How Much Does It Cost to Start a Nonprofit in Florida?
Good news: the government fees to start a nonprofit in Florida are low. Most founders spend between about $345 and $670 on required fees before any professional help. Here is the full breakdown.
One time startup fees
Articles of incorporation filing: Paid to: Florida Division of Corporations; Cost: $35
Registered agent designation: Paid to: Florida Division of Corporations; Cost: $35
Certified copy (optional): Paid to: Florida Division of Corporations; Cost: $8.75
EIN (federal tax ID): Paid to: IRS; Cost: Free
Form 1023 EZ: Paid to: IRS; Cost: $275
Form 1023 (full): Paid to: IRS; Cost: $600
So your required total is $70 + $275 = $345 if you qualify for Form 1023 EZ, or $70 + $600 = $670 if you file the full Form 1023.
Yearly fees to plan for
Florida annual report: $61.25. Due between January 1 and May 1 every year on Sunbiz. Miss it and the state can dissolve your nonprofit. Reinstatement costs $175 plus the missed reports.
Charitable solicitation registration. Most Florida nonprofits must register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services before asking the public for donations. The yearly fee is based on contributions from the prior year, from $10 for small groups up to $400 for the largest.
IRS Form 990. There is no IRS fee, but you must file a version of it every year. Small groups can often file the short online Form 990 N.
What about professional help?
You can file everything yourself. Many founders hire help because mistakes in the articles, bylaws or IRS application cause long delays.
Here is how the market looks today:
Online form sites charge roughly $99 to $359 plus state fees, but often stop at state paperwork. The IRS application is extra or not included.
Full-service firms charge $1,500 to $3,500 or more for incorporation through IRS approval.
Palante Nonprofits offers full formation from $1,550 plus government fees, including the IRS application and your first year of registered agent service, in English or Spanish. Prefer to do it yourself? Our $59 Form 1023 EZ guide and $75 application review keep costs low.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a cheaper way to start? Yes. A fiscal sponsor lets you accept tax deductible donations under an existing nonprofit while you build up. You can form your own nonprofit later.
Do I need a lawyer? Not always, but your documents must meet both state law and IRS rules. Get expert review before you file.
How long does it take in Florida? Online filings on Sunbiz are often processed within days. IRS approval takes longer.
Start with a call
Book a call and we will give you a clear cost estimate for your nonprofit, with no surprises.
See our Launch Formation Package ($1,550) and Launch & Growth Formation Package ($2,550), plus state and IRS fees, or start on your own with our Form 1023 EZ guide ($59).
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