Starting a nonprofit in Florida is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it also requires a lot of effort and work.
If you're looking to start a nonprofit in Florida but don't know where to begin, we've got you covered. In this blog, we'll explain exactly how to do it — from choosing your name and applying for tax-exempt status to starting your fundraising efforts from scratch.
9 steps to start your nonprofit organization in Florida
Step 1. Choose an organization name
Naming your nonprofit organization is one of the most crucial parts of starting a nonprofit in Florida. Like in any state, when choosing your nonprofit name, be sure to consider how the name:
- Reflects your values
- Communicates your mission
- Describes your goals
- Resonates with your target audience
Your name must also include the word “Corp.” or “Inc.”
Once you've decided on your name, you'll need to ensure that it's not already in use by another organization in Florida. To check the availability of your chosen name, visit the Florida Division of Corporations' website and search for the names of nonprofit corporations.
Step 2. Recruit an Incorporator and a Board of Directors
Identifying an Incorporator and a Board of Directors is not only a strategic decision that can help make your nonprofit a success, but it's a required one in Florida.
Nonprofits must recruit one Incorporator who will be responsible for signing the Articles of Incorporation. And, you must assemble a board of at least three directors who will help guide your nonprofit through strategic decision-making.
Step 3. Identify a registered agent
Appointing a registered agent is a vital step when forming a nonprofit in Florida. In essence, a registered agent acts as a reliable point of contact for legal matters. This designated individual receives important documents and official correspondence on behalf of your nonprofit, such as legal notices and tax forms.
The registered agent must be located in the state of Florida and available during regular business hours in order to receive legal correspondence and communication.
Step 4. File the Articles of incorporation
One of the most crucial steps in starting a nonprofit in Florida is filing the Articles of Incorporation. By filing articles with the Florida Division of Corporations, you'll officially establish your nonprofit as a legal entity.
This document typically includes your nonprofit's name, purpose, duration (which is usually perpetual), initial registered agent, and other basic information required by the state. You can file online or by mail (which costs around $35).
Step 5. Obtain an EIN
In Florida, like in other states, charitable organizations are required to obtain an EIN, or a federal Employer Identification Number from the internal revenue service. An EIN is like your organization's social security number. It's used for tax purposes, including opening bank accounts, hiring employees, and applying for tax-exempt status.
Step 6. Create bylaws
Next, you'll need to call a meeting with your board to draft bylaws that align with your mission and comply with Florida nonprofit laws.
Step 7. Apply for federal and state tax exception
- Apply for federal tax exemption: To qualify for federal tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, nonprofit organizations need to submit IRS Form 1023, IRS Form 1023-EZ, or IRS Form 1024 the IRS.
- Register for state tax-exempt status: Register your nonprofit with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations. This may involve obtaining a state employer identification number (EIN) and fulfilling any other state-specific requirements for nonprofits operating in Florida.
Step 8. Obtain other permits
Once you've completed all the necessary filings and abided by all the necessary rules, you'll need to consider whether you need any other permits.
For example, if your nonprofit intends to use games of chance, such as lotteries, in its fundraising efforts, you'll need to acquire special permitting.
For more information, check out the 2012 Florida Statutes (Chapter 849: Gambling). The rules and regulations vary depending on the location and type of gambling.
Step 9. Start fundraising
Once you’ve filed all of the appropriate forms and established the necessary regulatory foundation for your nonprofit, it’s time to start fundraising.
One of the best ways to start your nonprofit, and begin bringing in funds and connecting with donors, is by using a free all-in-one donation platform, designed specifically for charities. Unlike other platforms, Zeffy offers free marketing and engagement tools, event ticketing and management, raffle and auction tools, and so much more — without charging nonprofits a cent.
So not only can nonprofits start fundraising in minutes, but they don’t have to pay any upfront, monthly, or hidden fees, ever. In fact, over 10,000 nonprofits use and love Zeffy for its powerful but simple —and always free—software designed to help make the world a better place.
Step 10. Stay Compliant
As a legal nonprofit in the state of Florida, you’ll need to remain compliant with federal and state rules and regulations throughout the year. This includes:
- Maintaining records: Keep accurate and up-to-date records of your nonprofit's activities, finances, and governance. This includes meeting minutes, financial statements, tax filings, and other important documents.
- File annual report: File annual reports with the IRS to maintain your nonprofit's legal and tax-exempt status.
- Stay Informed: Stay informed about changes to Florida state laws and regulations affecting nonprofit organizations. Attend training sessions, workshops, and webinars to learn about best practices and compliance requirements
Start your nonprofit for free with Zeffy
We're excited to announce that Zeffy is finalizing its nonprofit incorporation feature, and we’re looking for proactive individuals to participate in our beta program. If you're looking to start a nonprofit in the United States and meet our specific criteria, we want to hear from you!
Learn how this Florida nonprofit raised over $155,000 for free
Eat Better, Live Better, a local Florida nonprofit, is dedicated to preventing, reversing, and reducing childhood obesity and other dietary-related illnesses through healthy foods and nutrition education. Like many nonprofits that are passionate about their cause, Eat Better was always looking for new, cost-effective ways to spread the word about its mission and bring in more donations to support its programs and activities.
However, when searching for an online donation platform, they faced several challenges. Most platforms weren't user-friendly, had limited customization options, and came with hefty price tags. They found that most platforms charge upfront fees, annual or monthly costs, and charged per transaction, meaning that less money would go to making a difference in their community.
That's when Eat Better found Zeffy — the all-in-one, free donation software for nonprofits. Zeffy offered everything that Eat Better needed: a customizable solution for accepting donations online and reaching new supporters. With highly rated customer service and user-friendly tools and features, Zeffy was the perfect fit for their team and mission.
Since using Zeffy, Eat Better has raised over $155,500 and saved almost $8,000 in fees with its custom donation form.
Start your nonprofit for free with Zeffy
Whether you're a brand new nonprofit looking to get your fundraising up and running, or an established one looking for new tools and features to make even more impact, Zeffy is one of the best all-in-one solutions for all of your nonprofit needs.
From event tracking and management to marketing and engagement tools, custom donation forms, and even the ability to create an online shop or nonprofit membership association, Zeffy offers everything you need without charging a single fee.
Plus, Zeffy now helps organizations become registered nonprofits — for free — from assembling documents to getting your 501(c) status.
How to start a nonprofit in Florida - Frequently Asked Questions
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