Florida Nonprofit Articles of Incorporation
Nonprofit articles of incorporation is the document filed to create a Florida nonprofit corporation.
Preparing and filing your articles of incorporation is the first step in starting your nonprofit corporation. Approval of this document secures your corporate name and creates the legal entity of the nonprofit. Only after this approval can you apply for 501c, apply for fundraising licenses, open a bank account, and otherwise conduct business.
Benefits
Incorporating provides many important benefits:
- Limits the liability of directors, officers, and shareholders
- Fulfills statutory requirements to register your organization's name
- Is a prerequisite for applying for 501(c) tax exemption
- Provides governance and adds credibility to the business or organization
Fast Facts
| Agency: | Florida Department of State - Division of Corporations |
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $35 filing fee + $35 designation of registered agent fee = $70 state fee |
| Turnaround: | ~1-3 days online. ~8-17 days by mail |
| Law: | 2013 Florida Statues - Chapter 617: Corporations Not For Profit |
| Notes: | Provide the state-prescribed cover letter, the original, and a copy to file by mail. |
Other Helpful Florida Facts
As you are preparing to incorporate, keep in mind the following requirements specific to Florida, keep in mind:
Florida Directors
- Number: minimum 3
- Qualifications: Natural person 18 years of age or older. One director may be 15 years of age or older if permitted by board of directors or bylaws. No residency requirement. No membership requirement.
- Term: 1 year
- Quorum: majority (Directors younger than 18 years of age may not be counted toward a quorum)
- Committee: minimum 2 directors
Florida Officers
- Defined in articles or bylaws. One officer prepares minutes of the directors' and members' meetings and authenticates records of the corporation.
- Elected by board
- Term: 1 year
- Two or more offices may be held by the same individual.
Florida Members
- Members: optional
- Regular meeting: defined in articles or bylaws
- Quorum: defined in articles or bylaws
