How to open a company in Florida

Written by the Miami Soluções team

Opening a company in Florida follows the state's registration process — the same process whether the company is based in Miami, Orlando, or any other city in the state. Florida is, along with Delaware, the most common choice among Brazilians, largely due to the absence of state personal income tax and the well-established Brazilian community.

Office desk with the flags of Brazil, the United States and Florida, representing company formation in the state

Why Florida

Three factors explain Florida's popularity among Brazilian entrepreneurs: the absence of state personal income tax, geographic and cultural proximity to Brazil (direct flights, a nearby time zone, an established Brazilian community), and familiarity — it's historically the state where the most Brazilians already do business, which means more accountants, attorneys and banks accustomed to serving people coming from or still living in Brazil.

Most common company types in Florida

LLC and Corporation are the two structures registered with Florida's Division of Corporations (Sunbiz). The choice between them follows the same general criteria explained in the main company formation guide — Florida doesn't impose a mandatory structure by business type.

LLC or Corporation: which to choose →

Ongoing state obligations

Companies registered in Florida need to file an Annual Report with the Division of Corporations to keep the registration active — failing to do so can lead to administrative dissolution of the company. Depending on the activity, there may also be local municipal obligations (business license) and, for Corporations, state income tax on profit.

Registered agent in Florida

Every business registered in Florida needs a registered agent with a physical address in the state — a PO box won't do. This agent is who receives legal notices and official communications on the company's behalf. For those not living in Florida, this service is usually contracted together with the company registration.

Miami, Orlando, or another Florida city?

Since registration is at the state level, the city chosen for the business address or operations doesn't change the legal process — it changes the business context. Miami has a more international profile geared toward foreign trade; Orlando tends to have lower operating costs and a strong tourism and services economy.

Open a company in Miami

Business context, costs, and considerations specific to the region.

Open a company in Orlando

Business context, costs, and considerations specific to the region.

Florida or Delaware?

The two most sought-after states among Brazilians, for different reasons. Worth understanding the real differences before deciding.

See the full comparison: Florida or Delaware →

Frequently asked questions

Why do so many Brazilians open companies in Florida?
Besides not charging state personal income tax, Florida has the largest Brazilian community in the United States, which means more Portuguese-speaking accountants, attorneys and service providers who understand the situation of those living in Brazil.
Does Florida charge income tax on the company?
Florida does not charge state personal income tax. Corporations pay a state income tax on company profit; LLCs taxed as pass-through entities generally don't pay that tax at the state level, but this depends on how the company is taxed — worth confirming the correct classification for your case with an accountant.
Do I need to live in Florida to open a company there?
No. You can live in Brazil, in another US state, or anywhere in the world and still register and operate a company in Florida, with the support of a registered agent and, if needed, a virtual address.
Is there a difference between opening a company in Florida in general versus specifically in Miami or Orlando?
None in the registration process — Miami and Orlando are cities in Florida, and company registration follows exactly the same state rules in either one. The difference is in the business context: each region has a distinct economic profile, which can influence decisions like where to have a business address or which market to target.
I want to open my company in Florida