2026 Update: State legislatures outside of Florida are considering various legislative proposals that could change how a business entity is taxed, including the possibility of new wealth, income, and capital gains taxes for the company and its owners. If you are considering relocating your business to Florida, time is of the essence.

Several jurisdictions outside of Florida are considering sweeping changes to state tax law which could result in a company and its owners paying tens of thousands, or in some cases, hundreds of thousands of dollars in new taxes. For an entity considering redomesticating to Florida, this should be at the forefront of any tax planning discussion. Redomestication, when coupled with a change of residency to the Sunshine State and a reduction or cessation of business activity in your prior state, can be an effective way to reduce or eliminate tax nexus in that jurisdiction, thereby yielding lower taxes for the company and its owners. Ask your CPA for more information.

The Redomestication Process in a Nutshell

1. Enter your biz name above.

Then click "see exact price" and follow the steps.

Quick and easy intake process.

Submit payment securely online then sit back and relax.

2. We prepare the legal docs.

Our dually-licensed attorney+CPA prepares the legal documents and sends them to you via DocuSign.

You sign. We take it from there.

3. We submit the legal filings to the states.

We monitor the status closely, respond to inquiries from their offices, and send you weekly updates.

No extra charge. 100% success rate.

4. Approved! ✅

We send you a checklist of go-forward obligations and simple steps for your tax pro to follow.

120% money-back guarantee if we don't succeed.

Did you know? The average business that moves to Florida saves over $12,500 in taxes per year according to the Tax Foundation.

Still have questions? Schedule a meeting with our Florida attorney and CPA.


Florida redomestication process explained by a Florida attorney and CPA


Thinking of moving your existing company to Florida? Stop and read this guide first.

Redomestication—the legal process of transferring (or "redomiciling") an existing company to a new state—is too complex for non-attorneys to handle without retaining an experienced redomestication attorney.

Regrettably, many well-intentioned but under-informed attorneys and CPAs do not understand the process—if they realize it exists at all—and render incomplete and misleading advice, necessitating expensive "clean-up" work.

To further complicate matters, the "advice" offered by the latest models of ChatGPT and Gemini is catastrophically incorrect and incomplete.

For example, it is a serious mistake (with federal and state tax implications) to file a certificate of formation or incorporation without simultaneously filing other legal instruments prepared by an attorney—which you will not find on the Secretary of State website.

Save the "DIY" for home improvement. If you commence the process on your own and without expert guidance, you may inadvertently trigger a hefty tax bill from the federal Internal Revenue Service, and it often will cost far more and take far longer to resolve (if it can be resolved at all) than if you had retained an attorney experienced in this niche at the outset to transfer your company to Florida.

Read on to learn more.

Do not file any documents, including, for example, articles of conversion, incorporation, organization, or dissolution, with the Department of State without first partnering with a Florida-licensed attorney such as our law firm.

Filing incorrect or incomplete documents can result in rejected filings, wasted time, and substantial financial penalties, including serious problems with the IRS and the dissolution of the company. Generic templates found online are insufficient for meeting Florida’s legal and tax requirements and can lead to termination of your business or loss of credibility. Engaging competent legal counsel from the outset is far more efficient and cost-effective than trying to fix a failed transaction later. Fixing a "broken" transaction can cost tens, and in some cases, hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Our law firm, Cummings & Cummings Law, led by Florida-licensed attorney and CPA Chad D. Cummings, has completed over 500 domestications within the last two years with a 100% success rate.

Why DIY Florida redomestication fails: common mistakes that cost thousands

 

Client Testimonials


Loading reviews...

Why hire Cummings & Cummings Law?
Our Law FirmOther Law FirmsLegalZoom® /
RocketLawyer®
DIY
Licensed Florida Attorney
Yes
⚠️
Varies

No

No
Licensed Florida CPA
Yes

No

No

No
Owes you fiduciary duties under the law
Yes

Yes

No*
N/A
Experience
500+
⚠️
Varies

None*

None
Success Rate
100%
⚠️
Varies

Zero*

Who knows?
Money-Back Guarantee
120%
❌️
None

None*
N/A
Timeline 🚀
1-3 months
⚠️
6 months+
🔥
Months to fix
🔥
Months to fix
Expedite Option
Yes
⚠️
Varies

None
⚠️
Varies
Weekly Updates
No charge
💰️
At charge

None

None
Legal Fees
Flat-fee
⚠️
Varies
🔥
Very high to fix
🔥
Very high to fix
*It is a third-degree felony in Florida to practice law without a license, and only a licensed Florida attorney can render legal advice to or prepare custom legal documents for clients. LegalZoom®, RocketLawyer®, and similar services are not attorneys nor law firms and cannot perform redomestications.
Florida attorney and CPA versus online service for business redomestication

Redomestication, also known as redomiciling, refers to the lesser-known legal process of transferring or moving the "home state" of an existing corporation, partnership, or LLC, from one state to another state. It means keeping your existing company name, credit, and federal employer identification number (FEIN) without wasting time and money creating a new business entity, applying for foreign registration, or moving assets between companies.
— Prof. Chad D. Cummings, Esq., CPA

Google ReviewsCummings & Cummings Law BBB Business Review

What is redomestication? Definition and Florida statutory authority

 


Domestication vs. Foreign Registration vs. Merger vs. Dissolution: A Comparison

Domestication is a distinct legal process from foreign entity registration, merger, or dissolution.

Redomestication is generally the most efficient and cost-effective method for relocating a business to Florida, particularly when the company has permanently ceased operations in its original state. It does not involve dissolution. Many people make the mistake of dissolving their company when relying on incomplete or misleading advice.

Unlike foreign entity registration or merger, redomestication allows a business to retain its EIN, contracts, credit history, and brand identity—preserving continuity while minimizing tax risks and administrative burdens. It also eliminates the need to maintain dual registrations and tax obligations, potentially saving substantial time and money. By contrast, foreign registration can create ongoing compliance costs in the former state, and mergers often involve unnecessary legal complexity and higher fees.

Domestication is, in many circumstances, far preferable to registering an LLC or corporation as a foreign entity, especially where the LLC or corporation has permanently moved its operations and will not be returning to the prior state in the near future.

Some attorneys, unfortunately, confuse their clients by recommending a foreign entity registration in Florida, or worse, a merger, where a redomestication would have accomplished the client's goals of moving their business to Florida efficiently and effectively.

The top seven benefits of moving your company (LLC, corporation, or partnership) to Florida via redomestication to transfer your business include:

  1. 1. Maintaining your existing federal employer identification number, eliminating the tax headaches of forming a new company or transferring assets between companies (and inadvertently triggering a hefty tax bill from the IRS) when you move your business to Florida;
  2. 2. Keeping your existing business credit history and track record, safeguarding your reputation with clients, vendors, and creditors when moving your LLC or corporation to Florida;
  3. 3. Continuing your existing business name (in almost every case), protecting your most important assets when moving your company to Florida: your brand, reputation, and time you have already invested in search engine optimization;
  4. 4. Maintaining your existing contracts with customers and vendors because moving your business to Florida via redomestication does not create a new company: it maintains your existing company, saving you dozens (or even hundreds) of hours re-writing (and re-negotiating) contracts and changing banks;
  5. 5. Eliminating the need to continue paying registration fees and taxes in your prior state (assuming you have discontinued your operations there and have permanently relocated to Florida), potentially saving you tens of thousands of dollars (or more) in state taxes every quarter when you move your business to Florida;
  6. 6. Avoiding unnecessary IRS scrutiny because moving your LLC or corporation to Florida via redomestication is a tax-free transaction under the Internal Revenue Code; and
  7. 7. Reducing the amount of time you spend on administrative filings, saving you untold hours annually, by moving your company to Florida: the most pro-business state in the Union.

Before taking the "penny wise and pound foolish" approach of foreign entity registration or spending countless hours and exorbitant legal fees (and possibly taxes) on a merger or merger-gone-wrong to move your company to Florida, ensure you understand your options.


Comparison of Four Approaches
RedomesticateForeign EntityMergeDissolve
Need to Continue Paying & Filing Registration Renewals in Former State
No

Yes
⚠️
Varies
☠️
No, she's dead, Jim.
Stop Paying Taxes in the Former State*
Yes

No
⚠️
Varies
☠️
Tax event.*
Initial Complexity
Low
⚠️
Varies

High

High, when done right.
Ongoing Complexity
Very Low

High

High
☠️
None; it's gone.
Initial State Filing Costs
Low
⚠️
Varies

High
⚠️
Varies
Timing
Fast
⚠️
Varies

Slow
⚠️
Varies
Legal Fees
Low
⚠️
Varies

$10,000 or more
🔥
Very high to fix.
*While every situation is different and dependent upon tax nexus, redomesticating can be an effective way to reduce or eliminate taxes in a former state in certain circumstances. Ask your CPA for more information. Our firm does not provide tax advice or perform tax work except by separate engagement at an additional charge.

