A corporation is a company or group of people authorized to act as a single entity (legally a person) and recognized as such in law.
A nonprofit corporation is a corporation formed to carry out a charitable, educational, religious, literary, or scientific purpose.
A nonprofit corporation doesn't pay federal or state income taxes on profits it makes from activities in which it engages to carry out its objectives.
This filing service is for the formation of a Florida Non Profit Corporation pursuant to s. 617.0202, Florida Statutes and provides the minimum requirements to form a non profit corporation.
Carefully review the information your enter before submitting it for filing. Your application will be created from the INFORMATION YOU ENTER. If you make a mistake and fail to correct any error prior to placing your order, you will be required to file an amendment. Print the page containing your invoice number and save it for your corporate records.
Important: The service provided for articles of incorporation is basic and is the minimum requirements necessary to form a non profit corporation. Each non profit corporation is a separate entity and, as such, has specific goals, needs, and requirements. We recommend that all documents be reviewed by legal counsel. We are a filing office only and do not render any legal, accounting, or tax advice. The professional advice of an attorney to ascertain exact compliance with all statutory requirements is strongly recommended.
You must enter a valid email address. Your service information and any certification will be sent to the email you provide. If you enter your email address incorrectly, you will unable to receive important information regarding your service. If you're using a SPAM filter, messages may be placed inside a JUNK mail folder by the filter. If you order the Certificate of Status Service or the Certified Copy Service or both, you will receive attachments or links to secure pages in the email response. DO NOT delete those important emails by mistake, add them to your corporate records.
Every non profit corporation is required to file an annual report each year to maintain "ACTIVE" status in the State of Florida. If the non profit corporation fails to file its annual report, it will be administratively dissolved or its authority to transact business will be revoked. The first annual report is due January 1st of the calendar year following the year of formation. If a non profit corporation is created late in the calendar year and it doesn't expect to commence business until after January 1st of the next calendar year, it can add an effective date.
If the effective date is in the next calendar year it will delay the requirement to file an annual report until the following year. As an example, if a non profit corporation is formed on November 1, 2015 and enters an effective date in its articles of January 1, 2016, the first annual report will not be due until January 1, 2017. In the same example, if the effective date is not entered, the first annual report will be due January 1, 2016.
Bylaws of a non profit corporation are not filed with the Florida Department of State.
It is the responsibility of the non profit corporation to secure corporate seals, minute books and stock certificates once the non profit corporation has been filed with the State of Florida.
If you intend to apply for IRS federal tax exemption as a charitable organization, your articles of incorporation must contain a required purposed clause and a dissolution of assets provision. An example is shown on form.
Chapter 496, F.S., requires charitable organizations or sponsors intending to solicit contributions from the public in the State of Florida to register annually with the Division of Consumer Services. They may be reached at (850) 488-2221 or 1-800-435-7352 for more information.
Preliminary name searches and name reservations are no longer available from the State of Florida. You are responsible for any name infringement that may result from your corporate name selection.
A name should not be used or assumed approved until confirmation is received from the State of Florida.
Florida Filing Solutions Co.™
LEARN MORE
- What is a Non Profit Corporation?
A corporation is a group of people authorized to act as a single entity (legally a person) and recognized as such in law.
A non profit corporation is a corporation formed to carry out a charitable, educational, religious, literary, or scientific purpose.
A non profit corporation doesn't pay federal or state income taxes on profits it makes from activities in which it engages to carry out its objectives.
Grants and Financial Assistance
The following grants and financial assistance are offered to non profit organizations:
Cost-Principles for Nonprofit Organizations (See the Circular from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) that establishes principles for determining costs of grants, contracts and other agreements with nonprofit organizations.)
Federal Grants (Find a comprehensive database of federal grant opportunities.)
This tax information will help you get your non profit registered by providing you with the forms you will need to fill out based on the relevance to your business:
Tax-Exempt Status of Your Organization (Discusses the rules and procedures for organizations that seek recognition of exemption from federal income tax under section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code.)
