Florida Certificate of Authority

What is a Florida certificate of authority?

Companies are required to register with the Florida Department of State before doing business in Florida. Businesses that are incorporated in another state will typically apply for a Florida certificate of authority. Doing so registers the business as a foreign entity and eliminates the need to incorporate a new entity.

Operating without a certificate of authority may result in penalties or fines. In addition to the state’s requirements, licensing agencies, banks, and vendors will often request a certificate of authority.

When do I need a certificate of authority?

The most common reasons for applying for a certificate of authority include:

• Opening an office or physical location within the foreign state
• Hiring an employee who resides within the state
• Before beginning a contract or a job in a new state
• A vendor or bank’s requirements
• Licensing authority requirements

How do I get a Florida certificate of authority?

To obtain your Florida Certificate of Authority, you will submit an Application for Certificate of Authority, along with required certificates or certified copies from your home state. You will need to appoint a registered agent in order for your filing to be approved. Be sure to follow the state’s instructions carefully, as they can reject a document for the smallest error.

For Foreign Corporations:

Agency:	Florida Department of State - Division of Corporations
Form:	Profit Qualification
Agency Fee:	$70
Law:	FL Stat § 607.1501
Certified Copy Requirement:	Certified copies not required.
Certificate of Good Standing Requirement:	Certificate of existence dated within 90 days. Must submit original copy.

For Foreign Limited Liability Companies:

Agency:	Florida Department of State - Division of Corporations
Form:	Qualification of Foreign LLC
Agency Fee:	$125
Law:	FL Stat § 605.0902
Certified Copy Requirement:	Certified copies not required.
Certificate of Good Standing Requirement:	Certificate of existence dated within 90 days. Must submit original copy.

For Foreign Nonprofit Corporations:

Agency:	Florida Department of State - Division of Corporations
Form:	Non-Profit Qualification
Agency Fee:	$70
Law:	FL Stat § 617.1501
Certified Copy Requirement:	Certified copies not required.
Certificate of Good Standing Requirement:	Certificate of existence dated within 90 days. Must submit original copy.

For Foreign Limited Partnerships:

Agency:	Florida Department of State - Division of Corporations
Form:	Application by Foreign Limited Partnership
Agency Fee:	$1,000
Law:	FL Stat § 620.1902
Certified Copy Requirement:	Certified copies not required.
Certificate of Good Standing Requirement:	Certificate of existence dated within 90 days. Must submit original copy.

For Foreign Limited Liability Limited Partnerships:

Agency:	Florida Department of State - Division of Corporations
Form:	Application by Foreign Limited Partnership
Agency Fee:	$1,000
Law:	FL Stat § 620.1902
Certified Copy Requirement:	Certified copies not required.
Certificate of Good Standing Requirement:	Certificate of existence dated within 90 days. Must submit original copy.

What do I need from my home state?

In order to obtain a Florida Certificate of Authority, you must also submit:

• Limited Liability Company: Certificate of existence dated within 90 days. Must submit original copy.
• Corporation: Certificate of existence dated within 90 days. Must submit original copy.
• Nonprofit Corporation: Certificate of existence dated within 90 days. Must submit original copy.

What is a registered agent?

A registered agent receives service of process and government notices on behalf of your business. When you prepare your Florida Certificate of Authority application, you must list a registered agent with a physical address within the state (P.O. Boxes are not allowed).

Many businesses do not have an individual or physical address in a new state. Listing our local registered agent address on your certificate of authority application meets the state’s requirements. Additionally, you get same day document scanning from our local office in all 50 states and DC. Our registered agent service is a flat rate of $99 per year, and you can easily add our service to any certificate of authority order.

What is the contact information for the state?

Florida Department of State - Division of Corporations

Physical Address:
Clifton Building, 2661 Executive Center Circle
Tallahassee, FL 32301


Mailing Address:
Corporate Filings, P.O. Box 6327
Tallahassee, FL 32314

Phone: 850-245-6052

Website: http://www.sunbiz.org/index.html
Name Search: http://search.sunbiz.org/Inquiry/CorporationSearch/ByName
Forms: http://www.sunbiz.org/downloads.html
Online Filing: https://efile.sunbiz.org/onlmenu.html
Email: corphelp@dos.state.fl.us