In most circumstances, redomestication (and not a foreign entity registration or costly and complicated merger) is the best route to achieve a change in company domicile to Florida.


Moving your business to Florida: step-by-step guide by Cummings & Cummings Law

 


How to Transfer Your Company to Florida via Redomestication

Changing your corporation or LLC to Florida via domestication is a fast, attorney-led process that preserves your EIN, business history, contracts, and credit when working with Cummings & Cummings Law.

After submitting your business name and one-time payment online, Cummings & Cummings Law prepares all required Florida-compliant legal instruments, including the Plan of Conversion and Certificates of Formation and Conversion. You review and sign electronically via DocuSign, with the option for a consultation with a Florida attorney and CPA. The firm then files with the Florida Secretary of State and your prior state, providing weekly status updates until the transfer is complete.

  1. 1. Complete the online workflow above by entering the name of your business (i.e., the name of your LLC or corporation). The entire intake process should take you no more than five minutes to complete, and then our attorneys get to work. Submit a one-time payment securely online inclusive of all fees and costs.
  2. 2. Cummings & Cummings Law, a Florida law firm, prepares the legal instruments necessary to effectuate a move your existing LLC or corporation to Florida (keeping your EIN and business history intact), prepared in full conformity with Florida law, including:
    1. a Plan of Conversion;
    2. a Unanimous Written Consent;
    3. Articles of Conversion; and
    4. Articles of Formation.
  3. 3. Our attorney and CPA transmits these documents to you for your electronic review via DocuSign to transfer your business to Florida. No snail mail. If desired, speak on the phone with our attorney and CPA during a consultation who will then address any questions you may have prior to signing regarding redomiciling your company.
  4. 4. Sign your documents electronically and securely via DocuSign to redomesticate your LLC, corporation, or partnership to Florida.
  5. 5. Our attorney and CPA transmits the legal documents and filing costs to the Florida Secretary of State, Division of Corporations in Tallahassee on your behalf to transfer your LLC or corporation and sends you weekly status updates via email at no additional charge to keep you in the loop.
  6. 6. Once the Florida Secretary of State has approved the move of your LLC or corporation, our attorney and CPA then files articles of conversion with your prior state to finalize the redomestication.

Why choose Cummings & Cummings Law to transfer your LLC or corporation to Florida?


  • Peace of mind. All your redomestication documents are prepared, reviewed, and filed by a licensed Florida attorney and CPA with Fortune 500 experience and a brick-and-mortar office, not by a fly-by-night non-attorney (and possibly illegal) online "service"
  • Ease of access. Enjoy direct access to a real attorney by email during the redomiciling process, not an assistant or go-between
  • Efficiency. Electronic, online filing and communication (no snail mail when possible) regarding the move and electronic signatures by DocuSign when needed
  • Communication. Weekly email status updates regarding the redomestication status included at no additional charge
  • Value. No other Florida attorney delivers this entire scope of work to redomesticate your LLC or corporation at a better price



Admitted to The Florida Bar—Attorney and Counselor at Law
and
Licensed by the Florida Division of Certified Public Accounting as a Certified Public Accountant



Thinking of transferring your LLC or corporation to Florida without an attorney?

Attempting to domesticate your LLC or corporation to Florida without an attorney is fraught with serious risks.

Filing incorrect or incomplete documents can result in felony charges, rejected filings, wasted time, and substantial financial penalties, including serious problems with the IRS and the dissolution of the company. Generic templates found online are insufficient for meeting Florida’s legal and tax requirements and can lead to termination of your business or loss of credibility. Engaging competent legal counsel from the outset is far more efficient and cost-effective than trying to fix a failed transaction later. Fixing a "broken" transaction can cost tens, and in some cases, hundreds of thousands of dollars.


Risks of DIY Florida LLC conversion explained

 
Here are the top six reasons you are making a terrible mistake:
  • Fines and penalties. It is a third degree felony to file fraudulent or misleading redomestication documents with the Florida Department of State to move your LLC or corporation. Therefore, you are potentially committing a felony if you submit articles of conversion without observing the strict, prerequisite formalities, including the preparation and execution of the accompanying articles of formation, unanimous written consent, and plan of conversion.
  • Cookie cutter templates. Articles of formation, articles of conversion, unanimous written consent, and the plan of conversion are complicated legal documents with federal and state tax implications. While you might find a template online for one of these documents, you will not find fill-in-the-blank forms for all of these. Any templates or forms you do find online are likely to be incomplete and generic, thereby failing to protect you from legal and tax problems because they are not unique to your circumstance.
  • Wasted time. Guessing which documents to file to redomicile your LLC or corporation without proper preparation and review by a Florida attorney can only result in wasted time and rejected filings by the Florida Secretary of State... potentially adding months of delays to your redomestication and preventing you from transferring your business.
  • Wasted money. You don't run your business by throwing darts at a dartboard, so why would you simply hope that you calculated the filing costs to redomicile your LLC or corporation correctly?
  • Tax and legal headaches. You wouldn't perform brain surgery on yourself, so why would you attempt to practice law on yourself? If you make a mistake or fail to prepare and execute the redomestication documents correctly (including the required articles of formation, articles of conversion, unanimous written consent, and plan of conversion), you may inadvertently terminate your business, creating significant legal and tax headaches and potentially requiring thousands of dollars (or more) to remedy... if the redomestication can be fixed at all.
  • Loss of credibility. Operating in Florida without registering with the Florida Department of State is illegal and can result in a $1,000 fine and even jail time in certain circumstances, alienating current and future customers and destroying your hard-earned reputation.

You will incur substantially more time and expense in attempting to correct a transfer of your LLC, corporation, or partnership "gone wrong" than if you had retained competent legal counsel to assist you at the outset.

Read our Frequently Asked Questions about redomestication or learn more about the process.



Redomicile your company now. Flat-fee pricing available to transfer your LLC or corporation.

Enter Your Business Name:


Intake requires less than five minutes.
Just click "next."



Still have questions? Schedule a meeting to discuss.



A person may not, in any matter within the jurisdiction of the Department of State, knowingly and willfully falsify or conceal a material fact, make any false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation, or make or use any false document, knowing the same to contain any false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or entry. A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083 or s. 775.084. § 817.155, Fla. Stat. (emphasis added).

Felony penalties for incorrect Florida Department of State filings


Chad D. Cummings, Florida Attorney and CPA

Chief Executive Officer of Cummings & Cummings Law

Picture of attorney wearing suit and tie

I am an attorney and Certified Public Accountant serving Florida.

Previously, I served in operations and finance with the world’s largest accounting firm (PricewaterhouseCoopers), airline (American Airlines), and bank (JPMorgan Chase & Co.). I have also created and advised a variety of start-up ventures.

I am a member of The Florida Bar and the State Bar of Texas, and I hold active CPA licensure in both of those jurisdictions.

I also hold undergraduate (B.B.A.) and graduate (M.S.) degrees in accounting and taxation, respectively, from one of the premier universities in Texas. I earned my Juris Doctor (J.D.) and Master of Laws (LL.M.) degrees from Florida law schools. I also hold a variety of other accounting, tax, and finance credentials which I apply in my law practice for the benefit of my clients.

My practice emphasizes, but is not limited to, the law as it intersects businesses and their owners. Clients appreciate the confluence of my business acumen from my career before law, my technical accounting and financial knowledge, and the legal insights and expertise I wield as an attorney. I live in Naples, Florida and practice from our Bonita Springs office, representing clients throughout the great states of Florida and Texas.

If I can be of assistance to redomicile your LLC or corporation to Florida, please click here to set up a meeting.

As the expression goes, if you think hiring a professional is expensive, wait until you hire an amateur. Do not make the costly mistake of hiring an offshore, fly-by-night, and possibly illegal online "service" to move your company. Where will they be when something goes wrong? . . . Hire an experienced attorney and CPA, knowing you are working with a credentialed professional with a brick-and-mortar office.
— Prof. Chad D. Cummings, CPA, Esq. (emphasis added)



Moving Your LLC or Corporation to Florida via Redomestication:
How it Works

1. Submit your information and securely pay online

2. Schedule your included telephone consultation with our attorney who will address your questions regarding the transfer of your company domicile

3. Our licensed attorney prepares articles of formation, articles of conversion, a plan of conversion, and the formal legal instrument necessary to adopt that plan, all in strict conformity with Florida law to redomicile your business. Once signed electronically via DocuSign, he prepares and submits your redomestication instruments to the Florida Secretary of State, monitoring the status closely

4. The Florida Secretary of State reviews and accepts your redomestication; our attorney and CPA responds to any questions or requests for additional information on your behalf

5. Our attorney submits a statement of domestication or conversion to sunset your business in your home state

 

The entire process can take two to three months depending upon the processing backlogs of the respective state officials.