Government Sales and Surplus
A great way to save on start-up costs is by purchasing surplus goods from the government. Just about anything you can think of that your business might need is sold by the government at or below cost or fair market value, from computers and cars to gently used medical equipment. These resources can help you find what you need:
Federal Real Property for Nonprofits (Provides eligible public institutions and nonprofit organizations with information to acquire surplus property that the federal government no longer needs.)
GovSales (Offers a catalog of surplus items and real estate for sale by the federal government. Find what you need for your small business in one place, such as cars, commercial real estate, furniture, computers and office equipment.)
Programs and Services
Below are programs that were designed to assist non profit corporations:
Department of Labor Resources for Nonprofits (Gives a shortcut to information and services the U.S. Department of Labor offers to nonprofits and nongovernmental organizations.)
In order to form a non profit corporation in the State of Florida, simply fill out the form below, and Florida Filing Solutions Co.™ will review, prepare and file your business' documents with the Florida Department of State (Sunbiz).
check additional services
Expedited Service
+ $ 50.00
Federal Tax ID
+ $ 50.00
Registered Agent
+$125.00/year
Certified Copy
+ $ 55.00
Certif. of Status
+ $ 55.00
Total Cost:
$
After completing, reviewing and submitting the form below, you will be redirected to our secure payment page containing your invoice number. Please print that page for your records.
In case you choose any additional service(s) you may be redirected to another form, and then to our secure payment page and invoice number.
Payment can be made by check, money order, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Novus, Diners Club, JCB and derivatives of those brands.
Please keep in mind that payment information must be provided and payment approved before your order is processed.
Expedited Service orders are usually completed in 1 to 5 business days, while regular services are usually completed in 5 to 10 business days, once all your materials are submitted to us and payment has been received.
Corporate Name
Fields in red must be entered.
First Choice
Second Choice
Third Choice
The name of the corporation must be distinguishable from all other entities or filings (except fictitious names) organized or registered and on file with the Department of State. The corporate name must include a corporate suffix such as "Corporation", "Incorporated", "Corp.", or "Inc.". A non profit corporate name cannot contain the suffix "Company" or "Co.".
Final name approval is determined by the Department of State. A name should not be used or assumed approved until acknowledgement is received from the Department of State.
Name reservations are no longer available from the State of Florida. You are responsible for any name infringement that may result from your name selection.
The State of Florida will register your articles if statutory filing requirements are met, therefore orders CAN NOT be cancelled or refunded.
Contact Information
Fields in red must be entered.
Contact Name
Contact Email
Your confirmation email, any certification requests, and all future notices will be sent to the email address above.
Contact Phone
Contact Fax
Preferred Method of Contact
Email
Phone
Fax
Payment Method
Credit Card
Debit Card
Check
Business Address
Fields in red must be entered.
The principal place of business. Cannot be a P.O. box.
Address
Suite, Apt., etc.
City
State
Zip
Country
Mailing Address
Fields in red must be entered.
Check here if same as Business Address above.
Address
Suite, Apt., etc.
City
State
Zip
Country
Business Purpose
Fields in red must be entered.
A Non Profit Corporation is required to list a specific purpose (example: church ministry, community outreach, homeowners association, Masonic organization, care of animals, school) in its Articles of Incorporation.
Note: If the non-profit seeks 501(c)(3), F.S. tax exempt status from the IRS, specific language similar to the example below is required to be included in the articles of incorporation. Please check with the IRS prior to filing for appropriate language for your specific situation.
Maximum of 240 characters.
Example: "This corporation is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, educational, literary, and scientific purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the I.R.S. Code or corresponding provision of any future U.S. I.R.S. Law."
check here if you would like to use the example above.
Effective Date
This field is optional.
An effective date can be entered, otherwise the date of receipt will be the file date.
An effective date can not be more than five (5) business days prior to the date of receipt (expedited orders only) or ninety (90) days after the date of filing.
