How To Register A Non Profit In Florida

Welcome to our Florida Nonprofit Startup Guide! If you're passionate virtually helping others and have an thought to serve your community, starting a nonprofit is a great way to turn your vision into a reality. There are many unlike types of nonprofits - religious, educational, human service oriented, animal welfare, and more. What all nonprofits have in mutual is a focus on helping others and benefiting their community. You are genuinely committed to these goals so you are already well on your way!

According to the National Center for Charitable Statistics, there were over seventy,000 nonprofit organizations in Florida in 2012. Before you lot start a new nonprofit, make sure you accept identified an unmet need in your customs and know that there are not any existing organizations serving your cause. If some other organization exists, consider working together, equally that may be a better way to make an touch on in your community and utilize existing resources.

When you are set to start your nonprofit, plan to contain and use for 501(c)(iii) condition, as these are important steps to fully achieve your goals. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, you will exist able to use for grants and accept donations, be exempt from federal corporate income tax, and limit the liability of your organization's officers and directors. Well-nigh importantly, you will gain credibility and legitimacy for your crusade, instilling the public with confidence in your organisation.

This guide will walk you through the basic steps to starting time your nonprofit in Florida. Permit's become started!

Your organization'south proper noun establishes its make and is besides of import for incorporating with the land. The legal name of your nonprofit corporation may non disharmonize with whatever other organization registered in the state. Make sure the proper name is bachelor and meets land requirements.

Proper noun Search:

Florida Department of Country - Division of Corporations
Name search

Suffix:

"(1) A corporate proper name: (a) Must incorporate the word "corporation" or "incorporated" or the abbreviation "Corp." or "Inc." or words or abbreviations of like import in linguistic communication as will clearly indicate that it is a corporation instead of a natural person, unincorporated association, or partnership. The name of the corporation may not incorporate the word "company" or its abbreviation "Co." (b) May contain the word "cooperative" or "co-op" only if the resulting name is distinguishable from the name of any corporation, agricultural cooperative marketing association, or nonprofit cooperative association existing or doing concern in this state under part I of chapter 607, chapter 618, or chapter 619."
FS &sect617.0401

The incorporator is the person who signs the Articles of Incorporation for your nonprofit. Y'all volition demand at to the lowest degree 1, but tin have more than than one. Directors make up the governing body of your nonprofit corporation and are stakeholders in your system's purpose and success. Yous'll want to place three, unrelated individuals to meet IRS requirements. You will too want to be enlightened of whatsoever age or residency requirements.

Florida director requirements:	Number: minimum three Qualifications: Natural person 18 years of age or older. One manager may be fifteen years of age or older if permitted by board of directors or bylaws. No residency requirement. No membership requirement. Term: 1 twelvemonth Quorum: majority (Directors younger than 18 years of age may non exist counted toward a quorum) Commission: minimum 2 directors
Florida officer requirements:	Defined in articles or bylaws. I officeholder prepares minutes of the directors' and members' meetings and authenticates records of the corporation. Elected past board Term: ane year Two or more offices may be held by the same individual.

A registered amanuensis is responsible for receiving legal notices on behalf of your arrangement. The appointed registered amanuensis must be physically located in the land and maintain an office that is open up during regular business hours. As a nationwide registered agent, our service is designed to receive your legal documents and provide secure access to those documents through your online business relationship. Our local Florida registered agent office is located in St. Petersburg, FL. We offer registered agent service independently or every bit part of our nonprofit formation packages.

Your nonprofit's articles of incorporation officially mark the creation of your organization. They document where and when the organization was formed and capture other information necessary to verify its existence. While requirements for language vary from country-to-country, there are some basic provisions that the IRS volition look for when you apply for 501(c)(3) exemption. It is important to customize the articles for your organization and make certain yous meet the state and IRS requirements. Meeting these requirements from the start will help avert having to make amendments later on or take a chance getting your 501(c)(3) awarding rejected. Some states volition also require y'all to publish your articles of incorporation, so exist mindful of any deadlines and publishing instructions.