It is vitally important you keep your bookkeeper, CPA, and tax preparer informed so they will be on notice to file the appropriate tax returns and tax forms.

Optional: Our attorney can assist with other needs for an additional fee. Please select the appropriate options when submitting your information or ask during your telephone consultation.


At Cummings & Cummings Law, we have the unique combination of legal and accounting expertise, and we’re ready to help you navigate the complex process of transferring your LLC, corporation, or partnership to Florida. Our team, led by a professional who is both a certified public accountant (CPA) and an experienced business attorney, is prepared to handle the intricate financial and legal concerns involved in changing your company's state of domicile.


Why Redomesticate?


Transferring a business to Florida without properly registering with the Secretary of State and domesticating the business from the former state can have potentially serious and unpredictable legal effects. Here are some examples:

  • 1. Legal Violations: Failure to register with the Florida Secretary of State can result in legal violations and penalties. Operating without the necessary business entity filing may lead to fines, legal actions, or even the shutdown of the LLC, corporation, or partnership, not to mention loss of credibility and financial hardship.
  • 2. Tax Consequences: The business might remain subject to taxation in both states, potentially leading to unnecessary taxation. This can significantly impact the company’s finances and result in penalties for unpaid taxes if the company fails to convert or domesticate its business entity from the former state.
  • 3. Legal Liability: Operating without proper registration may limit or even eliminate the liability protection that a formal business structure, like an LLC or corporation, typically provides. Owners could be personally liable for business debts and legal claims, especially in the event of a default judgment. Under Florida law, a LLC, partnership, or corporation which is not properly registered loses its legal rights to notice in the event of a lawsuit: potentially resulting in bankruptcy and foreclosure.
  • 4. Contractual Issues: The business may face challenges in entering into or enforcing contracts or agreements in Florida without the proper legal standing. This can hinder growth and expansion efforts and seriously impugn the reputation of your LLC or corporation.
  • 5. Difficulty in Resolving Disputes: If legal disputes arise, the lack of proper registration can complicate the resolution process, making it challenging to protect the business’ interests and the financial wellbeing of the company's members, stockholders, or partners.

Our firm focuses on redomiciling businesses to the Sunshine State. Let us handle the complexities and technicalities.


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What's Included in a Redomestication of an LLC or Corporation to Florida:


  • ✔️ 15 minute phone consultation with Chad D. Cummings, Florida attorney and CPA (additional time available at additional charge, if needed)
  • ✔️ Preparation of articles of formation and articles of conversion to redomicile your company to Florida
  • ✔️ Filing with the Florida Secretary of State to legally transfer your LLC or corporation to the Sunshine State
  • ✔️ Filing a statement of domestication or conversion (as appropriate) with your former state's Secretary of State to convert your business entity from that state
  • ✔️ Preparation and execution of a customized plan of conversion and unanimous written consent to legally commence the change of company domicile
  • ✔️ All documents prepared, reviewed, and filed by a REAL Florida attorney and CPA (not an assistant, intern, or paralegal)
  • ✔️ Weekly status updates to keep you fully apprised from start-to-finish at no additional charge

What's Available at Additional Charge, If Required:


  • ➖ Tax filings, tax account closures, tax audit assistance, tax advice, and bookkeeping
  • ➖ Establishing or closing professional, state, and local licenses
  • ➖ Operating agreement review and revision
  • ➖ Preparation and filing of IRS Form 8822-B (Change of Address for a Business)
  • ➖ Florida payroll tax account creation
  • ➖ Florida sales and use tax creation
  • ➖ Federal trademark filing
  • ➖ Preparation and filing of revised Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report
  • ➖ Change of business name
  • ➖ Expedite option
  • ➖ Foreign entity registration (to operate in a second state)

Why Choose Cummings & Cummings Law?


  • ✔️ Enjoy peace of mind knowing that your redomestication documents to transfer your LLC or corporation are prepared, reviewed, and filed by a licensed attorney and CPA with Fortune 500 experience and a brick-and-mortar office, not by a fly-by-night non-attorney (and possibly illegal) online service
  • ✔️ Direct access to a real attorney by email (also available over the phone or face-to-face by appointment) during the redomiciling to discuss the move of your LLC or corporation, not an assistant or go-between
  • ✔️ 15 minute phone consultation available before you commit
  • ✔️ Competitive, flat-fee pricing available to transfer your LLC or corporation
  • ✔️ Electronic, online filing and communication (no snail mail when possible)
  • ✔️ Electronic signatures on articles of formation, articles of conversion, the plan of conversion, and the unanimous written consent by DocuSign
  • ✔️ Digital, flexible payment options (including cryptocurrency)
  • ✔️ Status updates transmitted to you via email every Friday afternoon to keep you in the loop

Using a non-attorney service for your corporate or LLC domestication can have serious (and expensive) consequences.

Only a Florida-licensed attorney is permitted to draft legal documents and answer legal questions for Florida residents. LegalZoom®, RocketLawyer®, and similar services are not law firms and cannot render legal advice or handle domestications because a domestication, by definition, requires the preparation of a custom plan of conversion. Unfortunately, our firm often encounters people who hired a non-attorney service to handle this complicated, nuanced process with disastrous results necessitating expensive ($10,000+) clean-up work.


Florida redomestication FAQ walkthrough

 

Frequently asked questions: moving a company to Florida from your prior state

Below are some of the most commonly asked questions our firm receives from business owners interested in transferring their company to Florida from your prior state, prepared by a dually-licensed Florida attorney and Certified Public Accountant.

  1. 1. What is redomestication?

    Redomestication is the statutory conversion of a business entity from your prior state to Florida under Fla. Stat. § 605.1041 (limited liability companies) or Fla. Stat. § 607.11920 (corporations). The entity retains its Federal Employer Identification Number, contracts, bank accounts, credit history, and legal continuity. No new company is formed and no assets transfer.

    Redomestication, also known as redomiciling or statutory conversion, is the process of legally transferring a company's home state from your prior state to Florida. This unique process allows the company to retain its existing name (so long as it is available in Florida), credit history, contracts, bank accounts, and federal employer identification number (FEIN) without:

    • Creating a new company in Florida;
    • Transferring assets between business entities;
    • Triggering federal income tax at the company or owner level;
    • Applying for foreign registration in Florida; or
    • Dissolving the original company.

    For these reasons, redomestication is distinct from the traditional approaches of filing as a foreign entity or merging two entities together. The company that exists after the redomestication is the same legal entity that existed before the redomestication. It carries forward all of its prior history (including credit history), rights, obligations, and liabilities as a matter of law.

    The process is authorized under the applicable statutes of both your prior state and Florida. Every state has unique laws and procedures. Our attorney evaluates the statutory framework of both jurisdictions before commencing any filing.

  2. 2. How does redomestication differ from foreign qualification or merger?

    Foreign qualification registers the company in Florida while preserving prior-state domicile, requiring dual-state compliance. Merger forms a new Florida entity and dissolves the old, requiring asset transfers and a new Federal Employer Identification Number. Redomestication changes the entity's domicile to Florida under Fla. Stat. § 605.1046 without creating a new entity or transferring assets.

    Business owners who wish to operate in Florida often encounter three distinct legal mechanisms. Each carries different legal, tax, and operational consequences:

    • Foreign Qualification (a.k.a. Foreign Registration): The company registers as a foreign entity in Florida while remaining domiciled in your prior state. The company must then maintain compliance, pay fees, and file reports in both your prior state and Florida. This approach does not change the company's domicile and does not eliminate ongoing obligations in your prior state.
    • Merger: A new company is formed in Florida, and the original company merges into it. The original company then ceases to exist, and the surviving entity may receive a new FEIN. This approach can trigger tax consequences and requires the transfer of contracts, licenses, bank accounts, and other assets to the surviving entity. This is a very costly and time-consuming approach.
    • Redomestication: The company itself changes its state of domicile from your prior state to Florida. No new company is created. The FEIN, contracts, bank accounts, and credit history remain intact. The company's legal continuity is preserved by operation of statute and the Plan of Conversion, and the process does not require asset transfers, novating contracts, or closing bank accounts.

    Redomestication is, in most cases, the superior approach for business owners because it preserves continuity, avoids the creation of duplicate entities, and minimizes the administrative and tax burdens associated with foreign qualification and merger when performed correctly.

  3. 3. How much does redomestication cost?

    The flat-fee covers attorney and Certified Public Accountant work from intake through final acceptance and includes the Plan of Conversion required by Fla. Stat. § 605.1042. Florida filing costs are statutory: $25 articles of conversion plus $125 articles of organization for limited liability companies under Fla. Stat. § 605.0212(2). Prior-state filing fees vary by jurisdiction.

