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What are the steps that I need to take to form a non-profit organization in Florida?

Picture of Chris Battis By   ·  1 minute read

The Steps to Form a Non-Profit Organization in Florida

  1. Choose a name for your organization:

    The name of your non-profit organization must be unique and should not be similar to any existing organizations. You can check for name availability on the Florida Department of State Division of Corporations website or by contacting an attorney.

  2. Draft and file Articles of Incorporation:

    The Articles of Incorporation are the legal documents that establish the existence of a non-profit organization in Florida. They should include information such as the name and purpose of the organization, the address, the number and names of initial directors and officers. These documents must be signed by the incorporator and filed with the Florida Department of State Division of Corporations along with the filing fee.

  3. Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN):

    An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique number assigned to a business or organization by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). You can obtain an EIN online through the IRS website.

  4. Draft and adopt bylaws:

    Bylaws outline the internal operations of the organization, such as governance, the roles and responsibilities of officers and directors, and procedures for meetings and voting. The bylaws should be drafted with the help of an attorney and adopted by the board of directors.

  5. Obtain tax exemption status:

    Non-profit organizations are eligible for tax exemption status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. To obtain tax exemption status, the organization must submit Form 1023 or Form 1023-EZ to the IRS along with the filing fee.

  6. Register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services:

    Non-profit organizations that solicit donations are required to register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. This registration must be renewed annually and requires the submission of financial statements.

It is important to note that the process of forming a non-profit organization in Florida may vary based on the specific circumstances and requirements of the organization. It is recommended to consult with an attorney throughout the process to ensure compliance with all legal requirements.