{"id":5350,"date":"2025-01-03T11:20:06","date_gmt":"2025-01-03T16:20:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/how-to-start-a-nonprofit-in-florida.html"},"modified":"2025-05-29T14:36:00","modified_gmt":"2025-05-29T19:36:00","slug":"how-to-start-a-nonprofit-in-florida","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/how-to-start-a-nonprofit-in-florida.html","title":{"rendered":"How To Start a Nonprofit in Florida"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<section data-testid=\"fl-simple-hero\"  class=\"fl-simple-hero\">\n    <div class=\"fl-simple-hero-container fl-container fl-flex fl-items-center\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"fl-simple-hero-image\" src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1746129600\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/voting-states-maps-Florida\/voting-states-maps-Florida.png?_i=AA\" alt=\"\" data-testid=\"fl-simple-hero-image\">\n                <div class=\"fl-simple-hero-title\" data-testid=\"fl-simple-hero-title\">How To Start a Nonprofit in Florida<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/section>\n    <div class=\"fl-container\">\n        <div class=\"updated-breadcrumb-list\">\n            <ol>\n                        <li>\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\">FindLaw <\/a>\n                <span class=\"breadcrumb-separator\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\/<\/span>\n            <\/li>\n                                <li aria-current=\"page\">How To Start a Nonprofit in Florida<\/li>\n            <\/ol>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30  wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-section-main fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">How To Start a Nonprofit in Florida<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/natalie-moritz\/\">Natalie Moritz<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/amber-sheppard-esq\/\">Amber Sheppard, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            May 29, 2025\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-editorial-note fl-text-sm\">\n            <p>Editorial Note: We earn a commission from affiliate partner links on FindLaw. Commissions do not affect the editorial integrity of our legal content.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n    <div class=\"fl-callout-text article-blockquote\">\n        <p>There are several steps to create a legal nonprofit corporation in the state of Florida including choosing a name, assembling a board of directors, filing articles of incorporation, and applying for for state and federal tax exemptions.<\/p>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><b><i>Form your nonprofit with confidence.\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/legalzoomcominc.pxf.io\/c\/4851649\/2115293\/26746?subId1=how-to-start-a-nonprofit-in-fl-in-content\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\" data-cta=\"Biz LZ - LATL Callout\" data-cta-url=\"legalzoom.com\" target=\"_blank\">Our trusted partner LegalZoom has packages starting at $99 + filing fees.<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"tableOfContent\">\n    <div class=\"table-of-contents\">\n        <span role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\" class=\"table-of-contents__title\">Eleven Steps To Start a Florida Nonprofit<\/span>\n                <ul class=\"table-of-contents__list\">\n                        <li><a href=\"#One\" title=\"1. Create and Name Your Nonprofit Business\">1. Create and Name Your Nonprofit Business<\/a><\/li>\n                        <li><a href=\"#Two\" title=\"2. Trademark Your Name\">2. Trademark Your Name<\/a><\/li>\n                        <li><a href=\"#Three\" title=\"3. Appoint a Registered Agent for Service of Process\">3. Appoint a Registered Agent for Service of Process<\/a><\/li>\n                        <li><a href=\"#Four\" title=\"4. Appoint Incorporators\">4. Appoint Incorporators<\/a><\/li>\n                        <li><a href=\"#Five\" title=\"5. Establish a Board of Directors\">5. Establish a Board of Directors<\/a><\/li>\n                        <li><a href=\"#Six\" title=\"6. Create the Bylaws\">6. Create the Bylaws<\/a><\/li>\n                        <li><a href=\"#Seven\" title=\"7. Hold the First Board Meeting\">7. Hold the First Board Meeting<\/a><\/li>\n                        <li><a href=\"#Eight\" title=\"8. Incorporate Your Nonprofit\">8. Incorporate Your Nonprofit<\/a><\/li>\n                        <li><a href=\"#Nine\" title=\"9. File for Your Federal and State Employer Identification Numbers (EIN)\">9. File for Your Federal and State Employer Identification Numbers (EIN)<\/a><\/li>\n                        <li><a href=\"#Ten\" title=\"10. File for Federal Tax-Exempt Status\">10. File for Federal Tax-Exempt Status<\/a><\/li>\n                        <li><a href=\"#Eleven\" title=\"11. File for State of Florida Tax-Exempt Status\">11. File for State of Florida Tax-Exempt Status<\/a><\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>While several steps for&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/how-to-form-a-non-profit.html\">starting a nonprofit<\/a>&nbsp;are similar across states, Florida has some unique considerations for nonprofit formation. The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/fl\/title-xxxvi-business-organizations\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Florida statutes<\/a>&nbsp;and rules governing nonprofits are complex, requiring patience and attention to detail. Sometimes, professional advice and guidance is necessary.<\/p>\n<p>This article guides you through the steps to form a Florida&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/legalzoomcominc.pxf.io\/c\/4851649\/2115293\/26746?subId1=how-to-start-a-nonprofit-in-florida&amp;auto-aff-non-profit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">nonprofit<\/a>. Learn about the state government agencies you will interact with while starting your business, IRS requirements, the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/non-profit-corporation-faq.html\">incorporation process<\/a>, and other common concerns.