Starting a business in Florida comes with a lot of moving parts, but one of the first questions people ask is simple: How long does it take to form an LLC? If you’re trying to time your launch, lock in your business name, or just get things moving quickly, knowing the timeline matters.
At KEW Legal®, we hear this question all the time from entrepreneurs who want clear answers without the legal fog. Our team helps business owners cut through the noise with straightforward advice that actually makes sense. No drawn-out legal explanations, just what you need to know to make the right call and move forward.
Key Takeaways
- Online filing is the fastest way to form an LLC in Florida, usually taking 5 to 10 business days.
- Mailing your application adds extra time, with most approvals taking 10 to 15 business days.
- Mistakes, name conflicts, and peak filing seasons are the biggest reasons for delays.
- Florida doesn’t offer expedited filing, so filing early and accurately is the best way to stay on track.
How Long Does It Take to Form an LLC in Florida?
Forming an LLC in Florida usually takes 5 to 10 business days if you file online. If you mail your application, expect it to take about 10 to 15 business days. That’s just the state’s processing time, it doesn’t include any delays caused by errors or missing info.
The Florida Division of Corporations processes LLC applications in the order they’re received. So the sooner you file, the sooner you’ll get approved, especially at the start of the year when backlogs are common.
Once approved, you’ll receive a confirmation letter and your Articles of Organization. That’s when your LLC is officially formed.
Keep in mind:
- Holidays and weekends don’t count
- Errors in your paperwork can reset the clock
- The process might be slower during busy months like January and July
If your business needs to launch by a certain date, plan ahead. Filing early and choosing the online option gives you the best shot at starting on time.
Standard Filing Timeframes (2025 Update)
The typical timeline hasn’t changed much, but in 2025, the Florida Division of Corporations has made small updates to improve efficiency. That said, the actual processing time still depends on how you file and when you file.
Here’s what to expect:
- Online filing remains the fastest. It usually takes 5 business days, but it can stretch to 10 if there’s a backlog.
- Mail filing can take anywhere from 10 to 15 business days, sometimes longer during high-volume periods.
- Third-party services may add 1–2 days, depending on how fast they submit your paperwork.
Filing volume in 2025 has been highest in:
- January to March (new business rush)
- June and July (mid-year launches)
- November to December (people preparing for the next fiscal year)
During these times, even online filings might take longer. If you’re on a tight deadline, it’s smart to avoid peak periods and double-check all your info before submitting.
Online vs. Mail Filing: Which Is Faster?
Online filing is almost always faster than mailing your LLC paperwork. It goes straight to the Florida Division of Corporations and skips the delays caused by shipping and manual data entry.
Here’s how they compare:
Online Filing
- Processing begins immediately
- Takes around 5 to 10 business days
- Confirmation sent by email
- Requires a credit or debit card
- Slight learning curve if you’re new to online forms
Mail Filing
- Includes mailing time to and from the state
- Takes around 10 to 15 business days
- Confirmation comes by physical mail
- Works for those paying by check or money order
- It can be preferred if you’re more comfortable with paper forms
For most people, online is the better choice. It’s faster, easier to track, and more reliable.
Are Expedited Options Available in Florida?
Florida does not offer an official expedited service for forming an LLC. You can’t pay extra to speed things up through the Division of Corporations. All applications, whether filed online or by mail, are processed in the order they’re received.
That said, some third-party companies claim to offer “rush filing.” What they actually do is prepare and submit your documents quickly, often on the same day. But once it reaches the state, your paperwork enters the same queue as everyone else’s.
So while these services can save you time on the front end, they can’t influence how fast the state processes your LLC.
Here’s what you can do to avoid delays:
- Choose online filing instead of mail
- Submit your application early in the day
- Avoid peak seasons like January and June
- Make sure your business name is available before filing
- Review your form carefully for errors
If time is important and you can’t afford delays, focusing on accuracy and using online filing is your best bet. Avoid relying on paid services promising faster state approval, they can’t deliver on that.
3 Factors That Can Affect Your LLC Processing Time
Even if you file online, some things can still slow down your Florida LLC approval. Most delays come from common issues that are easy to avoid if you know what to look for.
1. Business Name Availability
Florida won’t approve your LLC if the name is already taken or too similar to another registered business. Before filing, run a name search on the Division of Corporations website. It takes two minutes and can save you days of delay.
If your name is rejected, you’ll have to refile with a new one, and the clock starts over.
2. Backlogs at the Division of Corporations
During peak seasons, like early January or mid-year, thousands of people file at once. That can slow everything down. Even online submissions can take longer when the state is backed up. There’s no way around this, so filing during off-peak months can help.
3. Errors in Your Application
Missing info, typos, or incorrect details (like a bad address or name mismatch) are common reasons for rejection. The state doesn’t fix these for you, they’ll send it back, and you’ll have to resubmit.
Double-check:
- The spelling of your LLC name
- Your registered agent’s info
- Your mailing address
- That you’ve signed all required sections
Clean, error-free paperwork is the fastest path to approval. Taking five extra minutes to review your form is worth avoiding a two-week delay.
Step-by-Step: How to Form an LLC in Florida
Setting up an LLC in Florida is pretty simple if you follow the steps in the right order. Here’s what you need to do from start to finish.
1. Choose a Business Name
Your LLC name has to be unique in Florida. It must include “Limited Liability Company” or one of the approved abbreviations like “LLC” or “L.L.C.” Make sure it’s not already taken by searching the state’s business database. This step is easy to overlook, but skipping it can cost you time if your name is rejected.
2. Designate a Registered Agent
Florida requires every LLC to have a registered agent, a person or company who can receive legal mail. They must have a physical Florida address and be available during business hours. You can be your own agent, but many business owners use a service to keep their home address private.
3. File Articles of Organization
This is the official form that creates your LLC. You can file it online through Sunbiz.org or mail it to the Florida Division of Corporations. You’ll need to include your business name, address, registered agent details, and the names of any managers or members.
The filing fee is currently $125. Pay by card if filing online, or include a check if filing by mail.
4. Receive Confirmation & Certificate
Once your filing is approved, you’ll get a stamped copy of your Articles of Organization and a confirmation letter. This is your proof that the LLC exists legally. From here, you can apply for an EIN, open a bank account, and start operating as a business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is same-day filing possible in Florida?
No. Even online filings take time to process. While you submit instantly, approval still takes several business days. There’s no guaranteed same-day turnaround, even through legal service providers.
What if my LLC is rejected?
If your application is rejected, the state will tell you why. You’ll need to fix the issue and resubmit. Common problems include a name conflict, missing information, or incorrect formatting. Resubmitting starts the clock over, so accuracy is key.
Do I need an attorney to file?
No, but it can be helpful. Most people handle the process themselves using the state website. However, if your business setup is complicated or if you want help with operating agreements, ownership structure, or legal compliance, it might be worth hiring a professional.
Can I reserve my LLC name before filing?
Florida doesn’t offer name reservations for LLCs. If you want to lock in your name, the only way is to file your Articles of Organization. That’s when the name becomes officially yours.
Want Your Florida LLC Filed the Right Way?
Now that you understand the timeline, you can form your LLC fast, clean, and with no second-guessing.
At KEW Legal®, we take the guesswork out of LLC formation. Our team gives you clear, practical guidance that protects your business and saves you time. No fluff, no over-complication, just the right legal support to keep you moving forward with confidence.
If you’re ready to get your LLC off the ground, reach out through our contact page and let’s make it happen.
