employer Identification Number (FEI/EIN)
Note: You cannot change your entity's name through the annual report. Name changes require filing a separate amendment by mail. Download amendment forms at: http://www.sunbiz.org/downloads.html
Step-by-Step Filing Instructions
Step 1: Locate Your Document Number
You'll need your Florida Department of State document number to file. This 6 or 12-digit number is listed on the electronic notice or postcard you received. If you can't find it, search for your business at sunbiz.org/search.html
Step 2: Access the Filing Portal
Visit www.sunbiz.org and click "File Current Year Annual Report or Amended Annual Report" from the homepage. Alternatively, navigate to E-Filing Services and select "Annual Report Filing"
Step 3: Verify and Update Information
Review and update the following sections as needed:
FEI/EIN Number: Enter your Federal Employer Identification Number if not listed or incorrect. Contact the IRS at 1-800-829-4933 to obtain one if needed.
Principal Address: Must be a physical street address (P.O. boxes not accepted). Out-of-state and international addresses are acceptable.
Mailing Address: Can be a P.O. box. Check the box if same as principal address.
Registered Agent: The person or entity designated to accept legal documents on your business's behalf. A business cannot serve as its own registered agent, but an owner or principal can. New agents must electronically sign the report .
Registered Office Address: Must be a Florida street address (P.O. boxes not accepted).
Principals: Review officers, directors, managers, and other principals. You can list up to 150 principals. At least one principal is required.
Step 4: Request a Certificate of Status (Optional)
A certificate of status verifies your entity is active and current on all fees. Additional fees apply ($8.75 for most entities; $5.00 for LLCs). Certificates are delivered electronically via email—ensure your email address is correct as paper certificates are not available.
Step 5: Review, Sign, and Submit
Carefully review all information before submission. The report must be electronically signed by a principal (officer, director, manager, etc.) by typing their name and title in the designated signature block. Electronic signatures carry the same legal weight as handwritten signatures. Filing false information is a 3rd degree felony under Florida Statute 817.155
Payment Options
The Division of Corporations accepts multiple payment methods:
- Credit/Debit Card: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover. Reports are processed immediately and typically posted within 24 hours.
- Sunbiz E-file Account: A pre-established Department of State payment account. Also processes immediately.
- Check or Money Order: Must be mailed with the required payment voucher (generated by the online system). Make payable to Florida Department of State. Allow 3 weeks for processing. Must be postmarked by May 1st to avoid late fees.
No Refunds: Once submitted, your filing fee cannot be refunded and the report cannot be cancelled, removed, or changed
Need to Make Changes After Filing?
If you've already filed your annual report but need to make corrections, you can file an amended annual report:
- Profit and Not-for-Profit Corporations: $61.25
- Limited Liability Companies: $50.00
Closing Your Business?
If your business is no longer operating, do not file an annual report unless you want to keep it active. You can formally dissolve or withdraw your entity online at efile.sunbiz.org or by mail using forms from sunbiz.org/downloads.html
Questions? Contact the Division of Corporations
Filing Questions: Annual Report Section at (850) 245-6056 (press 7 to speak with an examiner).
Technical Support: Internet Support Section at (850) 245-6939 for online filing or payment issues.
Website: www.sunbiz.org
Special Notice for Not-for-Profit Corporations
If your nonprofit solicits contributions in Florida, you must also register annually with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services under the Solicitation of Contributions Act (Chapter 496, Florida Statutes). Failure to comply is a third- degree felony. Contact the Division of Consumer Services at (850) 488-2221 or visit https://dos.fl.gov/sunbiz/start-business/efile/fl-nonprofit-corporation/
Need Help with Your Florida Annual Report?
If you have questions about filing or need professional assistance, FLP RA Services can help ensure your Florida Annual Report is filed accurately and on time, helping you avoid penalties and maintain good standing with the state.