<\/p>\n<p>See our&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/non-profit-organizations.html\">Nonprofit Organizations<\/a>&nbsp;section for more information and resources.<\/p>\n<h2>Types of Florida Nonprofit Corporations<\/h2>\n<p>There are no specific limitations to the types of nonprofit&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/legalzoomcominc.pxf.io\/c\/4851649\/2115291\/26746?subId1=how-to-start-a-nonprofit-in-florida&amp;auto-aff-c-corp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">corporations<\/a>&nbsp;you can open in Florida. But the corporation must be eligible for&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/charities-and-nonprofits\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">nonprofit taxation status<\/a>. This status is generally limited to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Charitable organizations<\/li>\n<li>Churches and religious organizations<\/li>\n<li>Private foundations<\/li>\n<li>Some political organizations<\/li>\n<li>Educational organizations<\/li>\n<li>Social welfare organizations<\/li>\n<li>Some social clubs, civic leagues, labor organizations, and business leagues<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Before forming your organization as a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/legalzoomcominc.pxf.io\/c\/4851649\/2115293\/26746?subId1=how-to-start-a-nonprofit-in-florida&amp;auto-aff-non-profit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">nonprofit<\/a>, make sure it fits one of those categories.<\/p>\n<h2>How Much Does It Cost To Start a Nonprofit in Florida?<\/h2>\n<p>The total&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/how-to-start-a-nonprofit-organization-with-no-money.html\">cost to start your nonprofit<\/a>&nbsp;will vary depending on the specifics of your organization. But expect to pay at least a few hundred dollars.<\/p>\n<p>There are various state filing fees, federal fees, and registration renewal costs. You may also have legal fees if you hire a lawyer or other professional (like a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/how-to-become-a-registered-agent.html\">registered agent service<\/a>). If you have a physical location, you may also have costs associated with&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/local-businesses-licenses.html\">local business licenses<\/a>&nbsp;and zoning permits.<\/p>\n<p>Some expenses to budget for include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Filing articles of incorporation: $35<\/li>\n<li>Filing fee for registered agent: $35<\/li>\n<li>Business name reservation: $35<\/li>\n<li>Charitable organization registration: Sliding scale fee<\/li>\n<li>Federal trademark registration: $225 to $600<\/li>\n<li>Filing fee for federal tax-exemption from the IRS: $275 to $600<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Make sure you check the current pricing on the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dos.fl.gov\/sunbiz\/start-business\/efile\/fl-nonprofit-corporation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Florida Secretary of State website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-legal-zoom-cta fl-flex fl-items-center\">\n    <div class=\"fl-legal-zoom-cta-icons fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\"\n            src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745900043\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-legal-zoom-legal_zoom_129163c1e\/general-components-legal-zoom-legal_zoom_129163c1e.png?_i=AA\"\n            alt=\"\"\n            loading=\"lazy\"\n            class=\"fl-legal-zoom-cta-icon-main\"\n        \/>\n        <img decoding=\"async\"\n            src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745857465\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-legal-zoom-legal_zoom_text_1294fc38a\/general-components-legal-zoom-legal_zoom_text_1294fc38a.png?_i=AA\"\n            alt=\"\"\n            loading=\"lazy\"\n            class=\"fl-legal-zoom-cta-icon-bottom\"\n        \/>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"fl-legal-zoom-cta-text\">\n        <div class=\"fl-legal-zoom-cta-subtitle\"><p>Meet FindLaw&#8217;s <b>trusted partner LegalZoom<\/b>, an industry leader in online business formations<\/p>\n<\/div>\n        <div class=\"fl-legal-zoom-cta-content fl-flex fl-items-center\">\n            <div>\n                <h2 class=\"fl-title-H2 fl-legal-zoom-cta-title\">Let&#8217;s start your nonprofit!<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-legal-zoom-cta-description\"><p>Join the millions who launched their businesses with LegalZoom. <b>Nonprofit registration starts at $99 + filing fees.<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <a class=\"fl-button fl-link-button primary fl-legal-zoom-cta-button diy-biz-affiliate\" data-cta-url=\"legalzoom.com\" data-cta=\"Biz LZ - StateLaws Banner\" aria-disabled=\"false\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/legalzoomcominc.pxf.io\/c\/4851649\/2115293\/26746?subId1=how-to-start-a-nonprofit-in-fl-mcta\" target=\"_blank\">\n                <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Get Started<\/span>\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            <\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2>Eleven Steps To Start a Florida Nonprofit<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"general-step-component\">\n    <div class=\"steps-container\">\n                    <div class=\"steps-container-item\">\n                <div class=\"category-overview category-overview-item-steps\">\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-heading category-overview-heading-steps\">\n                        <div class=\"category-overview-steps\">\n                            1\n                        <\/div>\n                        <h2 class=\"category-overview-steps-title\" id=\"One\">Create and Name Your Nonprofit Business<\/h2>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-content-steps\">\n                        <p>Creating and protecting a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/chronology-choosing-a-business-name.html\">name for your nonprofit<\/a>&nbsp;should be your first two actions. This process requires some research.