Effective Date
Manner directors are elected
Fields in red must be entered.
You must enter the manner in which the directors are elected or appointed (example: "as stated in the bylaws", "elected at the annual meeting", etc.).
check here if manner will be provided in the bylaws; or
check here if manner will be by majority two-thirds vote;
or list specific manner of election or appointment of directors below:
Maximum of 240 characters.
Manner which directors are elected or appointed:
Registered Agent
Fields in red must be entered.
A registered agent is an individual or business within a state who is designated to accept official and legal correspondence on behalf of a corporation.
The State of Florida requires that every corporation doing business in the state must have a registered agent, as the corporation CANNOT act as it's own registered agent.
The registered agent must be available during business hours and is responsible for making sure that official legal documents are received and forwarded to the corporation in a timely manner.
The registered agent address is the address used by lawyers and the goverment for official legal correspondence. The registered agent address must be a physical, in-state street address, and NO P.O. BOXES are acceptable.
check here if you would like to have us as your business' Registered Agent for only $125 per year service fee.
skip the fields below only if you choose us as your business' Registered Agent.
First Name
Middle
Last Name
Sr,Jr,etc
or Business Name to serve as Registered Agent
Do not enter the business name that you are attempting to file as the Registered Agent. A business entity CANNOT serve as its own Registered Agent.
Address
Suite, Apt., etc.
City
State
Florida
Zip
Country
United States
Registered Agent Signature
The Registered Agent signature MUST be an individual name. If the Registered Agent is a business entity, an individual must sign on the entity's behalf. The new Registered Agent must 'sign' by typing his/her name in the 'Registered Agent Signature' block above accepting the designation as Registered Agent and indicating that he/she is familiar with and accepts the obligations of the position.
Director / Officer Information
Fields in red must be entered.
If you list any directors, you must list a minimum of three directors. If you do not have a minimum of three directors initially, list only officers at this moment, and you may list directors on your first Annual Report filing due in the next calendar year.
You can only list up to six directors/officers online. Officers and directors may be required to open bank accounts or to get IRS exemption. Call your local bank or IRS office for their requirements.
Director/Officer Title
Director
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Director/Officer of Corporation
Individual director/officer names should be listed by first name, middle name or initial, and last name. The middle name is not required. The address must be provided for each director/officer. DO NOT enter names of individuals as directors and/or officers without their knowledge and consent.
First Name
Middle
Last Name
Sr,Jr,etc
OR Business Name
to serve as Officer (cannot be a director)
Leave the field below blank unless a different business entity is an officer of the corporation. An "officer" can be a person or business entity. A "director" cannot be a business entity.
Business Name
Check here if same as Business Address above.
Check here if same as Mailing Address above.
Address
Suite, Apt., etc.
City
State
Zip
Country
check here if you would like
to add more directors/officers.
Director / Officer Information
Fields in red must be entered.
Director/Officer Title
Director
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Director/Officer of Corporation
First Name
Middle
Last Name
Sr,Jr,etc
OR Business Name
to serve as Officer (cannot be a director)
Business Name
Check here if same as Business Address above.
Check here if same as Mailing Address above.
Address
Suite, Apt., etc.
City
State
Zip
Country
check here if you would like
to add more directors/officers.
Director / Officer Information
Fields in red must be entered.
Director/Officer Title
Director
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Director/Officer of Corporation
First Name
Middle
Last Name
Sr,Jr,etc
OR Business Name
to serve as Officer (cannot be a director)
Business Name
Check here if same as Business Address above.
Check here if same as Mailing Address above.
Address
Suite, Apt., etc.
City
State
Zip
Country
check here if you would like
to add more directors/officers.
Director / Officer Information
Fields in red must be entered.
Director/Officer Title
Director
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Director/Officer of Corporation
First Name
Middle
Last Name
Sr,Jr,etc
OR Business Name
to serve as Officer (cannot be a director)
Business Name
Check here if same as Business Address above.
Check here if same as Mailing Address above.
