LLC vs. S Corp in Florida 2024: A Comprehensive Comparison

by
LLC vs. S Corp in Florida: Understanding the Differences

Embarking on the entrepreneurial journey in Florida, also known as The Sunshine State, is an exciting and transformative experience. Florida LLC and S Corporation are two popular options that often top the list of considerations for entrepreneurs. This article serves as your comprehensive guide, comparing LLC vs. S Corp in Florida and ultimately assisting you in determining the best fit for you.

Dive into business formation with confidence and clarity as LLCBase expert analysis simplifies the complexities of LLCs and S Corps, shedding light on their unique advantages and drawbacks. So, let’s explore the fascinating world of LLCs and S Corps and set your business on the path to success in Florida.

Compare LLC and S-Corp

What are an LLC and an S-Corp

A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a popular legal business structure that offers a combination of benefits from both corporations and partnerships. It is specifically designed to provide personal asset protection to its owners, known as members. This protection ensures that the owner’s personal assets are separate from the business liabilities, such as debts and lawsuits.

In Florida, forming an LLC involves several steps, including paying an initial filing fee. Additionally, LLCs in Florida are required to pay an annual fee of $138.75 to maintain their legal status and stay compliant with the state regulations.

An LLC in Florida offers an attractive option for entrepreneurs seeking a flexible business structure with added liability protection and favorable tax treatment.

Recommended: If you want to start an LLC in Florida, an LLC Formation Service can help you be successful in this endeavor! We recommend –

Our #1 Pick: LegalZoom – ($0 + State Fees) Online LLC Setup

On the other hand, an S-Corporation, or S-Corp, is not a separate legal business entity like an LLC. Rather, it is a tax classification that existing corporations and LLCs can elect. A business can bypass double taxation by opting for this tax status, as the profits and losses are directly passed through to the owner’s personal tax return. Starting an S Corp in Florida  allows business owners to report and pay taxes on their business income as part of their individual income tax filings, eliminating the need for separate corporate taxes.

In Florida, it is crucial for business owners considering this tax classification to fully understand the implications and requirements of being an S-Corp in Florida. This includes adhering to specific rules and regulations related to ownership, shareholder limits, and tax filing deadlines. If you want to start an S-Corp, LegalZoom will help you every step of the way!

LLCs and S-Corporations Comparison

Let’s explore the comparison between LLCs and S-Corporations to help you make an informed decision.

1. Taxation Differences in Florida

One of the main differences between LLCs and S-Corporations in Florida lies in how they are taxed. LLCs are typically subject to pass-through taxation, meaning the business profits and losses are reported on the owner’s personal tax return. In contrast, S-Corporations must adhere to specific tax requirements, including distributing salaries to shareholders and adhering to the state’s income tax rate.

  • Federal Taxes: When choosing between an LLC or S-Corporation in Florida, it’s essential to consider several federal tax factors. These factors include differences in Pass-Through Taxes and Self-Employment Taxes.
  • Pass-Through Taxes: Both LLCs and S-Corporations in Florida benefit from pass-through taxation at the federal level. Due to pass-through taxation, these entities do not pay federal income taxes as separate legal entities. Instead, their owners are required to pay federal income taxes on their share of the business income. This type of taxation prevents the company from being taxed twice. In contrast, C-Corporations in Florida are subject to double taxation, meaning they must pay federal taxes at the entity level and their owners’ taxes.
  • Self-Employment Taxes: Many LLC owners in Florida opt for S-Corporation taxation to reduce their self-employment taxes. An S-Corporation owner is not considered self-employed; they can become an employee of the company and receive regular salary benefits. Conversely, an LLC member must include their guaranteed payments and a portion of the LLC’s earnings when calculating their self-employment tax. Share distributions determine the corporate income of S-Corporation shareholders. For example, suppose you are the sole owner of an LLC in Florida with an annual profit of $150,000 and a fair wage for someone in your location doing the same job as you is $100,000. Under the default LLC taxation, you must pay self-employment taxes on the $150,000 profit. However, if your company is taxed as an S-Corp in Florida, you would be responsible for paying payroll taxes only on the $100,000 standard wage. Income tax would still apply to the remaining $50,000.
  • Florida State Taxes: No major tax differences exist between regular LLCs and S-Corporation LLCs at the state level. For filing an annual report in Florida, it costs $138.75, which can be paid to the GA Secretary of State. Additionally, before forming the LLC, you must pay $125.