Bureau:	Florida Department of State - Segmentation of Corporations
Form:	Non-Turn a profit Articles of Incorporation
Filing Method:	Mail or online.
Agency Fee:	$35 filing fee + $35 designation of registered agent fee = $70 state fee
Turnaround:	~1-three days online. ~8-17 days past mail
Police:	2013 Florida Statues - Chapter 617: Corporations Not For Turn a profit
Notes:	Provide the state-prescribed encompass alphabetic character, the original, and a copy to file by mail.

Afterward filing articles of incorporation, you must file an initial study.

This unique, nine-digit number is assigned by the IRS to identify your nonprofit. All types of nonprofits will utilise for an EIN, not only those that hire employees. You volition use your EIN to open a bank account, apply for 501(c)(3) status, and submit 990 returns to the IRS.

Agency:	Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Form:	IRS Course SS-4
Filing Method:	Postal service, phone, fax, or online.
IRS fee:	$0
Turnaround:	Immediately online or by phone. four concern days by fax. 4-5 weeks past post.
Notes:	The IRS website is just available during certain hours. Print your EIN earlier closing your session. For additional guidance, see IRS Pub 1635: Understanding Your EIN.

As you launch your nonprofit, you will receive a number of official documents. Organizing these documents in one place will relieve y'all headaches downwards the road. You will soon have numerous items to keep in your records including your EIN letter of the alphabet, bylaws, coming together minutes, 501(c)(three) determination letter, and more.

A great way to maintain necessary documentation is Records Managing director, our software for storing records securely, tracking directors and officers, and getting notified of meetings.
Your bylaws are the governing document for your nonprofit. They serve as your organisation'south operating transmission and should exist consistent with your articles of incorporation and the police. When your Lath of Directors meets for the first fourth dimension, yous'll review and ratify the bylaws and they will exist a roadmap for governance from there.

At the same fourth dimension, you'll besides want to create and prefer a disharmonize of interest policy. A conflict of interest is when someone in a key position in your nonprofit has competing interests and is making choices that could benefit themselves to the harm of the organisation. Personal interests should be set aside and organizational interests prioritized. If a conflict of interest does arise, information technology should be disclosed immediately.

Your application to the IRS for 501(c)(three) exemption volition require that both the bylaws and the conflict of involvement policy are approved and adopted. In one case they've been adopted, safely store them in your Nonprofit Records Kit.
The initial organizational meeting of your Board of Directors will be incredibly productive. At this meeting y'all will corroborate the bylaws, adopt the conflict of interest policy, elect directors, appoint officers, and approve resolutions such every bit opening the arrangement's bank account. Of import decisions are being made then be sure to record them in the coming together minutes.
Florida offers a consolidated country revenue enhancement registration awarding.

Applying for 501(c) tax exemption tin can feel like the virtually daunting footstep in bringing your nonprofit dream into reality, but obtaining tax exemption comes with many benefits. You will be able to apply for grants and grow your fundraising success in addition to being exempt from IRS income revenue enhancement. 501(c) is the chapter of the Internal Acquirement Code that regulates nonprofit organizations. Like others, you may be well-nigh familiar with 501(c)(iii) nonprofits, including charities and foundations. 501(c)(3) nonprofits employ using Form 1023 or Grade 1023-EZ. Review the criteria for each awarding and brand sure you encounter the eligibility requirements prepare out by the IRS. Other types of nonprofits, including 501(c)(4)due south and 501(c)(half dozen)southward, utilise using Form 1024. Subsequently reviewing and approving your application, the IRS will render a Determination Letter of the alphabet officially recognizing your exemption.

Completing the federal application for taxation exemption is significantly easier with the assistance and support of a professional. Find someone with the expertise to ensure the correct application is being used and is completed accurately. A well-prepared application takes time, over 100 hours by IRS estimates, so put yourself on the path to success by finding a specialist to walk alongside you in the journey - from start to tax-exempt finish!

Agency:	Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Form:	IRS Form 1023, IRS Form 1023-EZ, or IRS Course 1024
Instructions:	IRS Instructions for Grade 1023, IRS Instructions for Grade 1023-EZ, or IRS Instructions for Form 1024. Also come across guidance IRS Pub 557: Taxation-Exempt Condition for Your Organization.
Filing Method:	Mail
Agency Fee:	$275 for organizations filing Form 1023-EZ and $600 for organizations filing Form 1023.
Turnaround:	1023-EZ boilerplate: <1 month. 1023 average: iii-vi months.

