Starting a nonprofit in Florida follows the same two milestones as anywhere else, forming a state corporation and getting federal 501(c)(3) status, but Florida adds an annual report, a separate sales-tax exemption, and charity registration before you fundraise. Here is the order Florida founders should follow.
The Florida-specific steps
- File Articles of Incorporation for a Florida nonprofit with the Department of State, Division of Corporations (Sunbiz), including the IRS-required purpose and dissolution language. The cost is $70, which includes the $35 filing fee and $35 registered agent designation.
- File your Annual Report on Sunbiz between January 1 and May 1 each year to keep the corporation active. The nonprofit fee is $61.25.
- Get your federal EIN from the IRS. It is free, and you need it before you can apply for tax-exempt status.
- Adopt bylaws and a conflict of interest policy that carry the same charitable purpose and dissolution language as your incorporation documents.
- Apply for federal 501(c)(3) status using Form 1023-EZ or the full Form 1023.
- Apply for Florida sales tax exemption with the Department of Revenue using Form DR-5. Florida has no personal income tax, and 501(c)(3)s generally owe no state corporate income tax, but the sales-tax exemption is a separate application.
- Register to solicit donations with FDACS. Florida requires a Solicitation of Contributions registration with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services before you fundraise, renewed annually. Organizations raising under $25,000 that use no paid solicitors may qualify for reduced requirements.
Florida fees and timelines
Florida's incorporation cost is $70, and the annual report is $61.25 to keep your corporation in good standing. Add the federal IRS user fee ($275 for the 1023-EZ or $600 for the full Form 1023) and any charity-registration fees. Because state fees and forms change, confirm current amounts with Sunbiz, the Department of Revenue, and FDACS before filing.
A note on accuracy
State requirements and fees change over time. Use this as a roadmap, then verify current forms and amounts with Florida's official agencies, or let us confirm them with you on a free call.
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Explore 501(c)(3) Filing →The federal step is the same everywhere
Once your Florida corporation exists and you have an EIN, the federal 501(c)(3) application is identical to any other state. Most small nonprofits file the 1023-EZ; see our 1023 vs 1023-EZ guide to confirm which fits. For the complete national process, read our step-by-step guide to starting a nonprofit, and our cost breakdown for every fee.
Starting a nonprofit in another state?
The federal steps are the same in all 50 states; only the state incorporation, tax exemption, and charitable registration details differ. See our guides for New York, Georgia, Ohio, or browse all our guides. Not sure where to start? Book a free call and we will map the exact steps and current fees for your state.