LLC Formation Cost: California, Texas, Florida, and New York Compared

Written byPatrick Moumiet

The filing fee is only part of the cost of an LLC. Here is how four big states compare.

Key takeaways:

  • California charges an $800 annual tax; Texas $300 to file plus franchise tax reports; Florida $100 plus $25; New York $50 plus publication.
  • Recurring and state-specific costs often exceed the filing fee.
  • Delaware corporations owe a franchise tax with $175 or $400 minimums.
  • Verify every number on the state’s website before you file.

LLC formation costs by state

1. Why the filing fee misleads

The headline filing fee is rarely your real cost. Each state adds different recurring or one-time items, so compare the whole picture. This article lines up facts from official or reliable sources for four large states and points to deeper guides.

2. What each state charges

What each state charges: California $800 annual tax, Texas $300 certificate of formation, Florida $100 plus $25 agent designation, New York publication plus $50, Delaware corporation $175 or $400 minimum

  • California: $800 annual tax for every LLC until it cancels, plus an LLC fee above $250,000 in income (details).
  • Texas: $300 certificate of formation, then franchise tax reports due May 15 (forms and fees; franchise tax).
  • Florida: $100 for Articles of Organization and $25 for registered agent designation, per the Florida Division of Corporations. Annual reports are due between January 1 and May 1 of the year after formation, and failure to file leads to administrative dissolution.
  • New York: $50 Certificate of Publication plus publication costs of roughly $600 to $2,000 (publication rules).
  • Delaware corporation: $175 or $400 minimum annual franchise tax (details).

3. Costs beyond the filing fee

One-time costs, yearly costs, and state-specific items easy to miss like New York publication, California annual tax, and Texas franchise report

Add registered agent fees, name reservation, and professional fees. We do not give a registered agent price because it varies by provider.

4. Seven cost checks

Seven cost checks before you file: filing fee, registered agent, annual tax or report, publication rules, franchise tax, expedite options, professional help

Total the first-year and ongoing costs before choosing a state. Our general guide is how to incorporate a company in the U.S., and when to hire a lawyer can help you decide how much help to buy.

Where DoubleCheck fits

DoubleCheck is built for businesses that start legal work with AI. Bring your question or draft, use an AI-first workflow to understand and verify it, and when professional advice is warranted, you can connect with an independent attorney. Attorneys on DoubleCheck are independent professionals; an attorney-client relationship forms only if an attorney accepts your engagement.

Sources: FTB; Texas SOS fee schedule; Florida Division of Corporations; Wolters Kluwer on NY publication.

FAQ

How much does it cost to form an LLC in Florida?

The Division of Corporations lists $100 for Articles of Organization and $25 for registered agent designation.

How much is an LLC in Texas?

$300 for the certificate of formation per the Secretary of State fee schedule, plus any franchise tax reporting.

Which state has the highest ongoing LLC cost?

That depends on your income and facts. California’s $800 annual tax applies every year, and New York requires paid publication at formation.

Do fees change?

Yes. Verify against each state’s official website.

General information only. This article is not legal, tax, investment, or accounting advice.