Tax-Exempt in ii Weeks!

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Dr. Bob A. Reform Information technology Now, Inc.

With your IRS Determination Alphabetic character in hand, make sure you lot familiarize yourself with your state's requirements for recognizing your nonprofit's tax-exempt condition. This is an expanse where requirements vary land-past-state. Many states issue their own tax-exempt document that can exist used for sales and use tax purposes, but it may require application and periodic renewal.

To file to obtain exemption from state income tax:

Agency:

Florida Department of Revenue

Notes:

Not-for-profit corporations are subject area to corporate income taxation. However, a non-for-profit corporation that is exempt from federal revenue enhancement under Internal Acquirement Code department 501(c)(iii) is only required to file a Florida corporate income tax return (Form F-1120) if it has unrelated business organization income or it files federal Forms 990-C or 990-T with the Internal Revenue Service.

To file to obtain Sales Tax Exemption:

Agency:	Florida Section of Acquirement
Class:	DR-five: Application for a Consumer'south Document of Exemption
Bureau Fee:	$0
Police:	Chapter 212, Florida Statutes
Notes:	Certain not-for-profit organizations are exempt from sales and utilize tax on purchases and rentals of tangible personal holding if that property is used in carrying out the organization's non-for-profit activities. Encounter the form for data on the available exemptions.

This is another expanse where laws differ from country to state, just near states require any nonprofit soliciting donations to register to do then on an annual ground. This means registering in the state prior to soliciting any resident of that state. Registering in your home state is essential, merely you may too demand to register other states depending on the telescopic of your organization.

Florida Charitable Organizations/Sponsors Registration

Bureau:	Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services - Partition of Consumer Services
Law:	Florida Statutes § 496.405 et seq.
Strange Qualification is Prerequisite:	No
Registered Agent (Special Bureau) Required?	No

Quondam Exemption Registration

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Exemption Eligible Organizations:	Religious organizations Educational organizations Government entities Blood establishments as defined in FL Stat § 381.06014 Membership organizations Political groups Appeals for individuals
Notes:	Organizations must email the state to receive an exemption, just no registration is required.

Registration to Obtain Exemption

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Renewal to Maintain Exemption

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Exemption Eligible Organizations:	Charities with less than $25,000 in total revenue during the preceding fiscal yr and no professional person solicitors
Form:	Small Charitable Organizations Application (Renewal)
Agency Fee:	$0
Due:	Annually by the date of initial registration.

Initial Registration

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Form:	Charitable Organizations / Sponsors Registration Awarding
Filing Method:	Mail or online.
Agency Fee:	$10-400, depending on contributions received during the prior financial year ($0 if exempt)
Turnaround:	two-3 weeks
Notes:	Notarized signature of the CFO or treasurer is required. Nonprofits who will solicit at Florida highway rest stops must obtain permission from their local Department of Transportation Maintenance Unit. Use Form #850-040-70, Permit Awarding for Public Employ of Remainder Areas, Wayside Parks and Solicitation on State Highways. Start by identifying local maintenance units at the Florida Department of Transportation Function of Maintenance. Some Florida counties and municipalities may crave charities that solicit in-person to annals prior to fundraising.
Before you Utilise:	Domestic Applicants: Bank check the bachelor exemptions to see if your clemency is eligible for exemption from the full registration requirement. If your charity meets the inspect threshold, obtain an audited financial report to submit with your registration awarding. Expect through the listing of required attachments and make sure that you have each required document in mitt earlier starting the registration awarding. Foreign Applicants: Check the bachelor exemptions to see if your clemency is eligible for exemption from the full registration requirement. If your charity meets the inspect threshold, obtain an audited financial written report to submit with your registration application. Look through the list of required attachments and make sure that y'all have each required document in hand before starting the registration application. If you will foreign authorize in Florida, obtain a certificate of good continuing from your dwelling state to submit during the foreign qualification process. The certificate cannot be more than 90 days old when filing strange qualification documents.
How to Use:	Domestic Applicants: File germination documents to form an entity with the Florida Section of State. Submit a completed Charitable Organizations / Sponsors Registration Application and all required attachments to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services - Partition of Consumer Services. Foreign Applicants: Decide whether or not your charity will demand to strange qualify based on your activity in Florida. If not required, skip to number 3. File foreign qualification documents with the Florida Department of State. Submit a completed Charitable Organizations / Sponsors Registration Application and all required attachments to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services - Division of Consumer Services.
Required Attachments:	IRS course 990 Audited financials (if applicative) IRS determination letter List of officers and directors Professional fundraising contracts

