Florida Certificate of Status — Proving Your LLC Is in Good Standing

A Certificate of Status is the Florida Division of Corporations' official confirmation that your LLC is currently active and in compliance with all state filing requirements. Other states call this a "Certificate of Good Standing" or "Certificate of Existence" — Florida uses "Certificate of Status." You can obtain one through Sunbiz.org in minutes for as little as $5 (electronic) or $8.75 (certified paper copy).

For all post-formation requirements, see our after-formation overview.

What a Certificate of Status Confirms

The Certificate of Status issued by the Division of Corporations confirms:

• Your LLC exists as a valid entity under Florida law (Chapter 605)
• Your LLC has filed all required annual reports
• Your LLC has not been dissolved, revoked, or suspended
• Your LLC was properly formed and maintained through the date of the certificate

It does NOT confirm:

• That your LLC is profitable or financially solvent
• That your LLC has proper insurance
• That your LLC holds necessary licenses or permits
• Anything about your LLC's internal operations or membership

How to Obtain a Certificate of Status

Through Sunbiz.org (fastest method):

1. Go to sunbiz.org
2. Search for your LLC by name or document number
3. On your entity's detail page, select "Certificate of Status" or "Order Certificate"
4. Choose the certificate type:
   • Electronic (non-certified): $5 — delivered as a downloadable PDF immediately
   • Certified (paper): $8.75 — mailed to you (allow 5-10 business days)
5. Pay by credit or debit card
6. Download or await delivery

The electronic certificate is sufficient for most purposes �� banks, lenders, and business partners typically accept the electronic version. Only request the certified paper version if specifically required (some government agencies or courts may require it).

When You Need a Certificate of Status

Common situations requiring a Certificate of Status:

• Registering as a foreign LLC in another state — When your Florida LLC needs to register to do business in another state, that state's filing agency typically requires proof that your LLC is in good standing in Florida.

• Applying for business loans or lines of credit — Lenders want confirmation your LLC is active and compliant before extending credit.

• Opening bank accounts in other states — If your Florida LLC opens an account at a bank in another state, they may require a Certificate of Status to verify your entity is legitimate.

• Entering into certain contracts — Some counterparties (especially government agencies, large corporations, or franchise systems) require proof of good standing before signing.

• Annual renewal of professional licenses — Some DBPR licenses require proof your entity is active with the Division of Corporations.

• Real estate transactions — Title companies may require a Certificate of Status when your LLC is buying, selling, or refinancing property.

When you do NOT need one:

• For routine business operations within Florida
• When opening a bank account at a Florida bank (your Sunbiz.org filing record is typically sufficient)
• For filing your annual report
• For routine vendor relationships

How Long Is a Certificate of Status Valid?

A Certificate of Status is a snapshot — it confirms your LLC's status as of the date the certificate is issued. It does not have a formal expiration date, but:

• Most institutions that require one will only accept certificates issued within the past 30 to 90 days
• A certificate issued before your most recent annual report deadline may be considered stale (since your status could have changed at the deadline)
• Request a fresh certificate close to when you actually need it, not months in advance

What If Your LLC Cannot Get a Certificate of Status?

If the Division of Corporations cannot issue a Certificate of Status for your LLC, it means your LLC is not in good standing. Common reasons:

• Delinquent annual report — You missed the May 1 deadline. File your annual report (with $400 late fee if past May 1) to restore good standing.
• Administrative dissolution — Your LLC was dissolved for non-filing. You need to reinstate before a certificate can be issued.
• Pending dissolution — Your LLC is in the window between missing May 1 and the September dissolution date. File the delinquent report to cure.

FAQ

Is "Certificate of Status" the same as "Certificate of Good Standing"?

Yes — Florida just uses different terminology. When another state or institution asks for a "Certificate of Good Standing" or "Certificate of Existence" for your Florida LLC, the Certificate of Status from the Division of Corporations is what you provide.

How quickly can I get one?

The electronic Certificate of Status ($5) is available for immediate download through Sunbiz.org — typically within minutes of ordering. The certified paper version ($8.75) is mailed and takes 5-10 business days to arrive.

Can I get a Certificate of Status for a newly formed LLC?

Yes, as long as your LLC is active and in good standing. Even a brand-new LLC (formed days ago) can receive a Certificate of Status — assuming the filing has been processed and no annual report is yet due.

Do I need one to file my annual report?

No. Your annual report is filed through Sunbiz.org independently — no Certificate of Status is required to file it.

What if another state needs my Certificate of Status apostilled?

For international use, you may need an Apostille from the Florida Secretary of State's office (the Division of Corporations operates under the Secretary of State). Contact the Notary and Authentications section for apostille requests. There is an additional fee for apostille processing.