<\/p>\n<p>First, create a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/business-names-do-s-and-don-ts.html\">memorable name<\/a>&nbsp;that meets state naming requirements. Florida law requires your business name to be unique from any other nonprofit or for-profit company name. Florida law also requires a business name to contain one of the following words or abbreviations designating the organization as a corporation:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Inc.<\/li>\n<li>Corporation<\/li>\n<li>Incorporated<\/li>\n<li>Corp.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Second, search the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/search.sunbiz.org\/Inquiry\/CorporationSearch\/ByName\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">corporate names database<\/a>&nbsp;to ensure the name you have chosen is not in use by any other Florida company.<\/p>\n<p>Corporation names that exist in other states and don&#8217;t exist in Florida are permissible. But if you want to register nationally or with another state, you must follow the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/register-your-business-name-state-resources.html\">other state&#8217;s procedures<\/a>. Federal procedures need following, too.<\/p>\n<p>If your selected business name is available but you are not ready to start your nonprofit, Florida law allows you to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dos.fl.gov\/sunbiz\/about-us\/faqs\/#faq-question3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">reserve it for up to 120 days<\/a>. To do this, submit your request and a $35 fee to the Secretary of State.<\/p>\n<p>You can only use your new corporation&#8217;s name once you receive your filing acknowledgment from the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dos.fl.gov\/sunbiz\/about-us\/faqs\/#faq-question3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Division of Corporations<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"steps-container-item\">\n                <div class=\"category-overview category-overview-item-steps\">\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-heading category-overview-heading-steps\">\n                        <div class=\"category-overview-steps\">\n                            2\n                        <\/div>\n                        <h2 class=\"category-overview-steps-title\" id=\"Two\">Trademark Your Name<\/h2>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-content-steps\">\n                        <p>Next, ensure no one else can use your business name, including online. Make sure the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/intellectual-property\/registering-for-a-domain-name-trademark-what-you-should-know.html\">internet domain name<\/a>&nbsp;is available. If it is, purchase it immediately. This typically only costs a few dollars.<\/p>\n<p>If you want to operate nationally or in other states, you should&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/how-to-trademark-a-business-name.html\">trademark&nbsp;<\/a>your nonprofit&#8217;s name with the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uspto.gov\/trademarks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">United States Patent and Trademark Office<\/a>&nbsp;(USPTO). This process can take significant time and costs between $225 and $600. But your organization&#8217;s name is protected as a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/intellectual-property\/trademark-protection-by-use-or-by-registration.html\">common law trademark<\/a>&nbsp;while your USPTO application is pending.<\/p>\n<p>Once you receive your federal trademark, register it with the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dos.myflorida.com\/sunbiz\/forms\/trademark-and-service-mark\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Florida Department of State<\/a>. You may also trademark your name with just the state, without a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/intellectual-property\/registering-a-trademark.html\">federal trademark<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Once your business name is legally yours, you can&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/intellectual-property\/enforcing-trademark-rights.html\">enforce your trademark right<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"steps-container-item\">\n                <div class=\"category-overview category-overview-item-steps\">\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-heading category-overview-heading-steps\">\n                        <div class=\"category-overview-steps\">\n                            3\n                        <\/div>\n                        <h2 class=\"category-overview-steps-title\" id=\"Three\">Appoint a Registered Agent for Service of Process<\/h2>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-content-steps\">\n                        <p>Florida requires every entity registered with the state to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/what-is-a-registered-agent-.html\">appoint a registered agent<\/a>&nbsp;for service of process. \u201cService of process&quot; is the legal procedure of delivering official legal documents. This agent doesn&#8217;t have to be a lawyer, but they are often the company attorney. The Florida Secretary of State maintains an online list of all registered agents in the state.<\/p>\n<p>Your nonprofit may&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/floridasecretaryofstate.com\/change-my-florida-registered-agent\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">change registered agents<\/a>&nbsp;at any time. Include your agent&#8217;s name and contact information in the initial incorporation papers you file with the state.