Can I Start an LLC While on a Visa in Florida?

Yes. Florida law permits foreign nationals and visa holders to form LLCs without citizenship or residency requirements under Fla. Stat. § 605.0201. File Articles of Organization with the Florida Division of Corporations, designate a Florida registered agent, and pay the $125 filing fee. Your visa status does not restrict LLC formation eligibility.

No Citizenship or Residency Requirement

Florida's LLC statute contains no citizenship, residency, or visa-status restrictions on organizers or members. Fla. Stat. § 605.0201 explicitly permits foreign owners to form LLCs. An authorized representative—including you—may sign and file the Articles of Organization on behalf of the LLC.

What You Need:

LLC name with "LLC," "L.L.C.," or "Limited Liability Company" designator (Fla. Stat. § 605.0112)
Florida street address for your registered agent (Fla. Stat. § 605.0213)
$125 filing fee
Completed Articles of Organization

Formation Process

File your Articles of Organization online at https://dos.fl.gov/sunbiz/start-business/efile/fl-llc/ for faster processing. Include your LLC name, principal office address, registered agent name, and written agent acceptance. Your registered agent must have a physical Florida street address—this can be a registered agent service, attorney, or Florida resident.

You do not need to be physically present in Florida or a member of the LLC to form it. An authorized representative can file on your behalf.

Critical Visa Compliance Step

While Florida permits LLC formation, federal immigration law is separate. Some visa categories restrict business ownership or self-employment. An H-1B visa may prohibit operating your own business; an F-1 student visa typically restricts off-campus employment; an L-1 visa may have specific limitations.

Consult an immigration attorney before conducting business to confirm your visa permits LLC ownership and operation. Formation is legally permissible, but operating the business may violate your visa terms.

Next Steps

Verify visa compliance with an immigration attorney
Search available names at https://search.sunbiz.org/Inquiry/CorporationSearch/ByName
Appoint a Florida registered agent
File Articles of Organization online
Obtain an EIN from the IRS for tax purposes

Contact: Florida Division of Corporations, (850) 245-6052 or https://dos.fl.gov/sunbiz/

This is general information, not legal advice.