How to Dissolve an LLC in Florida Online & Manually
The basic steps to dissolve a Florida LLC are:
- Get Proper Approval from LLC Members
- Stop Doing Business
- Notify Creditors and Claimants
- Settle Debts and Liabilities
- Pay Outstanding Business Taxes
- Liquidate Assets and Distribute Profits
- File Articles of Dissolution with the State
- File Final Federal and State Tax Returns
However, dissolving an LLC can be complex, involving several legal and financial steps.
At Four Rivers Law, we can assist with preparing final tax returns and ensuring compliance with all tax obligations, so you can close your business without facing future legal issues.
With professional legal guidance, the process can be handled smoothly, avoiding potential pitfalls and ensuring that everything is done correctly from start to finish.
Reach out to a Tampa business lawyer from our law firm today to get expert help with your LLC dissolution in Florida.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Close an LLC in Florida
Dissolving an LLC in Florida involves several critical steps, each of which must be handled carefully to ensure legal compliance and avoid future liabilities:
1. Get Proper Approval from LLC Members
The operating agreement should outline the procedures for dissolution, but if not, Florida law requires a majority vote of the members. Our law firm can help you draft and prepare the necessary resolution to ensure the dissolution is properly authorized and in full compliance with state law.
2. Stop Doing Business
Once the decision to dissolve the LLC has been made, you should cease all regular business activities. The remaining activities should only focus on winding up the company’s affairs, such as:
- Paying off debts
- Collecting assets
- Distributing remaining funds
Our attorneys can help you create a detailed winding-up plan to ensure the process is completed properly and efficiently.
3. Notify Creditors and Claimants
Notifying creditors and claimants about the dissolution helps limit the LLC’s liability by providing a clear cut-off date for claims. Our law firm can assist with drafting and sending formal notifications to creditors, ensuring all parties are informed and that your LLC is protected from future legal action.
4. Settle Debts and Liabilities
Before finalizing the dissolution, you should finalize payments to creditors, resolve contracts, and clear any other financial obligations.
Our team can conduct a financial review to make sure all debts are resolved, helping you avoid complications that may arise later if obligations are overlooked.
5. Pay Outstanding Business Taxes
Paying all outstanding state and federal taxes includes any sales, payroll, or income taxes owed by the business. We can assist in obtaining any necessary tax clearances and ensure all final tax documents are filed correctly to avoid penalties or delays in the dissolution process.
6. Liquidate Assets and Distribute Profits
After debts are settled, the LLC’s remaining assets must be liquidated, and any profits should be distributed among the members based on the operating agreement or Florida law. Transparency is key during this process to ensure no disputes arise.
Our attorneys can guide you through liquidating the LLC’s assets and distributing profits, making sure everything is handled fairly and in compliance with state regulations.
7. File Articles of Dissolution with the State
Once the above steps are completed, the LLC must file Articles of Dissolution with the Florida Department of State. This document formally notifies the state that the LLC is no longer in business. Failing to file properly can lead to continued liability and tax obligations.
At Four Rivers Law Firm, we ensure this critical step is completed accurately and promptly to finalize the dissolution process.
8. File Final Federal and State Tax Returns
The final step in closing your Florida limited liability company is to file both federal and state tax returns, marking them as “final returns.” This ensures the IRS and Florida Department of Revenue are aware that the LLC is dissolved and no longer operating.
We can prepare these final returns and confirm that all tax obligations are met, providing peace of mind as you close your business.
By following these steps carefully and seeking legal assistance from our experienced team, you can dissolve your LLC in Florida efficiently while avoiding potential pitfalls.
Contact Four Rivers Law Firm today for a consultation and let us help you close your business with the least amount of stress and issues as possible.
Why You Need a Lawyer to Dissolve a Florida LLC
Dissolving an LLC in Florida involves several legal details that, if handled improperly, can lead to costly errors and future liabilities. By working with our law firm, you can ensure a smooth and legally compliant dissolution process.
