Professional License Requirements in Florida (2026)
What Is a Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC)?
A Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC) is a business structure designed specifically for licensed professionals in Florida. Under Fla. Stat. ch. 621, you can organize a PLLC to render professional services while maintaining liability protection. Only individuals, professional corporations, or other PLLCs that are duly licensed or legally authorized to provide the same specific professional services may own membership interests in a PLLC.
The PLLC structure combines the liability protections of an LLC with the regulatory requirements governing licensed professions. Your PLLC must include "professional limited liability company," the abbreviation "P.L.L.C.," or the designation "PLLC" in its legal name, as required by Fla. Stat. § 621(2)(3). This naming requirement distinguishes your professional entity from a standard LLC and signals to clients and regulators that your business is organized to provide licensed professional services.
Unlike a standard LLC, a PLLC cannot engage in any business other than rendering the professional services for which it was specifically organized. However, Fla. Stat. § 621 permits your PLLC to invest its funds in real estate, mortgages, stocks, bonds, and other investments, or own real or personal property necessary for rendering professional services.
Eligible Professions for PLLC Formation in Florida
Florida law authorizes PLLCs for a defined list of licensed professions. According to Fla. Stat. ch. 621, eligible professions include attorneys, Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), architects, engineers, physicians, dentists, veterinarians, chiropractors, podiatrists, and life insurance agents. The statute also permits "other licensed professions authorized by Florida law," meaning additional professions may qualify if they are regulated under Florida statutes.
If you practice a profession not explicitly listed, you must verify that Florida law requires licensure for your field and that the licensing statute authorizes PLLC formation. The Florida Department of State's Division of Corporations can confirm whether your profession qualifies. Professions regulated under chapters 455 through 499 of the Florida Statutes—which govern most regulated professions—typically qualify for PLLC status.
Your PLLC can only render the specific professional services for which it was organized. If you hold licenses in multiple related disciplines (such as both medicine and surgery), your PLLC articles of organization must specify which services it will provide. You cannot use a single PLLC to provide unrelated professional services.
Membership Requirements and Restrictions
Under Fla. Stat. § 621, only individuals, professional corporations, or other professional limited liability companies that are duly licensed or legally authorized to render the same specific professional services may become members of your PLLC. This restriction ensures that all owners actively participate in the profession and maintain the required licenses.
You cannot admit a person as a member unless they hold the same professional license as your PLLC or are themselves a professional corporation or PLLC authorized to provide those services. For example, if you organize a PLLC to provide architectural services, all members must be licensed architects in Florida or entities authorized to provide architectural services.
Members of a PLLC organized under Fla. Stat. ch. 621 cannot enter into any agreement vesting another person with authority to exercise voting power in the company. This prohibition prevents non-licensed individuals from controlling professional decisions, even indirectly through voting trusts or similar arrangements.
If a member becomes legally disqualified to render professional services—such as through license suspension or revocation—that member must sever all employment and financial interests in the PLLC immediately. Fla. Stat. § 621 makes the PLLC's failure to enforce this requirement grounds for judicial dissolution. When the Department of State becomes aware of such violations, it certifies the matter to the Department of Legal Affairs for dissolution proceedings.
Liability Protection and Professional Responsibility
Florida law provides limited liability protection for PLLC members and managers, but with important exceptions for professional negligence. Under Fla. Stat. § 621, officers, agents, members, managers, and employees are personally liable for their own negligent or wrongful acts or misconduct committed while rendering professional services. You are also personally liable for negligent or wrongful acts of any person under your direct supervision and control.
The PLLC itself remains liable up to the full value of its property for any negligent or wrongful acts or misconduct committed by its officers, agents, members, managers, or employees while engaged in rendering professional services. This means clients can pursue claims against both the individual professional and the PLLC entity.
However, the personal liability of PLLC members in their capacity as members is no greater than that of a member-employee of a standard LLC organized under Fla. Stat. ch. 605. This means you receive protection from liability for acts of other members or employees that do not fall under your direct supervision or control, and you are not personally liable for the entity's debts or obligations unrelated to professional negligence.
Fla. Stat. § 621 explicitly preserves all professional relationship laws, liability standards, and professional conduct rules applicable to your profession. Your PLLC structure does not modify or limit the professional standards, ethical obligations, or malpractice liability rules established by your licensing board.
PLLC vs. Standard LLC for Licensed Professionals
While you may be tempted to organize as a standard LLC under Fla. Stat. ch. 605, Florida law imposes significant restrictions on unlicensed ownership of professional service entities. A standard LLC cannot legally provide professional services unless all members are properly licensed in the relevant profession.
The key advantage of a PLLC over a standard LLC is clarity and compliance. A PLLC's name and structure signal to clients, regulators, and courts that your business is organized specifically to provide licensed professional services. This transparency reduces regulatory risk and demonstrates compliance with professional licensing requirements.
If you organize as a standard LLC and later admit a non-licensed member or investor, you violate Florida law and expose your business to dissolution. The PLLC structure prevents this risk by legally restricting membership to licensed professionals from the outset.
