Yes. A non-US resident can form an LLC in Florida, and the state doesn’t care about your citizenship or where you live. You don’t need a visa, a Social Security Number or a trip to the US to file. What you do need is a registered agent with a Florida street address, and later an EIN and a bank account, which is where most of the real work is.
The short version
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can foreigners form a Florida LLC? | Yes |
| US residency required? | No |
| US citizenship required? | No |
| Physical presence required? | No |
| Social Security Number required? | No (ITIN acceptable) |
| US bank account required? | Recommended but alternatives exist |
Why do international founders pick Florida?
No personal income tax, no citizenship rules for owners, and Eastern Time, which overlaps with Europe and Latin America. Here’s how it compares with the other states non-residents usually consider:
| State | State Income Tax | Formation Cost | Annual Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | None | $125 | $138.75 |
| Wyoming | None | $100 | $60 minimum |
| Delaware | 8.7% | $90 | $300 |
| Nevada | None | $425 | $350 |
Wyoming is cheaper to keep running. Florida makes more sense if you’ll actually do business in Florida or want a Florida address on your paperwork.
What does a non-US resident LLC in Florida need?
A valid passport, a registered agent with a physical Florida address, and a mailing address (your registered agent’s can work). An ITIN or EIN comes later, for taxes. That’s the whole list.
Who can be your registered agent?
You can appoint a Florida resident or an authorized business, but they have to be available during business hours for as long as the LLC exists. That’s a lot to ask of a friend. A professional registered agent service runs $49 to $200 a year, gives you the Florida address, and forwards legal documents to you abroad. We’d use a service. It’s more reliable, and it keeps your personal details off one more public filing.
How do you form the LLC from abroad?
- Pick a name. It must include “LLC” or “Limited Liability Company,” be distinguishable from existing Florida businesses, and can’t suggest a government connection. Check availability with the business name search on Sunbiz.org.
- Appoint a registered agent. IncCraft’s service, another professional service, or a US-based individual willing to serve.
- File Articles of Organization online at Sunbiz.org. You’ll give the LLC name, principal address (it can be international), mailing address, registered agent name and Florida address, and manager or member names and addresses. The filing fee is $125, and processing takes 2-3 business days.
- Write an operating agreement. Banks will ask for it. If you’re running the business from another country, spell out who has management authority, how decisions get made remotely, how banking and currency are handled, and how profits are paid out.
- Get an EIN. This is your LLC’s tax ID, and you can get one without an SSN.
- Open a US bank account. Usually the hardest part.
How do you get an EIN without an SSN?
If you have an SSN or ITIN, apply online at IRS.gov and you’ll get the EIN immediately.
Without one, you’ll complete Form SS-4 and either fax it to the IRS at (855) 641-6935 or call the IRS at (267) 941-1099. Expect 2-4 weeks if it goes by fax or mail. Some formation services handle the application for non-residents, typically for $50 to $200.
Where can you open a bank account?
Most traditional US banks still want you in the branch. Online options are friendlier.
| Method | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visit US in person | Moderate | Most banks require in-person account opening |
| Mercury Bank | Easier | Online bank that accepts some non-residents |
| Relay | Easier | Business banking platform |
| Payoneer | Easy | Not a traditional bank but provides US account details |
| Wise Business | Easy | Multi-currency account with US details |
Have these ready: your EIN, Articles of Organization, operating agreement, passport, and proof of your home-country address. Some banks will still insist on an in-person visit.
We’d start with Wise or Payoneer for basic needs, apply to Mercury or Relay, and open a traditional account on your next US trip if you want one.
What US taxes will you owe?
It depends on where the money comes from. US-sourced income is subject to US tax, may require US returns, and may face withholding. If the LLC earns only non-US income, it’s generally not subject to US income tax, but it still has informational returns to file.
| Form | Purpose | When Required |
|---|---|---|
| 1040-NR | Non-resident income tax return | If US-sourced income |
| 5472 | Foreign-owned LLC report | Annual requirement |
| FBAR | Foreign bank account report | If the LLC’s non-US accounts exceed the threshold |
Don’t skip Form 5472. A foreign-owned LLC with no US income can easily assume it has nothing to file, but the 5472 is still an annual requirement.
Many countries have tax treaties with the US that reduce double taxation or change withholding rates. Hire a US tax professional who works with non-residents and knows your country’s treaty, rather than relying on your home-country accountant alone.
Florida itself has no state income tax. If you do business in other states, though, those states may tax you, and you’ll owe Florida sales tax if you sell taxable goods in Florida.
Running the LLC from another country
Your registered agent receives legal documents, but someone still has to act on them. For anything time-sensitive, a US-based manager, bookkeeper or virtual assistant helps. Digital signature tools (DocuSign, HelloSign) and a virtual mailbox that scans your mail cover most of the rest, and multi-currency accounts with scheduled transfers soften the cost of wires and currency conversion.
Every year you’ll have:
- The Florida annual report (due May 1, $138.75)
- IRS Form 5472, if the LLC is foreign-owned
- Any income tax returns that apply
A compliance service keeps those from slipping while you’re eight time zones away.
What shows up on the public record?
Florida’s public record for your LLC shows its name, principal address, registered agent name and address, and manager or member names and addresses.
If you don’t want your home address published, you can ask whether your registered agent’s address can be used as your principal address. Your name will still appear, because Florida requires member or manager names on file. Wyoming and New Mexico offer more anonymity (New Mexico doesn’t require member disclosure), but you’ll still report ownership to the IRS either way.
Do you need a visa?
Not to form or own the LLC. To physically work for it in the US, you’ll need appropriate visa status, such as an E-2 or L-1. Forming a US LLC gives you no immigration benefit and no right to work here.
What will it cost?
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Florida LLC formation | $125 |
| Registered agent (annual) | $49-$200 |
| EIN assistance (if needed) | $50-$200 |
| Operating agreement | $0-$200 |
| US bank account | Usually free |
| Tax preparation | $500-$2,000+ |
After the first year, the minimum is the $138.75 annual report plus your registered agent fee, roughly $200 to $350 a year. Professional tax help is on top of that.
Frequently asked questions
Can my LLC hire US employees?
Yes, but that brings extra tax and compliance work. Your LLC must register for employment taxes and follow US labor laws.
Will I owe US taxes on all my income?
Not necessarily. Typically only US-sourced income is taxable. Foreign-sourced income of non-resident owners is generally not subject to US income tax, and tax treaties may also apply.
Can I use my foreign address for the LLC?
Yes, as the principal address. You still need a registered agent with a Florida address.
Start your Florida LLC
IncCraft helps international founders form Florida LLCs, with registered agent service, EIN help for non-residents, and ongoing compliance support. No US presence required.
Form your Florida LLC with IncCraft today.