    For a one-time, flat-fee plus state filing costs, our dually-licensed attorney and CPA prepares and files all required legal instruments to change the domicile of your company from your prior state to Florida. The flat-fee covers the entire process from initial consultation through final confirmation of acceptance but excludes any tax work.

    It is important to note that many online services, and even some attorneys, omit the preparation of a custom Plan of Conversion. This omission can result in a failure of the process and unforeseen tax and legal complications at both the state and federal levels.

    After receiving positive confirmation of acceptance by the Florida Department of State, our attorney then prepares and files a statement of conversion (also referred to as a statement of redomestication, certificate of conversion, articles of conversion, or other jurisdiction-specific terminology) in total compliance with the formalities required by your prior state law, completing the redomestication.

    We know of no other service that will perform all of these legal services to transfer your company to Florida from your prior state at this competitive price.

  4. 4. Do you offer a money-back guarantee?

    Yes. If the Florida Department of State rejects the filing and Cummings & Cummings Law cannot resolve the issue, the firm refunds 120 percent of the legal fee. The firm has completed every redomestication submitted to date with statutory acceptance, attributable to the custom Plan of Conversion drafted under Fla. Stat. § 605.1042 specifications.

    If your redomestication is rejected by the Florida Department of State and our attorney is not able to resolve the issue on your behalf, we will refund 120% of your legal fees. No other attorney in Florida matches this guarantee.

    This guarantee reflects our confidence in the thoroughness of our process and the quality of the legal instruments we prepare. Because we include a custom Plan of Conversion and file in strict compliance with the statutory requirements of both your prior state and Florida, we have attained a 100% success rate.

  5. 5. Why should I transfer my business to Florida?

    Florida imposes no state-level personal income tax under Fla. Const. art. VII, § 5(a). Limited liability companies, S corporations, and partnerships pay no Florida entity-level income tax. Florida law provides homestead protection under Fla. Const. art. X, § 4 and tenancy-by-the-entireties asset protection. Florida ranks among the leading states for business formation.

    Florida is a pro-business state with favorable tax policies and a diverse and growing economy. By redomesticating to Florida from your prior state, your company may benefit from:

    • A streamlined tax structure with no state-level personal income tax;
    • No state-level income tax or franchise tax for most company types;
    • A growth-oriented legal environment with strong asset protection statutes;
    • A large and diverse consumer market; and
    • A well-developed infrastructure for business formation and compliance.

    The absence of a state-level personal income tax is a significant factor for owners of pass-through entities such as LLCs, S corporations, and partnerships, where business income flows through to the owners' personal tax returns. Owners who are also Florida residents may realize meaningful tax savings at the state level.

  6. 6. What are the federal income tax implications of redomesticating?

    A redomestication that satisfies Treasury requirements qualifies as a tax-free F-reorganization under I.R.C. § 368(a)(1)(F). Tax attributes carry over under I.R.C. § 381. No gain or loss is recognized at the entity or owner level. The Internal Revenue Service confirmed this treatment for analogous facts in Rev. Rul. 2008-18, 2008-13 I.R.B. 674.

    Redomestication is a form of non-taxable business reorganization recognized under Sections 351, 355, and/or 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) and applicable Treasury Regulations. When executed in compliance with the statutory requirements, transferring your company from your prior state to Florida using this approach will not trigger any new federal income taxes at either the company or owner level.

    The tax-free treatment arises because the redomestication is a change in domicile only, not a sale, exchange, or distribution of assets. The company's tax attributes, including its basis in assets, carry forward without adjustment or new accounting.

    You will need to apprise the IRS of your new business address. Our firm can handle this administrative task for you at a nominal, additional charge.

    Important: The tax-free treatment of a redomestication depends upon strict compliance with all applicable requirements. Failure to prepare and adopt a proper Plan of Conversion, or failure to file the required instruments with both your prior state and Florida, can jeopardize the non-taxable character of the transaction. This is one of several reasons why the Plan of Conversion, prepared by a competent Florida attorney and CPA, is an essential component of the process.
  7. 7. What are the state-level tax implications of redomesticating?

    Florida imposes no state-level personal income tax. C corporations pay 5.5 percent on Florida-source income under Fla. Stat. § 220.11. Limited liability companies, S corporations, and partnerships pay no Florida entity-level tax. The prior state may require a final return through the effective date and may impose exit taxes or clawback provisions.

    The state-level tax implications of redomesticating depend on the laws of your prior state and the specific facts and circumstances of your company.

    • Your prior state: Most states require the filing of a final tax return for the period ending on the effective date of the redomestication. Some states may attempt to impose exit taxes, clawback provisions, or other obligations. This is why it is important to keep your tax preparer informed prior to, throughout, and following the redomestication, so he or she will be on notice to prepare and file any tax documents in your prior state.
    • Florida: Florida does not impose a state-level personal income tax. Most company types, including LLCs, S corporations, and partnerships, pay no state-level income tax or franchise tax. C corporations domiciled in Florida may be subject to Florida's corporate income tax on income apportioned to the state.

    If your company has employees, inventory, or sales tax obligations, additional state-level registrations may be required. We discuss these considerations during the initial consultation and can assist with these registrations at additional charge, though they are excluded from the flat-fee price shown on our website, and the execution and delivery of a separate engagement letter is required for any tax work.

  8. 8. How does the redomestication process work?

    The client submits the online intake and payment. The attorney drafts a custom Plan of Conversion under Fla. Stat. § 605.1042. Articles of conversion are filed with the Florida Department of State under Fla. Stat. § 605.1045. After acceptance, the corresponding statement of conversion is filed in your prior state to terminate prior-state domicile.

    The process proceeds in the following sequence:

    • Step 1: Complete the process on our website. Access our redomestication workflow at this secure link and submit payment. Our dually-licensed attorney and CPA then begins reviewing your information and preparing your documents for electronic signature.
    • Step 2: Plan of Conversion. Our attorney prepares a custom Plan of Conversion and a legal instrument adopting that Plan of Conversion, tailored to the statutory requirements of both your prior state and Florida. This document is provided to you for review and signature via DocuSign.
    • Step 3: Filing with Florida. Our firm prepares and files documents with the Florida Department of State.
    • Step 4: Confirmation. Upon acceptance by the Florida Department of State, our firm confirms receipt and provides you with the filed and stamped documents.
    • Step 5: Filing with your prior state. Our attorney prepares and files a custom statement of conversion (or equivalent instrument) with your prior state, completing the redomestication and concluding the company's domicile in your prior state.
    • Step 6: Post-Redomestication. Our firm provides guidance on next steps and ongoing Florida filing requirements, including specific information to provide to your CPA or bookkeeper.

    It is important to note that most online services, and even some attorneys, omit Step 2 (the Plan of Conversion) and Step 5 (the filing with your prior state). These omissions can result in a failure of the process and unforeseen tax and legal complications which are burdensome and time-consuming to remedy, if they can be remedied at all.

  9. 9. What is a Plan of Conversion, and why is it important?

    A Plan of Conversion is the legal instrument required by Fla. Stat. § 605.1042 that authorizes the change of domicile. It must identify the converting entity, the destination jurisdiction, and the treatment of ownership interests. Omission causes filing rejection by the Florida Department of State and may forfeit federal tax-free treatment under I.R.C. § 368(a)(1)(F).

    A Plan of Conversion is the foundational legal document that authorizes and governs the redomestication of your company from your prior state to Florida. Think of it like the Constitution. It sets forth the terms and conditions of the conversion, identifies the company and the jurisdictions of Florida as the destination and your prior state as the origin, and specifies the manner in which the interests of the owners will be treated and continued.

    Both your prior state and Florida law require the adoption of a Plan of Conversion as a prerequisite to filing articles of conversion or redomestication. Failure to prepare and adopt a proper Plan of Conversion can result in:

    • Rejection of the filing by Florida or your prior state;
    • A defective conversion that may not be recognized as legally effective;
    • Loss of the non-taxable character of the transaction under federal tax law;
    • Disputes (and even lawsuits) among owners regarding the terms of the redomestication; and
    • Exposure to personal liability for officers, directors, or managers who authorized a defective transaction.

    Our attorney prepares a custom Plan of Conversion for every engagement. This document is not a template or boilerplate form. It is drafted to comply with the specific statutory requirements of both your prior state and Florida.

  10. 10. Do you help with local and professional business licenses?

    Local and professional licensing requirements vary by Florida county, municipality, and profession under Fla. Stat. ch. 205 (local business tax) and chapter-specific professional licensing statutes. The flat-fee excludes local license applications. Cummings & Cummings Law assists with local and professional licensing under a separate engagement letter. Many businesses without a physical public-facing location require no local license.

