Entity Setup Checklist
Florida LLC with S-Corp Election
2/9 complete — Est. total cost: $785
1
Choose Business Name
Search sunbiz.org to verify your desired LLC name is available in Florida.
Free
https://dos.myflorida.com/sunbiz/search/ ↗
Completed: 2026-03-12
2
File Articles of Organization
File with FL Division of Corporations. Can be done online at sunbiz.org.
$125
https://dos.myflorida.com/sunbiz/star... ↗
Completed: 2026-03-12
3
Get EIN from IRS
Apply online at irs.gov — free, takes 5 minutes. Needed for bank account and taxes.
Free
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-... ↗
4
Draft Operating Agreement
Single-member LLC operating agreement. Not filed with state but legally important. Template or attorney ($200-500).
Free
5
Open Business Bank Account
Mercury (best for startups) or Relay (free). Need EIN + Articles of Org.
Free
https://mercury.com ↗
6
Set Up QuickBooks Self-Employed
Track income and expenses. Connect business bank account. ~$15/month.
$180
https://quickbooks.intuit.com/self-employed/ ↗
7
File Form 2553 for S-Corp Election
Must file within 75 days of LLC formation. Saves 15.3% SE tax on distributions.
Free
https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-... ↗
8
Set Up Payroll
S-Corp requires reasonable salary. Gusto is easiest (~$40/mo). Pay yourself monthly.
$480
https://gusto.com ↗
9
Register with FL DOR
Only needed if selling merchandise. Sales tax permit is free.
Free
https://floridarevenue.com/taxes/taxe... ↗