<\/p>\n<p>If you can&#8217;t find a qualified person to serve as your registered agent, you can use a registered agent service in your state.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"steps-container-item\">\n                <div class=\"category-overview category-overview-item-steps\">\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-heading category-overview-heading-steps\">\n                        <div class=\"category-overview-steps\">\n                            4\n                        <\/div>\n                        <h2 class=\"category-overview-steps-title\" id=\"Four\">Appoint Incorporators<\/h2>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-content-steps\">\n                        <p>Incorporators\u00a0are the persons who sign the initial Articles of Incorporation.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/fl\/title-xxxvi-business-organizations\/fl-st-sect-617-02011.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">You only need<\/a>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/fl\/title-xxxvi-business-organizations\/fl-st-sect-617-02011.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">one person<\/a>\u00a0to do this, but you can have more if you choose.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"steps-container-item\">\n                <div class=\"category-overview category-overview-item-steps\">\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-heading category-overview-heading-steps\">\n                        <div class=\"category-overview-steps\">\n                            5\n                        <\/div>\n                        <h2 class=\"category-overview-steps-title\" id=\"Five\">Establish a Board of Directors<\/h2>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-content-steps\">\n                        <p>Every Florida nonprofit must have a board of directors. Florida law requires the board to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/fl\/title-xxxvi-business-organizations\/fl-st-sect-617-0803.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">consist of three or more people<\/a>&nbsp;over the age of 18, except that one board member may be as young as 15. But&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/fl\/title-xxxvi-business-organizations\/fl-st-sect-617-0824.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">no board member under 18 is allowed to vote<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The IRS (where you apply for tax-exempt status) requires a board of at least three people.<\/p>\n<p>Choose your board members for skills they can bring to the organization, including fundraising, networking, expertise in your nonprofit&#8217;s field, and organizational skills.<\/p>\n<p>There is no residency requirement for your board members.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"steps-container-item\">\n                <div class=\"category-overview category-overview-item-steps\">\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-heading category-overview-heading-steps\">\n                        <div class=\"category-overview-steps\">\n                            6\n                        <\/div>\n                        <h2 class=\"category-overview-steps-title\" id=\"Six\">Create the Bylaws<\/h2>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-content-steps\">\n                        <p>Florida law requires the<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/fl\/title-xxxvi-business-organizations\/fl-st-sect-617-0206.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&nbsp;creation of bylaws<\/a>&nbsp;for any corporation.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/writing-corporate-bylaws.html\">Bylaws are the internal rules<\/a>&nbsp;of the corporation. The board must adopt them before the corporation can legally function.<\/p>\n<p>You can add provisions to your bylaws, depending on the needs of your nonprofit. But most standard bylaws for nonprofit corporations include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Your nonprofit&#8217;s name, mailing address, and primary location of operation<\/li>\n<li>Names and offices of all board members<\/li>\n<li>Guidelines for board meetings<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/nonprofit-financial-statements.html\">Financial management<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/closing-a-business.html\">Dissolution<\/a>&nbsp;procedure, including how you will distribute the nonprofit&#8217;s assets<\/li>\n<li>Process for amending the bylaws<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You should also create a conflict of interest policy. A conflict of interest policy establishes an agreed-upon procedure if any board member&#8217;s personal interests conflict with the organization&#8217;s best interests.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"steps-container-item\">\n                <div class=\"category-overview category-overview-item-steps\">\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-heading category-overview-heading-steps\">\n                        <div class=\"category-overview-steps\">\n                            7\n                        <\/div>\n                        <h2 class=\"category-overview-steps-title\" id=\"Seven\">Hold the First Board Meeting<\/h2>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-content-steps\">\n                        <p>Once you create your board, it should conduct its first\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/fl\/title-xxxvi-business-organizations\/fl-st-sect-617-0205.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">organizational meeting<\/a>\u00a0shortly after.