    Because of the significant variation among local and professional licensing requirements across Florida's counties and municipalities, we do not include these services in the flat-fee. Licensing requirements depend on the nature of the business, the county and municipality in which it operates, and whether the business engages in a regulated profession or trade.

    We are prepared to assist with this bespoke service at additional charge upon request and upon the execution and delivery of a separate engagement letter. In many cases, businesses will not require local or professional licenses at all, particularly if the company does not maintain a physical location open to the public or engage in a profession that requires state licensure.

    Please inquire if you have questions about whether your business requires local or professional licensing in Florida.

  11. 11. Do I need to file any tax returns?

    Yes. The tax preparer must file a final state income tax return in your prior state through the effective date of the conversion, plus final payroll, sales and use, and excise tax returns as applicable. Federal Forms 1120, 1120-S, or 1065 continue uninterrupted under the same Federal Employer Identification Number under Treas. Reg. § 301.6109-1.

    Your tax professional should prepare and file final tax returns for your prior state, covering the period through the last date of nexus and taxable activity in your prior state. Depending on the nature of your business operations, it may also be necessary for your tax professional to file one or more of the following:

    • Final state income tax return for your prior state;
    • Final local or municipal tax returns, if applicable;
    • Final payroll tax returns and notifications to your prior state;
    • Final sales and use tax returns, if applicable; and
    • Final excise or specialty tax returns, if applicable.

    We do not include tax return preparation in the flat-fee because many small business owners already work with a trusted tax professional. If, however, you require assistance with these filings, we will be pleased to assist upon request at additional charge and subject to the execution and delivery of a separate engagement letter.

    Note: Failure to file a final return and close tax and professional license accounts in your prior state can result in continued assessment of taxes, penalties, and interest, even after the company has left the jurisdiction. This is a common oversight that can create significant liability if left unaddressed.
  12. 12. What are the consequences of operating a business in Florida without registering?

    An unregistered foreign entity transacting business in Florida loses standing to maintain a civil action under Fla. Stat. § 605.0905 (limited liability companies) or Fla. Stat. § 607.1502 (corporations) and incurs civil penalties for each year of unregistered activity. The entity also forfeits limited liability protection and may incur back franchise and income taxes plus penalties and interest.

    Operating a business in Florida without proper registration is illegal and exposes the company and its owners to a number of legal and financial risks, including:

    • Loss of Liability Protection: An unregistered company may lose the benefit of limited liability, exposing the personal assets of its owners to claims against the business, potentially resulting in personal bankruptcy.
    • Inability to Access Florida Courts: An unregistered company may be prohibited from initiating, responding to, or maintaining a lawsuit in Florida courts to enforce its contracts or protect its rights.
    • Fines and Penalties: Florida imposes penalties on entities that transact business in the state without proper registration, including late fees and potential administrative action. Criminal action is a possibility in extreme cases.
    • Tax Penalties: Failure to register and file required tax returns can result in the assessment of taxes, penalties, and interest by the Florida taxing authorities.
    • Contract Enforceability Risks: Contracts entered into by an unregistered company may be subject to challenge, creating uncertainty in the company's business relationships.

    We do not recommend that any business operate in Florida without proper registration for these and other reasons. Redomestication provides the most thorough and legally sound method of establishing your company in Florida.

  13. 13. How long does the redomestication process take?

    Two to three months from engagement is typical, governed primarily by the processing times of the Florida Department of State and your prior-state filing office. Florida offers expedited processing under Fla. Stat. § 15.16(2), reducing the timeline to under one month in many cases. Cummings & Cummings Law provides weekly status updates throughout the engagement.

    The process can take between two to three months from the date of engagement, depending on state processing times. The principal variable is the turnaround time of the Florida Department of State and your prior state, both of which are outside of our control.

    It is possible for the process to be completed more quickly depending upon your unique circumstances, including whether expedited processing is available and advisable. When expediting is available (and it often is), we can compress the timeline to less than a month. In all cases, our firm will keep you informed with weekly status updates throughout the process at no additional charge.

    We recommend that business owners begin the process well in advance of any planned operational changes, tax year-end deadlines, or other time-sensitive events to allow sufficient time for processing in both your prior state and Florida.

  14. 14. What does your flat-fee service include?

    The flat-fee includes a 15-minute consultation, a custom Plan of Conversion under Fla. Stat. § 605.1042, articles of conversion under Fla. Stat. § 605.1045, the corresponding statement of conversion in your prior state, weekly status updates, and delivery of all filed and stamped documents. All work is performed by a Florida-licensed attorney and Certified Public Accountant.

    Our flat-fee service includes:

    • A 15-minute telephone consultation before purchasing to discuss your needs and address your specific questions;
    • Preparation of a custom Plan of Conversion and an authorizing resolution or consent;
    • Preparation, review, and filing of instruments with the Florida Department of State to commence the redomestication;
    • Preparation, review, and filing of an appropriate instrument to discontinue your company domicile in that jurisdiction;
    • Weekly status updates throughout the process; and
    • Delivery of all filed and stamped documents upon completion.

    All documents are prepared, reviewed, and filed by a licensed Florida attorney and Certified Public Accountant (CPA). No work is delegated to apprentices, assistants, or third-party vendors.

    Once your prior state has approved the redomestication, our work together is completed, and we will provide you with "next steps" regarding ongoing Florida filing requirements, as well as information on preparing and filing tax returns which you should provide to your tax professional.

  15. 15. Are there any additional costs or services that may be needed?

    Optional services available under a separate engagement letter include final prior-state tax returns, Florida payroll and sales tax registrations, Internal Revenue Service Form 8822-B address change, local and professional licensing, Florida registered agent service under Fla. Stat. § 605.0113, and governing-document amendments. Each optional service is quoted in writing before commencement.

    Depending on the nature of your business, the following additional services may be required and are available at extra charge pursuant to a separate engagement letter:

    • Preparation and filing of final tax returns in your prior state;
    • Registration for payroll tax accounts in Florida;
    • Registration for sales and use tax accounts in Florida;
    • IRS address change (IRS Form 8822-B);
    • Local, state, and professional business license applications;
    • Registered agent services in Florida;
    • Amendment of operating agreements, bylaws, or other governing documents; and
    • Additional consultation time beyond the included 15 minutes.

    This list is intended to be illustrative, not exhaustive. In many cases, these additional services will not be required. Many small business owners choose to handle certain administrative tasks on their own or through their existing tax professional. We discuss the need for any additional services during the initial consultation so there are no surprises.

  16. 16. Why should I use a licensed Florida attorney and CPA instead of an online service?

    A Florida-licensed attorney is bound by the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar, carries professional liability insurance, and is subject to The Florida Bar grievance procedures under R. Regulating Fla. Bar 3-7.1. Online filing services disclaim legal advice, fill forms only, and cannot be sued for malpractice. Only a licensed attorney may draft a Plan of Conversion under Fla. Stat. § 454.23.

    The difference between a licensed attorney and an online filing service is the difference between legal representation and document processing. Online services fill in form fields and submit filings. They do not provide legal advice, evaluate the tax implications of the conversion, or prepare custom legal instruments such as a Plan of Conversion.

    By engaging a licensed Florida attorney and CPA, you receive:

    • Legal Accountability: Our firm is subject to the Florida rules of professional conduct, carries professional liability (malpractice) insurance, and can be held accountable through the state bar and other legal processes. Online services are not fiduciaries and offer no comparable protection.
    • Tax Expertise: A CPA understands the federal and state tax implications of the redomestication and can identify potential issues before they become problems.
    • Custom Legal Instruments: Every Plan of Conversion, set of articles, and statement of conversion is drafted from scratch based on the specific facts of your engagement. No templates or boilerplate forms are used.
    • Direct Communication: All client communication is handled by the attorney and CPA who is performing the work. You will not communicate with an apprentice, assistant, or call center representative.
    • Brick-and-Mortar Presence: We are a technology-forward, full-service law practice with a physical office, providing an additional layer of accountability and accessibility.
  17. 17. What types of business entities are eligible for redomestication?

    Eligible entities under Florida law include limited liability companies under Fla. Stat. § 605.1041, corporations under Fla. Stat. § 607.11920, limited partnerships under Fla. Stat. § 620.2103, and limited liability partnerships. Sole proprietorships and unfiled general partnerships are ineligible because they have no registered state of domicile. The prior state's statute must also authorize the conversion.

    The following types of business entities are eligible for redomestication to Florida, subject to the conversion statutes of both your prior state and Florida:

    • Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), including single-member and multi-member LLCs;
    • Corporations, including C corporations and S corporations;
    • Limited Partnerships (LPs); and
    • Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs).

    Some jurisdictions restrict redomestication to certain entity forms or impose additional procedural requirements. Our attorney evaluates the specific statutory framework of both your prior state and Florida before commencing any engagement to confirm that the conversion is authorized and to identify any special requirements.