Address
Suite, Apt., etc.
City
State
Zip
Country
check here if you would like
to add more directors/officers.
Director / Officer Information
Fields in red must be entered.
Director/Officer Title
Director
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Director/Officer of Corporation
First Name
Middle
Last Name
Sr,Jr,etc
OR Business Name
to serve as Officer (cannot be a director)
Business Name
Check here if same as Business Address above.
Check here if same as Mailing Address above.
Address
Suite, Apt., etc.
City
State
Zip
Country
check here if you would like
to add more directors/officers.
Director / Officer Information
Fields in red must be entered.
Director/Officer Title
Director
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Director/Officer of Corporation
First Name
Middle
Last Name
Sr,Jr,etc
OR Business Name
to serve as Officer (cannot be a director)
Business Name
Check here if same as Business Address above.
Check here if same as Mailing Address above.
Address
Suite, Apt., etc.
City
State
Zip
Country
Additional Services
These fields are optional.
Expedited Service
+ $ 50.00
Check this option if you need your document to be filed in a rush. Expedited Service orders are usually completed in 1 to 5 business days, while regular services are usually completed in 5 to 10 business days, once all your materials are submitted to us and payment has been received.
Federal Tax ID Service (Also known as FEI, EIN, or TIN.)
+ $ 50.00
The Federal Tax ID (FEI/EIN/TIN) may be required when applying for a license, opening a bank account, etc.
Expedited Federal Tax ID Usually acquired on same day.
+ $ 50.00
Florida Registered Agent Service
+ $ 125.00 / year*
As the registered agent for your business, we will receive and forward important correspondence and accept service of process on behalf of your business.
Certified Copy Service
+ $ 55.00
A certified copy is a copy of the registration certified by the Department of State as a true and correct copy of the registration as filed with the State.
If a certified copy is desired, check the "Certified Copy" box. There is an additional fee for the certified copy. Certified Copies will be sent to the email address shown on record.
Certificate of Status Service
+ $ 55.00
A certificate of status certifies the registration has been filed and is active with the Department of State.
If a certificate of status is desired, check the "Certificate of Status" box. There is an additional fee for the certificate. Certificates of Status will be sent to the email address shown on record.
Officer/Representative Signature
Fields in red must be entered.
Signature of an officer or an authorized representative of an officer.
An officer or an authorized representative of an officer must enter a typed signature in the "Officer Signature" field below. An individual's name must appear in this field. If an officer is a business entity, an individual must "sign" on their behalf. This can be an officer or director of the business entity. By completing the signature field, an officer is certifying that the information contained on the application is true and accurate. The signature shall have the same legal effect as if made under oath.
This signature must be that of the individual "signing" this document electronically or be made with the full knowledge and permission of the individual, otherwise it constitutes forgery under s.831.06, Florida Statutes. The individual "signing" this document affirms that the facts stated herein are true.
Officer Signature
I the undersigned, being an officer or an authorized representative of an officer in the above corporation, certify that the information indicated on this form is true and accurate. I understand that the electronic signature above shall have the same legal effect as if made under oath and I am aware that false information submitted in this application constitutes a third degree felony as provided for in s. 817.155, F.S.
Disclaimer
Terms of Use
By checking this box, I verify that I have read and accept the terms of this Disclaimer and Terms of Use.
Note: This is a form meeting requirements for filings pursuant to the Florida Statutes. If your business requires additional information, please contact us and we'll be pleased to fulfill your needs.
Please verify your information for accuracy before submitting this form. Once payment is made, order cannot be changed, removed, cancelled, or refunded, in whole or in part, and any amendment will require extra charge(s).
By clicking the "Submit Order and Make Payment" button, you affirm and certify that neither Florida Filing Solutions Co.™ nor any of its employees, representatives, agents or licensees have provided you with any legal or tax advice, that the information listed in this form is exactly what you desire to be reflected for the filing, and that you have read, understood and agreed to our Disclaimers and Terms of Use.