<\/p>\n<p>Your board members will accomplish several important business objectives, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Decide the board&#8217;s role<\/li>\n<li>Formally adopt bylaws<\/li>\n<li>Appoint a\u00a0registered agent\u00a0for service of process<\/li>\n<li>Appoint corporate officers<\/li>\n<li>Begin the\u00a0incorporation\u00a0process<\/li>\n<li>Details for opening a business\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-finances\/the-basics-of-accounting-for-small-businesses.html\">bank account<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Create statements of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/strategic-planning-for-nonprofit-organizations.html\">organizational purpose<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Take minutes at this initial meeting.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"steps-container-item\">\n                <div class=\"category-overview category-overview-item-steps\">\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-heading category-overview-heading-steps\">\n                        <div class=\"category-overview-steps\">\n                            8\n                        <\/div>\n                        <h2 class=\"category-overview-steps-title\" id=\"Eight\">Incorporate Your Nonprofit<\/h2>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-content-steps\">\n                        <p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/top-five-reasons-to-incorporate-a-non-profit-organization.html\">Incorporating your nonprofit<\/a>\u00a0provides a legal separation between the organization and yourself and other members,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/pros-and-cons-why-form-a-corporation.html\">limiting personal liability<\/a>. This means that individuals have protection against personal financial responsibility for the organization&#8217;s debts.<\/p>\n<p>Incorporating a nonprofit business entity in Florida\u00a0follows completely different processes from incorporating a for-profit company.<\/p>\n<p>You must incorporate your new nonprofit with the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/dos.fl.gov\/sunbiz\/start-business\/efile\/fl-nonprofit-corporation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Florida Department of State\u2014Division of Corporations<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>All forms and instructions for filing the nonprofit incorporation forms are on the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/dos.fl.gov\/sunbiz\/start-business\/efile\/fl-nonprofit-corporation\/instructions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Division of Corporations website<\/a>. That website also has for-profit incorporation information and links. Be sure to follow the correct procedure and file nonprofit\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/writing-and-filing-the-articles-of-incorporation.html\">articles of incorporation<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The fee for filing nonprofit incorporation forms is $35. The filing fee for the registered agent is an additional $35.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"steps-container-item\">\n                <div class=\"category-overview category-overview-item-steps\">\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-heading category-overview-heading-steps\">\n                        <div class=\"category-overview-steps\">\n                            9\n                        <\/div>\n                        <h2 class=\"category-overview-steps-title\" id=\"Nine\">File for Your Federal and State Employer Identification Numbers (EIN)<\/h2>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-content-steps\">\n                        <p>You must file for a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) on the Internal Revenue Service&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/businesses\/small-businesses-self-employed\/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">website<\/a>. An&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-taxes\/employer-identification-number-ein-faq.html\">EIN&nbsp;<\/a>is like a social security number for your business.<\/p>\n<p>There is no fee to get an EIN through the IRS. Beware of commercial websites charging a fee for an EIN. Many of them look similar to the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">official IRS website<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>You can then file your Form DR-1 Florida Business Tax Registration with the Florida Department of Revenue. There is no fee for this unless you also file for sales tax registration ($5). This consolidated tax site allows you to complete any necessary tax registration, including nonprofit registration.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"steps-container-item\">\n                <div class=\"category-overview category-overview-item-steps\">\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-heading category-overview-heading-steps\">\n                        <div class=\"category-overview-steps\">\n                            10\n                        <\/div>\n                        <h2 class=\"category-overview-steps-title\" id=\"Ten\">File for Federal Tax-Exempt Status<\/h2>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-content-steps\">\n                        <p>Before\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/charities-non-profits\/charitable-organizations\/exemption-requirements-501c3-organizations\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">filing for your 501(c)(3)<\/a>, you must file\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/forms-pubs\/about-form-1023\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">IRS Form 1023<\/a>\u00a0(Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code).<\/p>\n<p>This registers your organization with the federal government as a nonprofit. Smaller organizations with under $250,000 in total assets may use\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/forms-pubs\/about-form-1023-ez\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">IRS Form 1023 EZ<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The filing fee for Form 1023 is $600.00. The filing fee for Form 1023-EZ is $275.