Standard LLCs do offer one potential advantage: they may be used for ancillary business activities related to your profession, such as owning real estate or managing investments. However, Fla. Stat. § 621 permits PLLCs to own real estate and investments necessary for rendering professional services, so this distinction is minimal in practice.
Licensing Authorities and Regulatory Agencies
Professional licensing in Florida is administered by multiple state agencies depending on your profession. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) regulates most professions, including architects, engineers, physicians, dentists, veterinarians, chiropractors, podiatrists, and many others. The Florida Department of Revenue administers sales tax certificates and business tax receipts. Local county and city licensing offices issue local business tax receipts and permits.
For attorneys, the Florida Supreme Court's Bar Counsel regulates admission and discipline. The Florida Board of Accountancy oversees CPAs. Each profession has its own licensing board within DBPR or under the Supreme Court's authority, with specific requirements for initial licensure, renewal, and continuing education.
You can verify your profession's licensing requirements and regulatory agency through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation's website at https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/. This portal provides access to licensing boards, application procedures, and renewal deadlines for most regulated professions in Florida.
When organizing your PLLC, you must identify which licensing board governs your profession. Your articles of organization should specify the professional services you will provide, and you should notify your licensing board of your PLLC's formation if required by your profession's rules.
Common Professions Requiring PLLC Formation
Attorneys and Law Firms
Florida attorneys must organize as PLLCs or professional corporations under Fla. Stat. ch. 621 if they wish to practice through a business entity. The Florida Supreme Court's Rules Regulating The Florida Bar govern attorney conduct and PLLC requirements for law firms. Your PLLC name must include the required professional designation, and all members must hold active Florida law licenses.
Certified Public Accountants
CPAs in Florida must be licensed by the Florida Board of Accountancy. If you organize a PLLC to provide accounting services, all members must be licensed CPAs or other entities authorized to provide accounting services in Florida. Your PLLC cannot provide non-accounting services through the same entity.
Architects and Engineers
Licensed architects and professional engineers in Florida are regulated by the Florida Board of Architecture and Design and the Florida Board of Professional Engineers, respectively. Both professions commonly organize as PLLCs to provide design and engineering services. Each member must maintain current licensure with the appropriate board.
Physicians and Dentists
Medical doctors and dentists are regulated by the Florida Board of Medicine and the Florida Board of Dentistry. Many medical and dental practices organize as PLLCs to provide patient care services while protecting personal assets from malpractice liability. Your PLLC structure does not reduce professional liability exposure—it only limits liability for acts outside your direct control.
Veterinarians
Licensed veterinarians in Florida are regulated by the Florida Board of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary practices frequently organize as PLLCs to provide animal medical services. All members must hold active veterinary licenses in Florida.
Chiropractors and Podiatrists
Chiropractors are regulated by the Florida Board of Chiropractic Medicine, and podiatrists by the Florida Board of Podiatric Medicine. Both professions may organize as PLLCs to provide patient care services. Your PLLC must specify whether it will provide chiropractic or podiatric services exclusively.
Life Insurance Agents
Licensed life insurance agents in Florida may organize as PLLCs if authorized by the Florida Department of Financial Services and the applicable insurance licensing rules. All members must hold active life insurance licenses.
PLLC Formation and Filing Process
To form a PLLC in Florida, you must file Articles of Organization with the Florida Division of Corporations. The Division of Corporations is located at P.O. Box 6327, Tallahassee, FL 32314 (courier address: 2661 Executive Center Circle, Tallahassee, FL 32301). You can file online at https://dos.fl.gov/sunbiz/start-business/efile/fl-llc/ or contact the Division at (850) 245-6052.
Your Articles of Organization must include your PLLC's name with the required designation (P.L.L.C., PLLC, "professional limited liability company," or "professional limited company"), the names and addresses of all members, the registered agent and registered office, and the specific professional services your PLLC will provide. Fla. Stat. § 621 requires that your articles specify which professional services you will render.
You must also designate a registered agent and registered office in Florida. Under Fla. Stat. § 607(1)(a), your PLLC must maintain a registered office and registered agent if it owns real property in Florida, owns a mortgage on Florida real property, or transacts business in Florida. Failure to maintain a registered agent and office subjects your PLLC to a $500 annual liability, though this liability is forgiven upon compliance.
After filing your Articles of Organization, you should obtain a sales tax certificate from the Florida Department of Revenue if you will be selling taxable goods or services. You may also need to obtain a local business tax receipt from your county or city, depending on your location and profession.
Continuing Education and License Renewal
Florida requires licensed professionals to complete continuing education (CE) to maintain their licenses. The specific CE requirements vary by profession and are set by each licensing board. You must renew your professional license on the schedule established by your licensing board—typically every one to three years—and provide proof of completed CE hours.
Your PLLC's ability to operate depends on the active licenses of its members. If you fail to renew your professional license or complete required CE, you cannot legally practice your profession through the PLLC, and you must sever your membership interest immediately. Fla. Stat. § 621 makes this requirement mandatory.