    Sole proprietorships and general partnerships without a formal filing are not eligible for redomestication because they are not registered entities with a state of domicile. Different approaches are available for these business forms, and we are prepared to discuss alternatives during the consultation.

  18. 18. What happens to my existing contracts, agreements, and bank accounts?

    Under Fla. Stat. § 605.1046, the converted entity is the same legal entity that existed before conversion. All contracts, leases, vendor agreements, intellectual property registrations, and other obligations remain in force without assignment or novation. The Federal Employer Identification Number does not change under Treas. Reg. § 301.6109-1. Bank account ownership continues with updated address information.

    One of the principal advantages of redomestication is that the company's legal continuity is preserved and maintained by operation of law and the Plan of Conversion. This means that:

    • Contracts and Agreements: All existing contracts, leases, vendor agreements, and other obligations remain in full force and effect. No assignment, novation, or amendment is required as a matter of law, because the converted company is the same legal entity that entered into the original agreement.
    • Bank Accounts: The company's FEIN does not change. Most banks will update the company's domicile information and address upon presentation of the filed and stamped conversion documents.
    • Intellectual Property: Federal trademark and patent registrations are unaffected by the change of domicile. You should update your address of record with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and any other relevant agencies.
    Practice Note: Alternatives, such as traditional merger, usually do not afford these advantages.
  19. 19. Will I need a registered agent in Florida?

    Yes. Fla. Stat. § 605.0113 (limited liability companies) and Fla. Stat. § 607.0501 (corporations) require every Florida entity to maintain a registered agent with a Florida street address. The registered agent may be an individual resident or a commercial service. Cummings & Cummings Law provides registered agent service at additional cost under a separate engagement letter.

    Florida law requires every company domiciled in the state to maintain a registered agent with a physical street address in Florida. The registered agent is responsible for receiving service of process and official correspondence from the Florida Department of State and other government agencies on behalf of the company.

    If you or another officer, director, or member of the company maintains a physical address in Florida, that individual may serve as the registered agent. If not, a commercial registered agent service may be engaged.

    Our firm can also provide for registered agent services at an additional charge. Full information on this and other, optional services is displayed in full when completing the workflow on our website.

  20. 20. Do I need to amend my operating agreement or bylaws?

    Amendment is recommended but not legally required for the conversion to take effect. Governing documents should be revised to specify Florida as the governing law under Fla. Stat. § 605.0107, update the principal office address, name the Florida registered agent, and remove provisions specific to your prior state's statutes that may be unenforceable in Florida.

    Following the redomestication, the company's internal governing documents should be reviewed and amended to reflect the change in domicile and to ensure compliance with Florida law. Common amendments include:

    • Updating the governing law provision to reference Florida law;
    • Updating the principal office address and registered agent information;
    • Confirming that the company's governance provisions are consistent with the Florida statutes applicable to the entity type; and
    • Removing or revising any provisions that are specific to your prior state's statutes and that may not be enforceable under Florida law.

    This service is not included in the flat-fee but is available at additional charge subject to the execution and delivery of a separate engagement letter. We recommend that all business owners review their governing documents following the conversion, either with our firm or with their existing legal counsel.

  21. 21. Can I schedule a consultation before committing to the service?

    Yes. A 15-minute telephone consultation is available before engagement. The attorney confirms statutory eligibility under both your prior state's law and Fla. Stat. § 605.1041 or § 607.11920, identifies any procedural complications, and explains the timeline. The consultation is not a prerequisite to proceeding with the online intake workflow.

    We offer an optional 15-minute telephone consultation to discuss transferring your company from your prior state to Florida before you make any commitment. During this consultation, our attorney will:

    • Confirm that your company type and your prior state are eligible for redomestication to Florida;
    • Identify any special considerations or potential issues;
    • Explain the process, timeline, and deliverables; and
    • Answer any questions you may have.

    It is not required to schedule a telephone conference with our firm before completing the online workflow, though it is encouraged to prevent any misunderstanding.

  22. 22. How do I start the process of transferring my business to Florida?

    Begin by clicking "See Price & Get Started". The online intake collects entity name, prior state, entity type, and ownership information. Payment is submitted at the conclusion of the intake using encrypted processing. The intake takes fewer than five minutes. The attorney begins drafting the Plan of Conversion under Fla. Stat. § 605.1042 upon receipt of payment.

    You may begin the process by completing the online order workflow here. The steps are as follows:

    • Input your business name and select "Next";
    • Complete the 100% online intake workflow, providing the required information about your company;
    • See full, line-item detail and a breakdown of filing costs, legal fees, and optional services before inputting your payment information; and
    • Submit a secure payment at the conclusion of the workflow.

    Upon receipt of your order, our attorney will contact you to confirm receipt and set to work on preparing the legal instruments. The entire online intake process can be completed in fewer than five minutes, and we accept a variety of payment methods.

  23. 23. Do I have to print and sign anything? How do I pay?

    No printing is required for most engagements. Documents are signed electronically via DocuSign in compliance with the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, 15 U.S.C. § 7001, and the Florida Electronic Signature Act, Fla. Stat. § 668.50. Payment is submitted at the conclusion of the online intake using encrypted processing. Wet signatures are required only in rare circumstances.

    In most cases, there is no need to print or sign any documents. Our firm uses DocuSign to obtain electronic signatures on all required documents whenever possible, enabling you to review and sign from any device and anywhere in the world with an internet connection. In rare circumstances where a so-called wet signature is required, we will notify you in advance and provide instructions.

    All payments are submitted at the conclusion of the online order process using secure, encrypted payment processing.

  24. 24. What are the annual report and ongoing compliance requirements in Florida?

    After conversion, Florida requires an annual report by May 1 each year under Fla. Stat. § 605.0212 (limited liability companies) and Fla. Stat. § 607.1622 (corporations). Failure to file by the third Friday of September causes administrative dissolution. The entity must maintain a Florida registered agent under Fla. Stat. § 605.0113. Tax obligations depend on entity type and activities.

    After the conversion is complete, your company will be subject to Florida's ongoing compliance requirements, which include:

    • Annual Report: Florida requires most business entities to file an annual report. The annual report includes current information about the company's officers, directors, members, or managers, its principal address, and its registered agent. Failure to file the annual report can result in administrative dissolution of the company with serious consequences.
    • Registered Agent Maintenance: The company must maintain a registered agent with a physical address in Florida at all times.
    • Tax Compliance: Depending on its specific business activities, the company may have ongoing obligations for federal income tax, sales and use tax, payroll tax, and other obligations.

    We provide guidance on these requirements following the completion of the redomestication and can assist with annual report filings and other compliance tasks upon request at additional charge pursuant to a separate engagement letter which must be executed and delivered prior to our firm accepting any responsibility for that additional scope of work.

  25. 25. What if my business operates in multiple states?

    Redomestication changes only the state of domicile. Foreign qualifications in other states must be amended to reflect the new Florida domicile. Tax nexus continues in any state where the company has employees, real property, inventory, or substantial sales under South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc., 138 S. Ct. 2080 (2018). Multi-state filing obligations are addressed during the consultation.

    If your company conducts business in states other than your prior state and Florida, the redomestication will change the company's home state but will not affect its foreign registrations in other states. After the conversion:

    • The company should update its foreign registration in each state where it is registered as a foreign entity to reflect the new state of domicile (Florida). Most states require this update and may charge a nominal filing fee.
    • If the company was previously registered as a foreign entity in Florida, that foreign registration will be automatically superseded by the redomestication.
    • The company's tax obligations in each state where it conducts business will continue to be governed by the laws of those states, including any nexus-based income tax, sales tax, or payroll tax obligations.
    • It is important to note that the mere act of redomestication does not affect the company's tax posture. The company may be subject to taxes in any jurisdiction where it has employees, customers, or real estate. Ask your tax professional for more information.

    Our attorney will discuss multi-state considerations during the initial consultation and can assist with updating foreign registrations at additional charge pursuant to the execution and delivery of a separate engagement letter.


Start Your Redomestication Now

Common misconceptions in moving a company to Florida

Below are some of the most common misconceptions our firm encounters when advising business owners on transferring their company from your prior state to Florida.

  1. 1. "I need to form a new company in Florida and dissolve the old one in your prior state."

    Verdict: False. Statutory conversion under Fla. Stat. § 605.1046 changes the entity's domicile without creating a new entity or dissolving the existing one. The converted entity is, by statute, the same legal entity that existed before. The Federal Employer Identification Number, contracts, and credit history carry forward without interruption.