Here are the main reasons why you need a lawyer to dissolve your Florida business:
- Complex Legal Documentation: Dissolving an LLC requires precise legal paperwork, including resolutions, Articles of Dissolution, and other filings. Mistakes in these documents can delay the process or create future legal issues. Our law firm ensures all paperwork is correctly prepared and filed on time.
- Handling Creditor Claims: Failing to notify or settle with creditors properly can leave you liable for future claims. We handle creditor notifications and assist with settling outstanding debts to protect you from lingering financial obligations.
- Avoiding Costly Errors: Trying to voluntarily dissolve a business in the state of Florida alone can lead to mistakes such as missed deadlines, unresolved debts, or tax penalties. These errors can cost you both time and money. Our legal team handles every aspect of the dissolution, ensuring nothing is overlooked.
By enlisting our law firm, you can ensure the entire process is completed smoothly, efficiently, and in full compliance with state laws.

Reasons to Close an LLC in Florida
In our experience, these are the most common reasons for closing an LLC:
- Internal Disputes: When disagreements between members or management cannot be resolved, dissolving the LLC might be the best course of action. These disputes can make it difficult to continue operations, and our legal assistance can help ensure a smooth and fair dissolution.
- Business Closure: If the business is no longer profitable or the owners wish to retire, closing the LLC is often the next step. Dissolving the LLC protects owners from further liabilities and ensures all legal obligations are met.
- Relocation: If the business plans to relocate to another state, dissolving the Florida LLC and forming a new one in the new location may be necessary. This ensures compliance with the new state’s laws while properly winding up affairs in Florida.
- Mergers or Acquisitions: When an LLC merges with another company or is acquired, dissolution of the original LLC may be required as part of the process. This allows for a clean legal transition and avoids potential complications with the new business structure.
- Voluntary Decision by Members: Sometimes, the members of an LLC may simply decide to part ways, even if the business is successful. In this case, dissolving the LLC legally terminates the entity and distributes any remaining assets among the members.
Consulting with Four Rivers Law Firm early in the process can provide valuable clarity on the reasons for dissolution and ensure that the process is handled efficiently and legally.
Whether due to internal disputes or strategic business decisions, we are here to help guide you through the steps of closing your LLC.
Contact us today to discuss your specific situation in more detail in full confidence.
How Much Does it Cost to Dissolve an LLC in Florida?
The cost to dissolve an LLC in Florida typically involves a $25 filing fee for submitting Articles of Dissolution to the Florida Department of State. Additional costs may apply depending on whether legal assistance is required or if other obligations, like settling debts or taxes, need to be addressed.
Factors that can influence the overall cost include:
- Outstanding Debts or Liabilities: If the LLC has unsettled debts, the cost to dissolve may increase as these obligations need to be cleared before the dissolution is finalized.
- Legal Fees: While filing fees are straightforward, hiring a lawyer to assist with the process can vary based on the complexity of your LLC’s situation and the services required.
- Online vs. Manual Dissolution: Filing the Articles of Dissolution online is typically faster and may have fewer administrative costs, while manual filing might take longer and require more processing time, though the filing fee remains the same.
In Florida, you can dissolve an LLC either online or by submitting paperwork.
- Online Filing: This is the fastest and most convenient method. You can file the Articles of Dissolution through the Florida Department of State’s website. Online submissions are typically processed quickly, usually within 1–2 business days.
- Paper Filing: If you prefer, you can download and complete the Articles of Dissolution form and mail it to the Florida Department of State. While this method is equally valid, it may take longer to process due to mailing and manual handling times.
Both methods have the same filing fee of $25, but online filing tends to be quicker.
Additional reading: How to dissolve a partnership in Florida
Contact a Business Lawyer in Tampa at Four Rivers Law Firm
Dissolving an LLC is a complex process that requires careful attention to legal and financial details. Whether you’re closing your business due to internal reasons, relocation, or any other circumstance, our attorneys at Four Rivers Law Firm are here to help.
Our experienced team can guide you through every step of the dissolution process, ensuring compliance with Florida law and protecting you from future liabilities.
Let our business lawyers handle the paperwork, creditor notifications, and tax filings so you can focus on moving forward with confidence.
Get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation or call us at 813-773-5105