On the other hand, if you form an S-Corporation in Florida, you will also need to pay taxes. This includes the S-Corp filing fee and an annual report fee after establishing your S-Corp for one year. You must also go to the GA Secretary of State to make these payments.

2. Liability Protection

LLCs and S-Corporations in Florida provide liability protection for their owners. This means that the owner’s personal assets are protected from business debts and lawsuits. However, S-Corporation status does not offer the same level of protection as an LLC, as it is primarily a tax designation.

The following factors exclude certain individuals and entities from becoming shareholders in an S-Corporation in Florida:

  • Insurance businesses
  • Domestic international sales corporations
  • Partnerships
  • Corporations
  • Unauthorized immigrants
  • Specific financial institutions

While understanding the ownership requirements of LLCs and S-Corporations in Florida is essential, seeking legal counsel when establishing your business is still advisable. For assistance with your Florida LLC or Florida S-Corp, consider consulting with professionals.

3. Ownership Requirements and Restrictions

LLCs and S-Corporations in Florida have specific ownership requirements and restrictions. For instance, an LLC can have unlimited members, while an S-Corporation is limited to 100 shareholders. Additionally, S-Corporations can only have one class of stock and must follow strict rules regarding shareholder eligibility.

Easier to File in Florida: LLCs or S-Corporations

While filing an LLC or S-Corporation in Florida requires time and preparation, proper planning can make the process manageable. Both LLCs and S-Corporations can be filed through the Florida Registered Agent.

To start an LLC in Florida, you must submit the Articles of Organization to the Florida Secretary of State. This document should contain all the necessary information for your LLC, along with the payment of the associated filing fee.

On the other hand, if you want to elect S-Corporation status for your Florida LLC, you will need to submit additional paperwork. First, file Form 8832 with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to indicate your preference to tax your LLC as a corporation rather than a partnership. Next, submit Form 2553 to choose S-Corporation status.

Remember, maintaining legal compliance is crucial for your LLC. This means submitting annual tax returns and reports after establishing your business entity.

With that, we’ve carefully curated a list of the best LLC services in Florida to support and guide you through filing an LLC and S-Corp. Check them out!

LLC Services

Rating & Pricing

Top Features

Learn More

#1 Editor's Choice
Legalzoom

$0 + State Filing Fee

  • Free LLC Formation

  • Various Legal Services

  • Attorney Advice

Learn More

$299 + State Filing Fee

  • Single Package

  • Flat Pricing

  • Legal Services

Learn More

Filing Process for LLCs vs. S-Corporations in Florida

Forming an LLC in Florida involves several crucial steps. To start, you must file Articles of Organization with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation and pay the associated filing fee of $125. Once your LLC is established, you must comply with annual reporting and tax requirements.

On the other hand, if you want to elect an S-Corporation status for your existing LLC or corporation, the process is slightly different. Firstly, you must file Form 8832 with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to classify your LLC as a corporation for tax purposes. Then, you must submit Form 2553 to the IRS to choose S-Corporation status. In Florida, the S-Corporation filing fee is $35 for filing in-person and by mail.

Recommended: Maximize your business success in Florida – hire a reliable LLC Formation Service for effortless LLC and S-Corp filings. Transform your entrepreneurial aspirations today!

Our #1 Pick: LegalZoom – ($0 + State Fees) Online LLC Setup

The LLC formation and S-Corporation election processes can be completed through two ways, online and by mail. Online incorporation is available at Get the online form from Secretary of State, fill it up, and submit. Don’t refresh the page during the process. It will erase everything. , while offline incorporation can be done at Send the form by mail to New Filing Section, Division of Corporations, P.O. Box 6327, Tallahassee, FL 32314. It is essential to stay up-to-date with any ongoing reporting and tax requirements for your chosen business structure.

The filing process for LLCs and S-Corporations in Florida varies slightly, with each requiring specific forms and fees. It’s essential to consider the unique requirements of each business structure before making a decision. Consulting with a legal or financial advisor can provide valuable guidance on which structure best suits your business in Florida.

