Businesses registered in Florida, whether they are LLCs, corporations, or something else, may occasionally need a certificate of good standing. Fortunately, to get a certificate of good standing, Florida businesses need only complete a few simple steps.
What Is a Florida Certificate of Good Standing?
Simply put, a certificate of good standing, also called a certificate of status, serves as legal proof that you properly registered your business with the Florida Secretary of State. The certificate shows that your company is authorized to conduct business in the state of Florida.
You can obtain a certificate of good standing for any business you’ve registered in Florida. In other words, both foreign (out-of-state) and domestic (in-state) business entities can get a certificate of good standing as long as they are registered.
Why Do I Need a Certificate of Good Standing?
There are many reasons why you might need a certificate of good standing. Although it is not necessary to have a good standing certificate, Florida businesses will often request one in certain circumstances.
For example, since the certificate provides proof of the legitimacy and compliance of your business, a bank may request one when you apply for a business loan. A bank may also ask you to provide a certificate of good standing when purchasing business insurance or opening a business bank account.
Additionally, a certificate of good standing will be necessary to do business in another state. Most states required business entities formed out of state to register as a foreign entity within that state. During this process, the Secretary of State in the new state will want to verify the status of your business using a Florida certificate of good standing.
What Are the Requirements to Get a Florida Certificate of Good Standing?
To get a certificate of good standing, Florida businesses must be properly registered with the Florida Secretary of State. In addition, the business must be one of the types of business entities for which a certificate of good standing is available—only for-profit and nonprofit corporations, limited liability companies, and limited partnerships may get a certificate of good standing.
Additionally, a registered business must be current on all required documents for the year. For example, Florida requires certain registered businesses to file an annual report. You must file this report before requesting a certificate of good standing.
Where to Get a Certificate of Good Standing in Florida
To get a certificate of good standing, Florida businesses must order one from the Florida Secretary of State through the Florida Division of Corporations. Florida uses the term “certificate of status” instead of certificate of good standing, but they are the same document.
You can order a certificate of status online to receive a PDF version or request a certificate by mail. If you order online, all you need is your entity’s registration or document number, an email, and a credit card.
If you order a certificate by mail, you must submit a written document that includes:
- The entity’s name;
- The entity’s registration number (or document number);
- What kind of document was filed for your entity and when; and
- A check or money order.
If paying by check, the check should be payable to the Florida Department of State. Orders by mail should be sent to the Certification Section at:
Department of State
Division of Corporations
Certification Section
P.O. Box 6327
Tallahassee, FL 32314
How Much does a Florida Good Standing Certificate Cost?
The cost of a Florida certificate of good standing depends on the type of entity the certificate is for. The certificate costs $8.75 for corporations and partnerships and $5 for LLCs.
Does a Florida Certificate of Good Standing Expire?
When you order a certificate of good standing, it generally does not have an expiration date. However, if another business requests the certificate from you, they may require that you get it within a specified time period.
For example, when a foreign corporation registers with the Florida Secretary of State, it must provide a certificate of good standing issued within 90 days of the filing date. Similarly, a bank or other business may request that you get a current certificate of good standing before doing business with you.
Need to Hire a Florida Business Attorney?
Getting a certificate of good standing is just one part of operating a business in Florida. BrewerLong specializes in providing valuable legal services to small and medium-sized businesses in the Orlando area.
Whether you need help setting up your business, with intellectual property matters, or with other general business law issues, we can help. Contact us today online to schedule an introductory phone call with one of our attorneys.
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