LegalZoom
Founded in 2001, LegalZoom is an online platform offering solutions for business formation, business compliance, and intellectual property and other services. It also offers templates for various legal forms and agreements. LegalZoom is an option for small businesses and solo entrepreneurs seeking document preparation and business filing services in Florida.
Pros:
- Offers legal services beyond business formation
- Well-known brand
- 60-day satisfaction guarantee
Cons:
- Expensive registered agent service
- No phone support with the basic plan
- Slower turnaround times for some services
To learn more, read LegalZoom review
Northwest Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent is a provider of registered agent and LLC formation services. The company focuses on privacy (through its "Privacy by Default" policy), transparent pricing, and customer support that assigns each client a Corporate Guide.
Pros:
- Support through Corporate Guides
- Flat pricing with fewer upsells
Cons:
- No free formation plan
- Fewer add-on services compared to competitors
To learn more, read Northwest Registered Agent review.
ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness offers an easy-to-use platform with tiered pricing, including a free LLC formation package (plus state fees). The company provides customer service with an extended service window that includes evenings and weekends. Packages have brand-building options, such as a website builder, domain name, logo kit, and professional email, which are included or available at an additional cost, depending on the selected package..
Pros:
- Fee formation option (plus state fees)
- User-friendly dashboard
- Customer support with extended hours
Cons:
- Registered agent service is not included in the free plan
- Business templates are included with the Premium plan only
- Upsells can add up
Want to learn more? See our ZenBusiness review
Bizee
Bizee (formerly Incfile) is an online business formation service that offers a free LLC formation option where customers pay only the state filing fees. Beyond formation, Bizee assists with registered agent services, DBA name filings, and business license research.
Pros:
- Free LLC formation base cost with one year of registered agent service
- Transparent pricing
Cons:
- Customer support can be inconsistent
- Upsells during checkout
To learn more, read our Bizee review
Inc Authority
Inc Authority offers free LLC formation services where customers pay only state filing fees. They also offer more comprehensive paid bundles and add-on services.
Pros:
- Free LLC formation base cost with 1 year of registered agent service
- Covers basic business needs
Cons:
- Aggressive upselling
- Limited transparency on pricing for add-ons
Want to learn more? Read our Inc Authority review.
Facts about forming an LLC in Florida
- LLC name: Florida names must include "Limited Liability Company," "LLC", or "L.L.C."
- Formation document: The document used to form an LLC in Florida is referred to as "Articles of Organization".
- Registered agent requirement: Florida LLCs must appoint and continually maintain a registered agent located in Florida with a physical street address.
- Annual report: Florida LLCs must file an annual report, which is due May 1.
- General business license requirement: A general business license is not required but counties may require licenses as do some industries.