FAQs

What is an LLC in Florida?
An LLC is a type of business entity in Florida that combines the structure of a corporation with the tax flexibility of a partnership.
What is an S Corp in Florida?
An S Corp is a type of corporation in Florida that allows pass-through taxation, which means that the corporation’s income, losses, deductions, and credits are passed through to shareholders for tax purposes.
Can LLCs and S Corps both be created in Florida?
Yes, both LLCs and S Corps can be created in Florida.
Which is considered easier to form in Florida, an LLC or an S Corp?
The process of forming an LLC in Florida is generally considered easier than that of forming an S Corp.
Do LLCs and S Corps have the same protections from liability in Florida?
Yes, both LLCs and S Corps provide personal liability protection for owners or shareholders in Florida.
Are there any additional tax benefits for S Corps in Florida?
S Corps in Florida have the advantage of pass-through taxation, which can result in tax savings for shareholders.
Can an LLC elect to be taxed as an S Corp in Florida?
Yes, an LLC in Florida can choose to be taxed as an S Corp if it meets certain criteria.
What criteria does an LLC need to meet to be taxed as an S Corp in Florida?
An LLC in Florida must meet the IRS’s eligibility requirements for S Corp status, including having no more than 100 shareholders and only one class of stock.
Will an LLC or an S Corp allow for easier transfer of ownership in Florida?
S Corps in Florida may be easier to transfer ownership because they have a more established structure and more formalized ownership agreements in place.
Can an LLC or an S Corp have unlimited shareholders in Florida?
No, both LLCs and S Corps in Florida have limits on the number of shareholders that they can have.
Does Florida law require LLCs and S Corps to have officers and directors?
LLCs are not required to have officers and directors, but S Corps in Florida are required to have a board of directors.
Which entity is required to file more paperwork with the state of Florida, an LLC or an S Corp?
S Corps in Florida are generally required to file more paperwork with the state, given their more formal structure and board of directors.
Which type of business entity pays fewer fees to operate in Florida?
Both LLCs and S Corps in Florida have relatively low fees for formation and maintenance, although there may be some variation depending on the specifics of the business.
Which type of business entity generally provides more flexibility in terms of organizational structure in Florida?
LLCs in Florida generally provide more flexibility in terms of organizational structure, as they are not required to have officers or directors and can structure their organizational hierarchy in various ways.
Which type of business entity has more stringent requirements in terms of annual meetings and record keeping in Florida?
S Corps in Florida generally have more stringent requirements in terms of holding regular board meetings and maintaining detailed records.
Which type of business entity allows for more formalized pay structures in Florida?
S Corps in Florida may be better equipped to establish formalized pay structures for executives and key employees, as they have an established board of directors and can issue various types of stock.
Which type of business entity typically requires more complex tax planning in Florida?
S Corps in Florida may require more complex tax planning due to their pass-through tax structure and potential issues around ownership and stock issuance.
Do businesses from out of state have the option to form an LLC or S Corp in Florida?
Yes, businesses from other states may choose to form an LLC or S Corp in Florida as long as they meet the requirements and follow the necessary procedures.
Can a business formed in Florida later switch from an LLC to an S Corp?
Yes, a business formed as an LLC in Florida may choose to later become an S Corp, as long as it meets the eligibility criteria.
Which type of business entity tends to be favored by small business owners in Florida?
LLCs are often favored by small business owners in Florida for their flexibility and ease of formation.
Which type of business entity tends to be favored by investors or those seeking fundraising in Florida?
S Corps may be more attractive to investors or those seeking fundraising in Florida, as they have established structures and can issue various types of stock.
How are LLC profits taxed in Florida?
LLC profits in Florida are typically passed through to the owners and taxed as personal income.
How are S Corp profits taxed in Florida?
S Corp profits in Florida are also passed through to shareholders and taxed as personal income.
How does Florida law define the personal liability protections afforded to LLC owners and S Corp shareholders?
Florida law provides that owners of LLCs and shareholders of S Corps are generally not personally liable for the company’s debts and obligations.
Can an LLC in Florida have unlimited flexibility in terms of management and ownership?
Yes, an LLC in Florida has significant flexibility to structure management and ownership in any way that its members see fit.
Can an S Corp in Florida issue different classes of stock?
No, S Corps in Florida can only issue one class of stock.
In Florida, will an LLC or an S Corp generally be cheaper to form?
Both LLCs and S Corps in Florida can be formed relatively cheaply, but the exact cost may vary depending on the specifics of the business and the method of formation.