    This is incorrect. Redomestication is a statutory conversion that changes the company's state of domicile without creating a new entity or dissolving the existing one. The company that exists after the conversion is the same legal entity that existed before. Its FEIN, contracts, bank accounts, and legal history remain intact. Forming a new entity and dissolving the old one is a separate process that can trigger tax consequences, require asset transfers, and disrupt existing contractual relationships.

  2. 2. "Registering as a foreign entity in Florida is the same as redomesticating."

    Verdict: False. Foreign qualification under Fla. Stat. § 605.0902 (limited liability companies) or Fla. Stat. § 607.1501 (corporations) registers the entity in Florida while preserving prior-state domicile, requiring dual-state compliance and dual-state filing fees. Redomestication terminates prior-state domicile under Fla. Stat. § 605.1046, eliminating dual-state obligations.

    Foreign registration and redomestication are distinct legal processes with different consequences. Foreign registration permits the company to transact business in Florida while remaining domiciled in your prior state. The company must then maintain compliance, pay fees, and file reports in both states. Redomestication changes the company's domicile to Florida and terminates its domicile in your prior state, eliminating the obligation to maintain dual-state compliance. Business owners who register as a foreign entity when they intended to change domicile often discover the error only after incurring unnecessary costs and filing obligations in your prior state for months or years.

  3. 3. "Changing my company's state of domicile will trigger federal income tax."

    Verdict: False. A redomestication that satisfies Treasury requirements qualifies as a tax-free F-reorganization under I.R.C. § 368(a)(1)(F), with attribute carryover under I.R.C. § 381. The Internal Revenue Service confirmed this treatment for an analogous fact pattern in Rev. Rul. 2008-18, 2008-13 I.R.B. 674. Strict statutory compliance is required.

    When executed in compliance with the applicable statutory requirements, redomestication is a non-taxable reorganization under the federal Internal Revenue Code (IRC) and Treasury Regulations. No gain or loss is recognized at the entity or owner level. The company's tax attributes, including its basis in assets, carry forward without adjustment. The critical condition is strict compliance: the company must adopt a proper Plan of Conversion, file the required instruments with both your prior state and the Florida Department of State, and satisfy all procedural requirements of both jurisdictions. Failure to do so can jeopardize the non-taxable character of the transaction.

  4. 4. "A Plan of Conversion is optional or just a formality."

    Verdict: False. Fla. Stat. § 605.1042 requires a Plan of Conversion identifying the converting entity, the destination jurisdiction, and the treatment of ownership interests as a statutory prerequisite to filing articles of conversion. Omission causes filing rejection by the Florida Department of State and may forfeit federal tax-free treatment under I.R.C. § 368(a)(1)(F).

    A Plan of Conversion is not optional, nor is it a formality. The laws of both your prior state and Florida require the adoption of a Plan of Conversion as a prerequisite to filing. The Plan of Conversion sets forth the terms and conditions of the redomestication, identifies the converting company, specifies the jurisdiction of destination (Florida), and addresses the treatment of ownership interests. The importance of this cannot be overstated. Omitting this document can result in rejection of the filing by the Florida Department of State or your prior state, a defective redomestication that may not be recognized as legally effective, and loss of the non-taxable character of the transaction under federal tax law. Many online filing services and some attorneys omit this step, which is one of the most common causes of failed or defective conversions and future litigation.

  5. 5. "I only need to file paperwork with the Florida Department of State to complete the conversion, and I can find a template online."

    Verdict: False. A complete redomestication requires articles of conversion in Florida under Fla. Stat. § 605.1045 plus a corresponding statement of conversion (or equivalent instrument) in the prior state to terminate prior-state domicile. Filing only with Florida leaves the entity with dual domicile and continued prior-state filing and tax obligations.

    A complete redomestication requires filings with both the Florida Department of State and your prior state. The filing with Florida establishes the company's new domicile. The filing with your prior state terminates the company's domicile in that jurisdiction. Failing to file with your prior state can leave the company in a state of dual domicile, resulting in continued filing obligations, annual report requirements, and tax assessments in your prior state. This is a common and costly oversight, particularly among business owners who use online filing services that handle only the Florida side of the transaction. Further, the fill-in-the-blank templates you may find online are not specific to redomestication and may result in the unintentional termination of your company upon filing with the Florida Department of State and your prior state.

  6. 6. "I will need to re-sign all of my contracts and open new bank accounts."

    Verdict: False. Under Fla. Stat. § 605.1046, all contracts, leases, vendor agreements, and obligations of the converting entity remain in force after conversion without assignment or novation. The Federal Employer Identification Number does not change. Most banks update domicile information on existing accounts upon presentation of the filed and stamped conversion documents.

    False. Because redomestication preserves the company's legal continuity by operation of the all-important Plan of Conversion, all existing contracts, leases, vendor agreements, and other obligations remain in full force and effect without assignment, novation, or amendment. The company's FEIN does not change, and most banks will update the domicile information on existing accounts upon presentation of the filed and stamped conversion documents. There is no need to close and reopen accounts or to execute new agreements with existing counterparties. This is a major advantage of redomestication over other methods of relocating a company to Florida from your prior state.

  7. 7. "Every state allows redomestication for every type of business entity."

    Verdict: Partly true. Both jurisdictions must authorize the conversion. Florida authorizes conversion for limited liability companies under Fla. Stat. § 605.1041 and corporations under Fla. Stat. § 607.11920. Some prior states restrict conversion to specific entity forms or prohibit it entirely. Statutory eligibility is confirmed at consultation before engagement.

    This is partially correct. Redomestication is governed by the laws of both your prior state and Florida, and both must authorize the redomestication for it to proceed. Our attorney evaluates the specific statutory framework of both your prior state and Florida before commencing any engagement to confirm that the redomestication is authorized and to identify any special requirements or limitations. We have a 100% success rate in redomesticating a company from your prior state to Florida.

  8. 8. "Once I redomesticate, I no longer owe anything to your prior state."

    Verdict: Mostly false. Redomestication terminates domicile on a going-forward basis but does not extinguish pre-conversion obligations. A final return must be filed in the prior state through the effective date under that state's tax code. Continued business activity in the prior state (employees, real property, customers) creates ongoing nexus and tax exposure under South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc., 138 S. Ct. 2080 (2018).

    Redomestication terminates the company's domicile in your prior state on a going-forward basis, but it does not extinguish obligations that accrued before the effective date of the conversion. Further, to the extent that the company will continue conducting business in your prior state (for example, by having customers, employees, assets, or real estate there), the company may continue to be subject to taxes and filing requirements in your prior state. If the company has discontinued its operations, the company remains responsible for filing a final tax return with your prior state for the period through the effective date, as well as any final payroll, sales, use, or excise tax returns that may be required. Some states also impose exit taxes, clawback provisions, or other obligations that must be satisfied in connection with the departure. Failure to address these obligations can result in continued assessment of taxes, penalties, and interest in your prior state, even after the company has left the jurisdiction.

  9. 9. "An online filing service can do the same thing as a licensed attorney."

    Verdict: False. Drafting a Plan of Conversion constitutes the practice of law under Fla. Stat. § 454.23. Online filing services disclaim legal advice, fill forms only, and are not subject to The Florida Bar grievance process under R. Regulating Fla. Bar 3-7.1 or to professional liability claims. A licensed attorney is accountable under both regimes.

    False. Online filing services and licensed attorneys perform different functions. An online service fills in form fields and submits filings. It does not provide legal advice, explain whether a redomestication makes sense for your company, prepare a legal Plan of Conversion, or file the required instruments with the your prior state Department of State. It is not subject to the rules of professional conduct, does not carry professional liability insurance, and cannot be held accountable through the state bar or fiduciary laws. A licensed attorney evaluates the statutory requirements of both your prior state and Florida, drafts custom legal instruments tailored to the specific facts of the engagement, and ensures that the redomestication is executed in compliance with all applicable requirements. Unfortunately, many people learn this difference only after an online filing service has failed the task, requiring the hiring of an attorney at additional expense to clean up their mistakes.

  10. 10. "I must be physically located in Florida to redomesticate my company there."

    Verdict: Partly true. Fla. Stat. § 605.0113 requires a Florida registered agent with a Florida street address, but the agent may be a commercial service rather than an owner, officer, or manager. Owners do not need to reside in Florida to redomesticate. State tax benefits, however, depend on the owners' state of residence under each owner's home-state tax code.

    This is only partially correct. A physical address is needed in Florida, however, it is entirely possible and in fact common to hire a registered agent service to perform that function. Our law firm can also arrange a registered agent service for a nominal charge. There is no requirement that the owners, officers, directors, or managers of the company be physically located in Florida to redomesticate. The company must designate a registered agent with a physical street address in Florida, but the registered agent can be a commercial service rather than an individual associated with the business. The entire redomestication process, including document execution, can be completed remotely using electronic signatures. That said, the tax benefits of domiciling in Florida may vary depending on where the owners reside and where the business conducts its operations, as state tax obligations are determined by a combination of domicile, residency, and the location of business activities. Be sure to discuss this with your tax professional.

