Florida Foreign Qualification

Foreign Qualification refers to the corporate filings of out-of-state corporations or LLCs that enable the company to do business in that particular state. Considering the fact that a large percentage of businesses formed in states with business-friendly laws never do business in their state of incorporation, the need for Foreign Qualification applies to many businesses formed in states such as Florida.

Companies That Need Florida Foreign Qualification

Out of State Company Wanting to Do Business in Florida:

If you have a corporation or LLC that is incorporated in a state other than Florida and you plan to transact business in Florida, you are required to file a Certificate of Authority. We can prepare and file the Certificate of Authority for a $189 processing fee, $90 agent fee, and $125 LLC State fee (or $70 Corporation State fee). (Note: Florida requires a Certificate of Good Standing from your State of Incorporation to process this filing).

Florida Company Wanting to Do Business Outside of Florida:

Most Florida Corporations and LLCs do business outside of Florida.

If you use a Florida business entity to operate in another state, the state where you operate your business is required to file a Certificate of Authority to transact business as a foreign (out-of-state) corporation or LLC. This is especially true when the business has employees or owns real estate outside of Florida.

States vary on their requirements to file a Certificate of Authority. We would be glad to provide a Florida Good Standing Certificate (which most states require) or Certified Copy (required by AL, AZ, IA, IL, MD, VA) of the Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Organization for your business.