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What is Sunbiz.org and How Does It Work?

In this post, we’ll break down what Sunbiz is and how it works. Better yet, we’ll show you how Stellar can handle all the paperwork, from business formation to staying compliant, so you don’t have to.

Written by
Benjamin Ong
Published on
October 3, 2024
Learn how to navigate Sunbiz.org for business formation and filings in Florida. Let Stellar handle the paperwork, from company registration to compliance.
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Ever tried registering a company in Florida and heard the term Sunbiz thrown around? Well, you’re not alone. Many business owners ask the same thing. So, what exactly is Sunbiz.org?

What is Sunbiz?

Think of it as Florida’s business starting ground. If you want to set up a business in Florida—whether it’s a local company or an out-of-state entity coming in—Sunbiz.org is your go-to. It’s the official website of the Florida Division of Corporations, where you can file business documents, check your company’s status, and pay your annual fees.

It is akin to Delaware's Division of Corporations or California's bizfile online—all handling business filings and registrations for their states.

Why Should You Care About Sunbiz?

If you’re starting a business in Florida, you’ll need to file some paperwork. That’s where Sunbiz comes into play. It’s kind of like when you sign your kids up for soccer—you fill out forms, make payments, and get them registered. But instead of soccer, you're registering a company. Once your paperwork is approved by the Florida Secretary of State, your business is officially on the books.

And here’s the kicker—if your company is registered in another state but you want to operate in Florida, you’ll need to complete a Foreign Qualification through Sunbiz too. It’s a fancy way of saying, "Hey Florida, we’re here to do business."

What Can You Do on Sunbiz.org?

Sunbiz.org isn’t just about forming companies. It’s got all sorts of documents and forms to keep your business in good standing. Here’s a quick rundown of the most popular services:

  • Annual Report Filings: Just like renewing your car registration, you have to file an annual report to keep your business active.
  • Certificates of Status: Need proof that your business is legit? You can request this official document.
  • Merger Forms: If you’re merging companies, Sunbiz handles that too—just a few clicks and you’re good.

It’s like one of those “everything stores” for business paperwork. You name it, they’ve got it.

Is Your Business Info Public on Sunbiz?

Here’s where Sunbiz differs from other states. If you register a business in Florida, some of your information—like names of officers and directors—is available to the public. That’s right, anyone can look up details like the company President, Secretary, or even the Registered Agent.

If you're thinking of forming a business in another state, like Delaware, keep in mind that Delaware keeps things a bit more private compared to Florida’s open-book policy.

How to Use Sunbiz Like a Pro

Getting the most out of Sunbiz.org is like knowing all the shortcuts at the grocery store—you get in and out quicker, and with less stress.

  1. File Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to file your annual reports. The site gets crowded near deadlines, and missing a filing can cost you.
  2. Keep Your Info Updated: Changed your address? Got a new Registered Agent? Log into Sunbiz and update your info fast. It’s like changing your Netflix password—important and easy to do.
  3. Use Professional Services: You can file everything yourself, but if the process feels like too much paperwork, consider using a Registered Agent service. They handle the filings, so you don’t have to worry about missing deadlines or dealing with complex forms.

Don’t Get Lost in the Paperwork—Let Stellar Handle It

While Sunbiz.org offers all the tools you need to register and manage a business in Florida, navigating those tools can be time-consuming and confusing. That’s where Stellar comes in.

At Stellar, we specialize in helping business owners just like you streamline the entire process. Whether you’re forming a brand new company or registering an out-of-state business in Florida, we take care of all the nitty-gritty paperwork for you—ensuring it’s done right the first time.

With our expert team handling the paperwork and filings, you’ll have more time to focus on what really matters—building and growing your business. Let us manage the details and deadlines, so you don’t have to.

Contact Stellar today to get started and make sure your business is in good hands from the very beginning...

Benjamin Ong
October 3, 2024
4
min read
Blog

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