{"id":372539,"date":"2016-04-11T01:21:52","date_gmt":"2016-04-11T06:21:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/florida-law\/florida-corporations-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-12-02T11:51:56","modified_gmt":"2024-12-02T16:51:56","slug":"florida-corporations-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/florida-law\/florida-corporations-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Florida Corporations Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Florida Corporations Laws<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

There are many decisions that an owner is required to make when running a successful business. From an attractive business name to choosing the best type of business entity<\/a>, these decisions can have certain ramifications that may effect a business’s overall success. Since there are several pros and cons to forming a corporation<\/a> under Florida corporations laws, it is important to be fully informed before taking this ambitious step. This is a quick summary of the corporate laws in Florida.<\/p>\n

Incorporating a Business Under Florida Corporate Laws<\/h2>\n

Once a company determines that incorporation is the right move, the next thing to do is learn how to incorporate a business<\/a>. While there are many steps required to forming a corporation under Florida corporate laws, checking for the availability of your business name<\/a> needs to be a top priority. If a business name is already taken, any paperwork filed for a new corporation with the name of an existing business will be denied.<\/p>\n

The following table outlines the specifics of Florida corporate laws.<\/p>\n\n
Code Sections<\/b><\/td>\n

Florida Statutes Chapter 607<\/a>: Florida Business Corporation Act<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Formation<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

In order to form a corporation, a document must satisfy the requirements of Florida corporation laws and must be filed in the office of the Department of State. One or more persons may act as the incorporator<\/a> or incorporators of a corporation by delivering articles of incorporation to the Department of State for filing.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Articles of Incorporation<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

The articles<\/a> of incorporation must set forth:<\/p>\n

Corporation Name<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Under Florida corporation laws, a corporate name<\/a> must contain the word "corporation," "company," or "incorporated" or the abbreviation "Corp.," "Inc.," or "Co.," to clearly indicate that it is a corporation instead of a natural person, partnership, or other business entity. Also, the name may not contain language stating or implying that the corporation is organized for a purpose other than that permitted by Florida law and terms of its articles of incorporation.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Purpose<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Corporations may be organized under Florida corporation laws for any lawful purpose<\/a> or purposes. This act extends to all corporations, whether chartered by special acts or general laws.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Fees<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

In order to file forms with the secretary of state, incorporators must pay filing fees<\/a>. These fees are posted online and are subject to change.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\n

If you would like legal assistance with forming a corporation, you can contact a Florida business organization attorney<\/a>. You can also visit FindLaw’s sections on corporate laws<\/a> for more articles and information on this topic.<\/p>\n

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