<\/p>\n<p>Form 1023 asks highly detailed questions about your nonprofit&#8217;s organization, history, policies, finances, and other aspects of your business. Take your time to answer these questions completely and truthfully. Then, file the form by mail or online at\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pay.gov\/public\/home\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pay.gov<\/a>\u00a0(a website used by the federal government to process applications and fees).<\/p>\n<p>If the IRS approves your nonprofit for 501(c)(3) status, you will receive a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/charities-non-profits\/charitable-organizations\/exempt-organizations-rulings-and-determinations-letters\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">determination letter<\/a>\u00a0granting your\u00a0federal tax exemption. The IRS receives over 95,000 applications for tax-exempt status each year, so processing times vary. You can check the status of your application\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/charities-non-profits\/charitable-organizations\/wheres-my-application-for-tax-exempt-status\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>After receiving your IRS determination letter, you can file for your nonprofit status with the State of Florida.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"steps-container-item\">\n                <div class=\"category-overview category-overview-item-steps\">\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-heading category-overview-heading-steps\">\n                        <div class=\"category-overview-steps\">\n                            11\n                        <\/div>\n                        <h2 class=\"category-overview-steps-title\" id=\"Eleven\">File for State of Florida Tax-Exempt Status<\/h2>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-content-steps\">\n                        <p>You must apply to the state for your&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/floridarevenue.com\/taxes\/businesses\/Pages\/nonprofit.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">exemption from Florida state corporate income tax<\/a>. To do this, file copies of the following with the Florida Department of Revenue:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Your nonprofit&#8217;s address<\/li>\n<li>Bylaws<\/li>\n<li>Determination letter from the IRS for federal tax exemption<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You will then receive your state certificate of exemption. There is no fee for this.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2>Other Business Taxes and Fees<\/h2>\n<p>Even though your nonprofit isn&#8217;t taxed on business income, it&#8217;s still responsible for employment and most sales taxes.<\/p>\n<p>You may be able to file for a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/floridarevenue.com\/taxes\/businesses\/Pages\/nonprofit_sales_tax.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">nonprofit sales tax exemption.<\/a>\u00a0Complete and submit\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/floridarevenue.com\/Forms_library\/current\/dr5.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Form DR-5\u2014Application for a Consumer&#8217;s Certificate of Exemption<\/a>\u00a0with the Florida Department of Revenue. If approved, the Certificate of Exemption allows your organization exemption from sales tax on eligible purchases.<\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;re going to hire employees, you may have other state obligations. Under Florida law, you may have to file for\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/workers-compensation\/workers-compensation-laws-by-state.html\">workers&#8217; compensation insurance<\/a>. You may also need\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/losing-a-job\/unemployment-insurance-overview.html\">unemployment insurance<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Florida doesn&#8217;t have a state-level property tax. Local governments manage property taxes. But the Florida Department of Revenue oversees this entire process. You may file for a local\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/floridarevenue.com\/property\/Pages\/Home.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">property tax exemption<\/a>\u00a0through your county\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/floridarevenue.com\/property\/Pages\/LocalOfficials.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Property Appraiser<\/a>. Even if you get this exemption, other annual filing obligations may still exist.<\/p>\n<h2>Charities Have Their Own Rules<\/h2>\n<p>If you&#8217;re creating a charitable nonprofit corporation, you must register with the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.fdacs.gov\/Business-Services\/Solicitation-of-Contributions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services<\/a>\u00a0(FDACS) before you solicit donations or begin\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/how-to-use-your-nonprofit-website-to-fundraise.html\">fundraising<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The FDACS uses an organization&#8217;s preceding year&#8217;s financial report to determine the registration fee. For new organizations with no previous financial history, the FDACS uses a proposed budget.<\/p>\n<p>You must renew this registration annually.<\/p>\n<h2>Keep Up With Annual Obligations<\/h2>\n<p>There are several annual renewals you must stay on top of to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/run-a-non-profit-keeping-your-tax-exempt-status.html\">keep your tax-exempt status<\/a>. These include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Charitable organization status with the FDACS<\/li>\n<li>Annual report with the Florida Secretary of State<\/li>\n<li>Annual information return with the IRS (using\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/charities-non-profits\/form-990-resources-and-tools\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Form 990 series<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>Required tax returns<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Failure to file these will cause your nonprofit to be in bad standing. This can affect your tax-exempt status, partnerships, and contracts signed during that period.