Many licensing boards allow CE to be completed online, through live seminars, or through approved providers. You should verify your profession's specific CE requirements, approved providers, and renewal deadlines with your licensing board. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation's website provides CE information for most professions.
Some professions impose additional requirements beyond CE, such as malpractice insurance, background checks, or periodic examinations. You must comply with all requirements established by your licensing board to maintain your license and your PLLC's legal status.
Multi-State Practice and Professional Licensing
If you practice your profession in multiple states, you must comply with the licensing requirements of each state where you provide services. Florida does not automatically recognize licenses issued by other states, and most professions require separate licensure in each state.
Some professions, such as law and accounting, permit limited multi-state practice under reciprocity agreements or uniform licensing standards. For example, attorneys licensed in one state may be able to practice in Florida under certain conditions, and CPAs may be able to provide services across state lines under AICPA standards. However, you must verify the specific rules for your profession.
If you organize a PLLC in Florida but practice in other states, you may need to register your PLLC as a foreign limited liability company in those states. Each state has its own filing requirements and fees for foreign entities. You should consult with an attorney licensed in each state where you practice to understand your multi-state compliance obligations.
Your PLLC's articles of organization and operating agreement should address multi-state practice if applicable. You may need to designate registered agents in other states, maintain separate bank accounts, and comply with each state's professional conduct rules and liability insurance requirements.
Operating Agreement and Governance
While Florida law does not require a written operating agreement for PLLCs, you should adopt one to establish clear governance rules, member rights and responsibilities, and procedures for admitting new members or handling member departures. Your operating agreement should address how professional decisions are made, how profits and losses are allocated, and what happens if a member loses their professional license.
Your operating agreement must comply with Fla. Stat. ch. 605 (the Florida Revised Limited Liability Company Act) and Fla. Stat. ch. 621 (professional service entity requirements). It cannot authorize non-licensed individuals to exercise voting power or control professional decisions, and it cannot permit members to transfer their membership interests to non-licensed individuals.
You should also establish procedures for handling member departures, including what happens to a departing member's ownership interest and how the PLLC will continue operations. If a member becomes disqualified from practicing their profession, your operating agreement should specify how quickly they must sever their interest and what compensation, if any, they will receive.
Your operating agreement should address liability allocation, insurance requirements, and indemnification provisions. While Fla. Stat. § 621 limits your ability to eliminate personal liability for professional negligence, your operating agreement can allocate liability among members for other matters and establish insurance requirements.
Registered Agent and Office Requirements
Florida requires your PLLC to maintain a registered agent and registered office if you own real property in Florida, own a mortgage on Florida real property, or transact business in Florida. Most professional service PLLCs will meet at least one of these criteria and must therefore maintain a registered agent and office.
Your registered agent must be an individual resident of Florida, a domestic business entity, or a foreign business entity authorized to do business in Florida. The registered agent's address becomes your PLLC's registered office. You can serve as your own registered agent if you are a Florida resident, or you can hire a registered agent service.
The registered agent must accept the appointment and acknowledge the obligations imposed by Fla. Stat. § 607(1)(a). The registered agent's primary responsibility is to receive service of process and other legal documents on behalf of your PLLC. Failure to maintain a registered agent and office subjects your PLLC to a $500 annual liability and may prevent you from defending against legal actions.
You can change your registered agent or office by filing an amended Articles of Organization or a separate notice with the Florida Division of Corporations. You should update your registered agent information promptly if you change agents or offices to ensure you receive important legal documents.
Professional Conduct Rules and Ethical Obligations
Your PLLC does not modify or limit the professional conduct rules, ethical obligations, or disciplinary procedures established by your licensing board. Fla. Stat. § 621 explicitly preserves all professional relationship laws and standards for professional conduct applicable to your profession.
If you violate your profession's ethical rules or conduct standards, you may face discipline from your licensing board, including license suspension or revocation. Such discipline applies to you personally and may require you to sever your membership in your PLLC immediately.
Your PLLC should adopt policies and procedures to ensure compliance with your profession's ethical rules. This may include conflict-of-interest policies, client confidentiality procedures, fee agreements, and record-keeping requirements. Your licensing board may provide guidance on required policies and procedures.
You should also maintain professional liability insurance as required or recommended by your profession. Many licensing boards require or strongly recommend malpractice insurance, and your PLLC's operating agreement may require members to maintain specified insurance coverage.
Dissolution and Disqualification
Your PLLC may be dissolved by judicial order if you fail to comply with professional licensing requirements. Fla. Stat. § 621 provides that a PLLC's failure to require a disqualified member to sever their interest constitutes grounds for judicial dissolution.
If the Florida Department of State becomes aware that your PLLC has failed to comply with professional licensing requirements, it will certify the matter to the Department of Legal Affairs for appropriate dissolution proceedings. The Department of Legal Affairs may file an action in circuit court to dissolve your PLLC.
You can voluntarily dissolve your PLLC by filing a Certificate