Learn what a Florida Annual Report is, who must file it, key deadlines, filing fees, penalties, and step-by-step instructions to keep your business entity active and compliant with the State of Florida.
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If you own a business entity registered in Florida, you are required to file an annual report each year with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations. This filing is essential to maintain your entity’s active status and to ensure that your business records remain current with the state.
A Florida Annual Report is not a financial statement. Instead, it is an administrative filing used to confirm or update key information about your business, such as addresses, registered agent details, and company principals. Every Florida corporation, limited liability company, limited partnership, and limited liability limited partnership must file an annual report every year, even if no information has changed.
Failure to file the annual report can result in administrative dissolution or revocation of your business entity.
The annual report filing deadline for all Florida business entities is May 1st of each year.
Missing this deadline results in significant penalties:
• A $400 late fee applies to profit corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and limited liability limited partnerships that file after May 1st
• Not-for-profit corporations are exempt from the $400 late fee
• Late fees cannot be waived or reduced for any reason, including failure to receive filing notices
If an annual report is not filed by the third Friday of September, the entity will be administratively dissolved or revoked by the close of business on the fourth Friday of September. Once dissolved, the business name becomes available to other parties after one calendar year.
Filing fees depend on the type of business entity and apply when filed on time.
$150.00 filing fee
$8.75 certificate of status (optional)
$61.25 filing fee
$8.75 certificate of status (optional)
$138.75 filing fee
$5.00 certificate of status (optional)
$500.00 filing fee
$8.75 certificate of status (optional)
A $400 late fee is added to all entity types except not-for-profit corporations if filing after May 1st.
The Florida Annual Report allows you to update or confirm the following information:
• Names and addresses of officers, directors, managers, and managing members
• Addresses of general partners for limited partnerships and LLLPs
• Registered agent name and registered office address
• Principal office address and mailing address
• Federal Employer Identification Number (FEI or EIN)
Business names cannot be changed through the annual report. Name changes require filing a separate amendment with the Division of Corporations.
Amendment forms can be downloaded from: http://www.sunbiz.org/downloads.html
You will need your Florida Department of State document number to file your annual report. This six- or twelve-digit number is included in the electronic notice or postcard sent by the state. If you cannot locate it, you can search for your business record at: https://search.sunbiz.org
Visit https://www.sunbiz.org and select “File Current Year Annual Report or Amended Annual Report” from the homepage. You can also access the filing through the E-Filing Services section.
During the filing process, you will review and update the following details:
At least one principal must be listed, and up to 150 principals may be included.
A certificate of status confirms that your entity is active and compliant with the State of Florida. Certificates are delivered electronically via email and are not available in paper format. Additional fees apply depending on entity type.
Before submitting, carefully review all entered information. The annual report must be electronically signed by a principal by typing their name and title in the signature block. Electronic signatures carry the same legal weight as handwritten signatures.
Knowingly filing false information is a third-degree felony under Florida law.
The Florida Division of Corporations accepts the following payment methods:
Mailed payments must be postmarked by May 1st to avoid late fees and may take up to three weeks to process.
Once submitted, filing fees are non-refundable and filings cannot be cancelled, removed, or reversed.
If corrections are needed after submitting your annual report, an amended annual report may be filed.
If your business is no longer operating, do not file an annual report unless you intend to keep the entity active. Businesses may formally dissolve or withdraw online at: https://efile.sunbiz.org
Forms are also available by mail at: http://www.sunbiz.org/downloads.html
Not-for-profit corporations that solicit contributions in Florida 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. More information is available at: https://dos.fl.gov/sunbiz/start-business/efile/fl-nonprofit-corporation/
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.
Disclaimer: The content on this page is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. If you have specific questions about any of these topics, seek the counsel of a licensed professional.
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