How does Florida law define the corporate formalities and requirements for LLCs and S Corps?
Both types of business entities in Florida are subject to various corporate formalities, including holding annual meetings, maintaining detailed records, and complying with various regulations.
What is the main difference between an LLC and an S Corp in Florida?
The main difference is the way in which they are taxed. LLCs are taxed as pass-through entities, while S Corps have the option to be taxed as such.
Can both LLCs and S Corps offer limited liability to its owners in Florida?
Yes, they both offer limited liability protection to its owners (members for LLCs and shareholders for S Corps) in Florida.
Is there a difference in the formation process between an LLC and S Corp in Florida?
Yes, there are different filing procedures based on the type of entity in Florida.
Are there any specific Florida statutes that govern LLCs and S Corps?
Yes, Florida has unique laws that dictate the formation and operation of LLCs and S Corps.
Can an LLC issue stock in Florida?
No, LLCs cannot issue public stock in Florida.
Can an S Corp be owned by another corporation in Florida?
Yes, an S Corp can be owned by another corporation as long as certain requirements are met.
Which entity requires annual meetings in Florida, an LLC or an S Corp?
Both entities require annual meetings in Florida to comply with certain legal obligations.
Can an LLC be taxed as an S Corp in Florida?
Yes, an LLC can choose to be taxed as an S Corp in Florida if it meets certain criteria.
Are there any restrictions to forming an S Corp in Florida?
Yes, there are certain restrictions on the number of shareholders an S Corp can have in Florida.
Which entity can allow for more than one class of ownership in Florida, an LLC or an S Corp?
An LLC can offer multiple classes of ownership in Florida, while an S Corp only allows for one class.
Are there any residency requirements for owners of an LLC or an S Corp in Florida?
No, there are no residency requirements for owners of either LLCs or S Corps in Florida.
Can an LLC elect to be taxed as a sole proprietorship in Florida?
Yes, an LLC with only one member can choose to be taxed as a sole proprietorship or a disregarded entity in Florida.
Which entity type is subject to a Franchise Tax in Florida, an LLC or an S Corp?
Only LLCs are subject to a Franchise Tax in Florida.
Is a Registered Agent required for both an LLC and an S Corp in Florida?
Yes, both entities are required to appoint a Registered Agent to accept legal and official documents on behalf of the company in Florida.
Can an S Corp have more than one class of stock in Florida?
No, an S Corp cannot have multiple classes of stock in Florida.
Are S Corps generally subject to less paperwork than LLCs in Florida?
No, both entity types require significant paperwork and record-keeping in Florida.
Can a foreign corporation own an S Corp in Florida?
No, a foreign corporation cannot own an S Corp in Florida.
Can an LLC have an unlimited number of members in Florida?
Yes, there is no limit to the number of members an LLC may have in Florida.
Is there any difference in the liability protection offered by an LLC and an S Corp in Florida?
No, both entities offer limited liability protection to its owners in Florida.
Can an S Corp life indefinitely in Florida?
Yes, an S Corp can have perpetual existence in Florida.
How can an LLC dissolve in Florida?
An LLC can be dissolved in Florida by filing a Certificate of Dissolution with the Secretary of State.
Can S Corps be taxed as a C Corp in Florida?
Yes, S Corps can elect to be taxed as a C Corp in Florida.
Which entity type has more flexibility in terms of profit sharing and ownership changes, an LLC or an S Corp in Florida?
LLCs generally allow for more flexible profit sharing arrangements and ownership changes in Florida.
What types of businesses are prohibited from forming an S Corp in Florida?
Certain types of businesses, such as financial institutions and insurance companies, are prohibited from forming S Corps in Florida.
Can a single-member LLC be taxed as an S Corp in Florida?
Yes, a single-member LLC can elect to be taxed as an S Corp in Florida if it meets certain requirements.
Does Florida impose an income tax on either LLCs or S Corps?
No, Florida does not have a state income tax on corporations, LLCs or S Corps.
Which entity type generally offers more flexibility and ease of management, an LLC or an S Corp in Florida?
An LLC generally offers more flexibility and relative ease of management in Florida, especially for smaller and less complex businesses.

Also Read

Conclusion

Navigating the world of business structures and filings may seem daunting, but with the right information and guidance, you can confidently make the best decision for your unique entrepreneurial journey. Remember, the path to success is paved with well-informed choices and a clear understanding of your business goals. So, take the time to research, consult with professionals, and weigh the pros and cons of LLCs and S-Corporations in Florida.

As you embark on this exciting adventure, remember that a strong foundation built on sound legal and financial principles will be the backbone of your thriving enterprise. Embrace the challenge, stay curious, and always remember your passion and vision. Visit LLCBase today to access valuable resources, expert guidance, and personalized support tailored to your needs. Don’t wait any longer – let us help you realize your entrepreneurial dreams. 

Leave a Comment