How Do I Get a Certificate of Good Standing in Florida?
Request a certificate of good standing from the Florida Division of Corporations by calling (850) 245-6052 or visiting https://dos.fl.gov/sunbiz/. Your LLC must be current on annual reports (filed between January 1 and May 1 each year), all filing fees ($138.75 annually), and have no administrative dissolution. The Division verifies your compliance status and issues the certificate within several business days.
Eligibility Requirements
Your Florida LLC qualifies for a certificate of good standing only if it meets all four conditions under Fla. Stat. § 605.0101 et seq.:
- Articles of Organization are filed and accepted
- Annual reports are current (filed between January 1 and May 1)
- All filing fees and penalties are paid in full
- Your business has not been administratively dissolved
Missing the May 1 annual report deadline triggers a $400 late fee. If your report remains unfiled by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the third Friday in September, the Division administratively dissolves your LLC on the fourth Friday in September (Fla. Stat. § 605.0701).
How to Request the Certificate
Contact the Florida Division of Corporations through these methods:
Phone: (850) 245-6052
Online: https://dos.fl.gov/sunbiz/ (search your business and request the certificate directly)
Mail: P.O. Box 6327, Tallahassee, FL 32314
Provide your LLC's name or Florida registration number. The Division will verify your compliance status and issue the certificate. Processing typically takes several business days; online requests are faster than mail requests.
Cost and Reinstatement
The Division charges a fee for certificate issuance (amount varies by request type). If your LLC was administratively dissolved, you must file a reinstatement application, submit your current annual report, and pay all delinquent fees plus a $100 reinstatement fee before requesting a certificate of good standing.
Important Notes
A certificate of good standing confirms your LLC's legal existence and state compliance only—it does not verify federal tax status with the IRS or compliance with the Florida Department of Revenue. Banks, lenders, and business partners frequently require this certificate before extending credit or entering contracts.
This is general information, not legal advice.