<\/p>\n<h2>Need More Help With Your Nonprofit? Get Legal Advice<\/h2>\n<p>Any new small business venture, including a nonprofit, may need legal help at some point. Navigating tax exemptions, charitable registration, and incorporation can be overwhelming and costly. You&#8217;ll want to get it right the first time.<\/p>\n<p>An experienced\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/business-organizations\/florida\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Florida business organization lawyer<\/a>\u00a0can tackle the complicated legal aspects of your nonprofit formation, leaving you more time and energy to focus on your organization&#8217;s mission.<\/p>\n<p><b><i>Or you can let <a href=\"https:\/\/legalzoomcominc.pxf.io\/c\/4851649\/2115293\/26746?subId1=how-to-start-a-nonprofit-in-fl-custom\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\" data-cta=\"Biz LZ - LATL Txt\" data-cta-url=\"legalzoom.com\" target=\"_blank\">our\u00a0trusted partner LegalZoom<\/a>\u00a0handle your nonprofit creation starting at $99 plus filing fees.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><i><b>Disclaimer:\u00a0<\/b>The information presented here does not constitute legal advice or representation. It is general and educational in nature, may not reflect all recent legal developments, and may not apply to your unique facts and circumstances. Consider consulting with a qualified business attorney if you have legal questions.<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        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class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    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class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                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class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\" fl-section-sidebar  \"><div class=\"generalCard\">\n            <div class=\"disclaimer--newLegalZoom general-card--newLegalZoom__disclaimer fl-text-sm\">\n            <p>FindLaw will earn a commission if you purchase business formation products through these affiliate links.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"general-card general-card--newLegalZoom\">\n        <div class=\"general-card__header\">\n            <div class=\"general-card__header-image-container\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"general-card__header-image--newLegalZoomText\"\n                     src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/ability-law\/resources\/images\/legal-zoom\/legal_zoom_text.png\"\n                     alt=\"\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"general-card__header-image--newLegalZoom\"\n                     src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/ability-law\/resources\/images\/legal-zoom\/legal_zoom.png\"\n                     alt=\"\">\n            <\/div>\n            <span class=\"general-card__header-title fl-text\"><p>Meet FindLaw&#8217;s <b>trusted partner LegalZoom<\/b>, an industry leader in online business formations<\/p>\n<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"general-card__body\">\n            <div class=\"text section\">\n                <div class=\"cmp-text\">\n                    <h2 class=\"general-card__h2--newLegalZoom fl-h3-landing\">Kickstart your nonprofit in minutes!<\/h2>\n                    <div>\n                        <p>LegalZoom\u2019s simplified registration process helps you get your nonprofit off to the right start.<\/p>\n<p><b>Nonprofit plans start at $99 + state fees.<\/b><\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"general-card__footer\">\n            <a class=\"general-card__footer-link fl-text-lg diy-biz-affiliate\" data-cta-url=\"legalzoom.com\" data-cta=\"Biz LZ - LATL ESum\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/legalzoomcominc.pxf.io\/c\/4851649\/2115293\/26746?subId1=how-to-start-a-nonprofit-in-fl-es\">\n                <p class=\"general-card__footer-link-text fl-no-margin fl-text-lg-medium\">Get started<\/p>\n                <i class=\"general-card__footer-link-icon fa fa-angle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            <\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"general-card--newLegalZoom__bottom\">\n        <p>Prefer to work with a lawyer?<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/business-organizations\/?fli=state_biz:dir:lz_esum\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find one right now.<\/a><\/p>\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"general-list\">\n    <h3>Helpful Links<\/h3>\n    <ul class=\"fl-list fl-no-margin\">\n                                    <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business.html\">\n                        Starting a Business\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-taxes.html\">\n                        Business Tax Law\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/closing-a-business.html\">\n                        Closing a Business\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                        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                               <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/franchising\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Franchising Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/business-commercial-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Business &#038; Commercial Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/employment-law-employer\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Employment Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<section\n    class=\"fl-next-steps\"\n    data-testid=\"fl-next-steps-legal-zoom\"\n>\n    <div class=\"fl-next-steps-content\" data-testid=\"fl-next-steps-content\">\n        <div class=\"fl-next-steps-column fl-next-steps-column-legal-zoom\" data-testid=\"fl-next-steps-column-left\">\n            <div\n                class=\"fl-legal-zoom-help fl-legal-zoom-help-with-icons\"\n                data-testid=\"fl-legal-zoom-help\"\n            >\n                <div\n                    class=\"fl-legal-zoom-help-icons fl-flex fl-flex-column fl-items-center fl-justify-center\"\n                >\n                    <img decoding=\"async\"\n                        src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745900043\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-legal-zoom-legal_zoom_129163c1e\/general-components-legal-zoom-legal_zoom_129163c1e.png?