The Florida Annual Report is a mandatory, yearly filing required by the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations (Sunbiz) to maintain an active status for any registered business entity. This requirement is not a tax filing, but rather a renewal of the entity’s registration, serving as an official mechanism to update or confirm the company’s current contact and ownership information with the state. The report ensures that the public record contains accurate details, such as the registered agent, principal address, and the names of officers or managers. Understanding this process, the associated fees, and the deadlines is necessary for any business operating in Florida to remain compliant.
Who Must File the Florida Annual Report?
The obligation to file the Annual Report extends to nearly every type of formally registered business entity, regardless of whether the business generated income in the preceding year. This includes all domestic and foreign corporations, such as Florida Profit Corporations and Florida Non-Profit Corporations, which must comply with requirements found in Florida Statutes Chapter 607 and 617, respectively. The mandate also applies to Florida Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), governed by Chapter 605 of the statutes.
Other required entities include Limited Partnerships (LPs) and Limited Liability Limited Partnerships (LLLPs). The report must be submitted to maintain the entity’s registration and compliance with state regulations. Even businesses that have ceased operations but have not formally dissolved must file the report or face administrative action.
Current Official Filing Fees
The specific cost of the Florida Annual Report depends entirely on the entity’s legal structure, with fees covering the basic filing to the Division of Corporations.
A Florida Limited Liability Company (LLC) must pay a standard filing fee of $138.75 to submit the report on time. For-profit corporations in Florida have a fee set at $150.00 for the annual submission. Non-profit corporations have a significantly lower administrative cost, with their filing fee currently set at $61.25.
These figures represent the base filing fee and do not include the cost of additional, optional services. For example, filing an amendment to change the Registered Agent or requesting an official Certificate of Status incurs separate, additional fees.
Understanding the Filing Window and Deadlines
The official period for filing the Florida Annual Report opens on January 1st of each year, allowing businesses a four-month window for submission. The mandatory deadline for the report is 11:59 PM EST on May 1st. Businesses are encouraged to file as early as possible within this window to avoid any last-minute technical issues or processing delays.
The filing fee remains the same whether the report is submitted on January 1st or just moments before the May 1st deadline. The May 1st date is absolute and non-negotiable, serving as the single cutoff point that determines compliance for the year.
The Florida Annual Report Filing Process
The entire submission of the Florida Annual Report must be completed online through the state’s official portal, Sunbiz. The process begins with the business locating its record by entering its unique Document Number, which is assigned at the time of formation. Once accessed, the entity’s current information on file is presented for review and verification.
The primary purpose of this online process is to confirm or update the required statutory information, such as the principal address, the mailing address, and the names and addresses of all officers, directors, or managers. A particularly important step is ensuring that the Registered Agent information is accurate and current, as this person is legally designated to receive official correspondence and service of process. The process concludes with the submission of the required fee using a credit card, debit card, or an established Sunbiz eFile Account.
Consequences of Failing to File on Time
Failure to submit the Annual Report by the May 1st deadline immediately triggers a mandatory, non-negotiable late fee for most entities. Profit corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and limited liability limited partnerships are all subject to a $400.00 late fee, which is assessed the moment the clock passes 11:59 PM EST on May 1st. This penalty is added to the original filing fee, resulting in a significantly higher total cost for compliance.
Continued non-compliance can lead to the administrative dissolution of the business entity. If the report and all associated fees remain unpaid by the third Friday in September, the state will administratively dissolve the entity. This action results in the loss of “good standing” status, which legally prevents the business from transacting business or defending itself in Florida courts. Reinstatement is a complex, costly process.