State guide · rules version 2026.08
Starting a nonprofit in Florida
Everything below is generated from the same Florida rules dataset that powers your guided journey in the platform — filing forms, real fees, and the traps DIY templates fall into.
Incorporation
- Filing
- Articles of Incorporation — Florida Not For Profit Corporation (Ch. 617)
- Agency
- Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations (Sunbiz)
- State fee
- $70 — never marked up by us
- Processing
- 2–5 business days online
- Expedite
- Not offered
- Watch out
- The $70 total = $35 filing fee + $35 registered agent designation.
- Sunbiz's template lacks the IRS purpose and dissolution clauses — add them as additional articles.
- Requires at least 3 directors.
Ongoing compliance
- Registered agent
- Florida street address required; an officer may serve if they have a Florida address.
- Charitable registration
- Required — Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) — Solicitation of Contributions. Initial: $10–$400 scaled to contributions. Renewal: Annual renewal on the registration anniversary. Required before soliciting in Florida; small organizations (<$50k) may qualify for the $10 small-charity registration.
- Annual report
- Annual report due January 1 – May 1 each year — $61.25 ($400 late fee if missed)
- State tax exemption
- Apply to the Florida Department of Revenue (Form DR-5) for sales tax exemption; no state income tax on 501(c)(3)s.
Or let the checklist do this for you
Your guided journey sequences every Florida step — with the federal track (EIN, bylaws, Form 1023) woven in at the right moments. From $499 flat.