_i=AA\"\n                        alt=\"\"\n                        loading=\"lazy\"\n                        class=\"fl-legal-zoom-help-icon-main fl-desktop\"\n                    \/>\n                    <img decoding=\"async\"\n                        src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745857465\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-legal-zoom-legal_zoom_text_1294fc38a\/general-components-legal-zoom-legal_zoom_text_1294fc38a.png?_i=AA\"\n                        alt=\"\"\n                        loading=\"lazy\"\n                        class=\"fl-legal-zoom-help-icon-bottom\"\n                    \/>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"fl-legal-zoom-help-text\">\n                    <div class=\"fl-legal-zoom-help-subtitle\">\n                        <p>Meet FindLaw&#8217;s\u00a0<b>trusted partner LegalZoom<\/b>, an industry leader in online business formations<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                    <h2 class=\"fl-legal-zoom-help-title fl-callout-md\">\n                        Need Help Forming a Nonprofit?\n                    <\/h2>\n                    <div class=\"fl-legal-zoom-help-description fl-text-lg-medium\">\n                        <p>FindLaw&#8217;s trusted partner, LegalZoom, provides a straightforward process to help you set up your nonprofit. Join the millions who launched their organizations with\u00a0LegalZoom<b style=\"background-color: transparent;\">. Nonprofit plans start at $99 + state fees.<\/b><\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/legalzoomcominc.pxf.io\/c\/4851649\/2115293\/26746?subId1=how-to-start-a-nonprofit-in-fl-footer\" class=\"fl-button fl-link-button primary fl-legal-zoom-help-button diy-biz-affiliate\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\" data-cta=\"Biz LZ - StateLaws Ft Banner\" data-cta-url=\"legalzoom.com\" aria-disabled=\"false\" target=\"_blank\">\n                        <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Start My Nonprofit<\/span>\n                        <i\n                            class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                            aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                        ><\/i>\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"fl-next-steps-column\">\n            <div\n                class=\"fl-help-links\"\n                data-testid=\"fl-help-links\"\n            >\n                <h2 class=\"fl-help-links-title fl-callout-sm\">\n                    Related Resources\n                <\/h2>\n                <ul class=\"fl-list fl-no-margin fl-text-lg\">\n                                            <li class=\"fl-help-links-list-item\">\n                            <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                            ><\/i>\n                            <a title=\"Filing LLC Taxes\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/filing-llc-taxes.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\" data-testid=\"fl-list-item-link\">Filing LLC Taxes<\/a>\n                        <\/li>\n                                            <li class=\"fl-help-links-list-item\">\n                            <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                            ><\/i>\n                            <a title=\"LLC Member Tax FAQs\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/llc-member-tax-faqs.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\" data-testid=\"fl-list-item-link\">LLC Member Tax FAQs<\/a>\n                        <\/li>\n                                            <li class=\"fl-help-links-list-item\">\n                            <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                            ><\/i>\n                            <a title=\"Starting a Limited Liability Company Checklist\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/starting-a-limited-liability-company-llc-checklist.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\" data-testid=\"fl-list-item-link\">Starting a Limited Liability Company Checklist<\/a>\n                        <\/li>\n                                    <\/ul>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn the steps from naming a nonprofit to applying for tax-exemption status to start a legally-sound Florida nonprofit organization at FindLaw.com<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":5123,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleDIYConversionController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2],"tags":[10],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-5350","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-smallbusiness","tag-aff-nonprofit"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5350","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5350"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5350\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5123"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5350"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5350"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5350"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=5350"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=5350"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}