Registration Renewal

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Filing Method:	Mail or online.
Bureau Fee:	$10-400, depending on contributions received during the prior fiscal year
Due:	Annually by the registration ceremony appointment. Renewals may be filed upwards to 60 days prior to the expiration date.
Due Date Extension:	Due dates tin can exist extended for 180 days beyond the original due date by submitting a request for extension through the online portal.
Penalties:	There is a late fee of $25 for each month that passes later the due date.
Notes:	Renewal forms are sent in the post most thirty days prior to the expiration date of the license. Carefully ensure yous include all required attachments, including yoru annual fiscal study.
Required Attachments:	IRS grade 990 Audited financials (if applicable) List of officers and directors Professional fundraising contracts IRS determination letter

Contract Filing

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Agency Fee:	$0
Due:	Charities must submit all contracts they accept with professional solicitors, professional person fundraising consultants, and commercial co-venturers during initial charitable registration and during renewal for their charitable registration.

Change of Fiscal Yr

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Agency Fee:	$0
Turnaround:	1-2 business days
Notes:	Email the state to inform them of the change.

Cancellation

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Agency Fee:	$0
Notes:	To close out your registration, submit a alphabetic character stating that your organization no longer solicits in Florida along with documentation supporting this claim. The department will typically have a disclaimer on the organization's donation page that they will not take funds from residents of Florida.

To fundraise nationally or online, delight run across our Fundraising Compliance Guide. Our services manage your initial, renewal, and exemption filings in every state.

Running your nonprofit corporation legally besides means securing all applicable licenses and permits. The range of local, state, and federal requirements is wide. Access resources like the Pocket-size Business Administration Business concern License & Let look-upwards tool and search by your business organisation type and locality.

Florida ofttimes requires a business or occupational license, which is a local business taxation receipt issued yearly by the canton government. Most simply not all counties in Florida require that yous annals your new business with them. Bank check with your local taxation collector'south office to meet what the requirements are http://dor.myflorida.com/dor/property/taxcollectors.html

In Florida, bingos, raffles, and other charitable games are regulated by 2012 Florida Statutes - Chapter 849: Gambling. Gambling and gaming in Florida is circuitous- oversight varies based on the game and location where information technology is held. Also review and bide by county and municipal regulations - for case, a Pinellas County bingo license comes with a iii-part application and $355 fee.

You've made information technology! You turned your passion into a legitimate nonprofit corporation exempt under IRS 501(c) and are benefiting your community. That solid foundation on which you built your organization requires ongoing maintenance. Investing in maintaining compliance with all of the regime agencies is an ongoing responsibility and delivery needed to ensure your vision continues long into the future. Check out our compliance guide to acquire more!

Once you accept registered your nonprofit per the steps listed above, you will need to maintain compliance with all of the government agencies. Staying current with the IRS and state requirements is an ongoing responsibility. Continue reading our Florida nonprofit compliance guide to acquire more!

Keep reading "Florida Nonprofit Compliance"

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Fast Facts

Beneath is an overview of the paperwork, price, and fourth dimension to start an Florida nonprofit.

Paperwork

Form CR2E006: Florida Nonprofit Articles of Incorporation
Bylaws
IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
IRS Course 1023: 501(c) Tax Exempt Application
IRS Determination Letter
Form DR-i: Florida Business concern Tax Application
Form DR-5: Florida Application for Consumer'southward Document of Exemption
URS Charitable Registration, if applicable
Grade FDACS-10100: Solicitation of Contributions Registration Awarding, or Form FDACS-10110: Exempt Charitable Organizations/Sponsors Application.

Cost

Incorporation: $70
501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee
Florida sales revenue enhancement license: $5, if applicable
Florida Charitable registration: $10-$400 ($0 if exempt)

Fourth dimension

Incorporation: ~1-3 days online. ~8-17 days past mail.
501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

Revised September 07, 2021. Complete data last reviewed October 19, 2016.