Information about setting up new company

Not For Profit Corporations

• A NONPROFIT or NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATION is a corporation normally thought of as one created for religious, charitable, educational or eleemosynary purposes that is generally formed under Chapter 617, Florida Statutes. However, the terms nonprofit or not for profit, as a type of corporation, do not preclude these entities from engaging in a profit making situation. In fact a nonprofit corporation is not necessarily a charitable corporation or one that is tax exempt. They are corporations that may not distribute their income to a member, director or officer other than as provided by law.

The name of the corporation

• The name of the corporation (The name must include the word "corporation", "incorporated" or an abbreviation of the suffix. The name may not contain the word "company" or its abbreviation "Co.")

Any entity that transacts business in Florida as a corporation is required by Florida Statutes to file documents of incorporation or authorization with the Division and pay the filing fee.

The documents must be typewritten or printed legibly in the English language. The professional advice of your legal counsel to ascertain exact compliance with all statutory requirements is strongly recommended.

Each year after the initial filing, all corporations must file a Uniform Business Report and pay the filing fee between January 1 and May 1. Failure to file a Uniform Business Report will result in administrative dissolution of the corporation and loss of authorization to transact business as a corporation in Florida.

Supplies such as minute books, stationery, stock certificates and corporate seals are available through office supply stores. There are no laws requiring corporations to obtain any of these. Some financial institutions and title companies require a corporate seal on documents signed by a corporation and are within their rights to do so.

• Articles of Organization containing the following information :
• • The name of the nonprofit corporations.
  • The address of the principal office, if known, and the mailing address of the corporation.
  • The specific purpose(s) for which the corporation is organized.
  • The manner in which the directors are elected or appointed.
  • Any limitations to the corporate powers as provided in Section 617.0302, Florida Statutes.
  • The name and Florida street address of the Registered Agent (The Registered Agent's address is also known as the "Registered Office.") A Post Office Box, mail drop box or personal mail box (PMB) address is not acceptable.
  • A statement, signed by the Registered Agent, accepting the appointment as Registered Agent.
  • The name(s) and street address(es) of the Incorporator(s)
  • The signature of at least one Incorporator.

• Filling Fees :
• • Filing Fee $35.00
  • Designation of Registered Agent $35.00
  • Certified Copy (optional) $8.75 (plus $1 per page for each page over 8, not to exceed a maximum of $52.50)
  • Certificate of Status (optional) $8.75