How Long Does It Take to Form a Florida Business?

The time it takes to form a Florida business entity depends mostly on how long the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations (Sunbiz), takes to process the filing, and on whether the filing is complete and correct when submitted.

The Division of Corporations posts the receipt dates it is currently processing for each type of filing, such as new business entity filings submitted online or by mail, amendments, and annual reports. Because these dates change with filing volume, the Division's Document Processing Dates page is the official page for checking current timing.

Getting a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a separate step with the IRS. To apply online, the applicant needs the Social Security number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) of the responsible party in control of the business. An applicant whose principal place of business is outside the United States cannot use the online application and must apply by phone, fax, or mail.