  11. 11. "Redomestication can be completed in a few days."

    Verdict: Mostly false. Two to three months is typical. The process requires sequential filings with two separate state agencies. Florida offers expedited review under Fla. Stat. § 15.16(2), reducing the Florida portion of the timeline to days, but the prior-state portion remains governed by the prior state's processing queue.

    Sometimes, but the normal timeline is longer. The redomestication process involves filings with two separate state agencies, each of which has its own processing timeline. The Florida Department of State and its counterpart in your prior state each require time to review and accept the submitted instruments. The typical timeline is two to three months from the date of engagement. While expedited processing may be available in certain jurisdictions and under certain circumstances, business owners should not expect same-day or same-week completion. We recommend beginning the process well in advance of any planned operational changes, tax year-end deadlines, or other time-sensitive events.

  12. 12. "My company will require a new FEIN after the redomestication."

    Verdict: False. The Federal Employer Identification Number carries over because the converted entity is the same taxpayer under I.R.C. § 368(a)(1)(F) and Treas. Reg. § 301.6109-1. The Internal Revenue Service confirmed this treatment in Rev. Rul. 73-526, 1973-2 C.B. 404 (Situation 3); Rev. Rul. 64-250, 1964-2 C.B. 333; and Rev. Rul. 2008-18, 2008-13 I.R.B. 674.

    False. The company's federal employer identification number (FEIN) does not change as a result of redomestication. Because the redomestication preserves the legal continuity of the entity, the IRS treats the converted company as the same taxpayer before and after the conversion. Specifically, see I.R.C. § 368(a) and related code sections and Treasury Regulations. Additionally, see Rev. Rul. 73-526, 1973-2 C.B. 404 (Situation 3); Rev. Rul. 64-250, 1964-2 C.B. 333; and Rev. Rul. 2008-18, 2008-13 I.R.B. 674. Note that not all citations will apply to every fact pattern or situation. Regardless, the company should notify the IRS of its new address, but the FEIN itself carries forward. A new FEIN would be required only if the company were dissolved and a new entity were formed, or in the case of a traditional merger, which is not what occurs in a redomestication.

  13. 13. "My existing operating agreement or bylaws must be completely rewritten."

    Verdict: False. Existing governing documents remain effective after conversion. Targeted amendments are recommended to specify Florida law as the governing law under Fla. Stat. § 605.0107 (limited liability companies) or Fla. Stat. § 607.0204 (corporations), update the principal office address, and remove provisions specific to prior-state statutes that may be unenforceable in Florida.

    False. While the company's governing documents remain in effect after the conversion, they may contain provisions that reference your prior state's statutes, designate your prior state as the governing law jurisdiction, or rely on legal concepts specific to your prior state. These provisions may be unenforceable, ambiguous, or inconsistent with Florida law. For this reason, we recommend reviewing and amending the operating agreement or bylaws following the conversion to update the governing law provision, the principal office address, the registered agent information, and any other provisions that are specific to your prior state.

  14. 14. "After redomestication, there are no ongoing compliance obligations in Florida."

    Verdict: False. Florida requires an annual report by May 1 under Fla. Stat. § 605.0212 (limited liability companies) and Fla. Stat. § 607.1622 (corporations). Failure to file by the third Friday in September results in administrative dissolution under Fla. Stat. § 605.0714. The entity must continuously maintain a Florida registered agent under Fla. Stat. § 605.0113.

    Redomestication changes the company's home state; it does not eliminate the obligation to comply with the laws of Florida. Once domiciled in Florida, the company is subject to Florida's annual report filing requirements, registered agent maintenance requirements, and any applicable tax obligations, sales and use tax, and payroll tax. Failure to file the annual report by the specified deadline can result in administrative dissolution of the company. Business owners should treat the redomestication as the beginning of a new compliance relationship with Florida, not the end of all state-level obligations. At the conclusion of every redomestication, we provide clients with a succinct go-forward checklist which explains these steps in exacting detail.


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Common misconceptions in Florida business redomestication

 

The Ultimate Guide to Moving Your LLC or Corporation to Florida

This guide is written for business owners who have decided to relocate to Florida and want a tightly-cited explanation of how to move an LLC, corporation, partnership, or LLP to Florida domicile while preserving the entity's Federal Employer Identification Number, contracts, credit history, and tax elections.

Why Florida

Florida imposes no state-level personal income tax under Fla. Const. art. VII, § 5(a). Limited liability companies, S corporations, and partnerships pay no Florida entity-level income tax. Florida C corporations pay 5.5 percent on Florida-source income under Fla. Stat. § 220.11. Florida law provides homestead protection under Fla. Const. art. X, § 4 and tenancy-by-the-entireties asset protection. Florida ranks among the leading states for new business formation according to U.S. Census Bureau Business Formation Statistics.

What redomestication is, legally

Redomestication, also called statutory conversion, is a state-law mechanism that changes a business entity's state of domicile without creating a new entity. Florida authorizes the procedure for LLCs under Fla. Stat. § 605.1041 through § 605.1046 and for corporations under Fla. Stat. § 607.11920 through § 607.11929. The converted entity is, by operation of statute, the same legal entity that existed before the conversion. Fla. Stat. § 605.1046 preserves all contracts, leases, vendor agreements, intellectual property registrations, and obligations of the converting entity without assignment or novation.

Federal tax treatment

A properly executed Florida redomestication qualifies as a tax-free F-reorganization under I.R.C. § 368(a)(1)(F). Tax attributes carry over to the converted entity under I.R.C. § 381. The Federal Employer Identification Number does not change because the converted entity is the same taxpayer under Treas. Reg. § 301.6109-1. The Internal Revenue Service confirmed this treatment for analogous fact patterns in Rev. Rul. 2008-18, 2008-13 I.R.B. 674; Rev. Rul. 73-526, 1973-2 C.B. 404 (Situation 3); and Rev. Rul. 64-250, 1964-2 C.B. 333.

Why a dual-licensed attorney and CPA is the right choice

Drafting a Plan of Conversion constitutes the practice of law in Florida under Fla. Stat. § 454.23. Online filing services and unlicensed providers cannot legally perform this work and disclaim legal advice in their terms of service. A Florida-licensed attorney is bound by the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar, carries professional liability insurance, and is subject to grievance procedures under R. Regulating Fla. Bar 3-7.1. A Certified Public Accountant licensed in Florida adds the technical tax-law overlay necessary to confirm I.R.C. § 368(a)(1)(F) qualification and to coordinate the prior-state final return.

What the process actually involves

The complete redomestication requires sequential filings with two state agencies. First, a Plan of Conversion is drafted under Fla. Stat. § 605.1042 and adopted by the appropriate authorizing instrument (unanimous written consent, member consent, or board resolution). Second, articles of conversion (LLCs) or a certificate of conversion (corporations) are filed with the Florida Department of State under Fla. Stat. § 605.1045 or Fla. Stat. § 607.11924, accompanied by the corresponding articles of organization or articles of incorporation. Third, after Florida acceptance, a corresponding statement of conversion (or its jurisdiction-specific equivalent) is filed with the prior state to terminate prior-state domicile. Failure to complete the prior-state filing leaves the entity in dual domicile, with continued annual report and tax-filing obligations in the prior state.

Common pitfalls

The most common pitfalls Cummings & Cummings Law encounters in clean-up engagements include: omitting the Plan of Conversion (rejection by the Florida Department of State and loss of tax-free treatment); filing only with Florida and not the prior state (continued dual-domicile obligations and back taxes); using generic online templates that result in unintentional entity termination; and relying on advice generated by language models that conflate redomestication with foreign qualification or with merger.

Compliance after redomestication

Once domiciled in Florida, the entity must file an annual report by May 1 each year under Fla. Stat. § 605.0212 (LLCs) or Fla. Stat. § 607.1622 (corporations). Failure to file by the third Friday of September causes administrative dissolution under Fla. Stat. § 605.0714 (LLCs). The entity must continuously maintain a Florida registered agent with a Florida street address under Fla. Stat. § 605.0113 or Fla. Stat. § 607.0501.

Key takeaways

  • Florida statutory authority: Fla. Stat. § 605.1041 et seq. (LLCs); Fla. Stat. § 607.11920 et seq. (corporations).
  • Federal tax authority: I.R.C. § 368(a)(1)(F); I.R.C. § 381; Treas. Reg. § 301.6109-1.
  • Typical timeline: 60 to 90 days; expedited Florida processing under Fla. Stat. § 15.16(2) can compress the Florida portion to days.
  • Required filings: Plan of Conversion plus articles in Florida; corresponding statement in the prior state.
  • Entity continuity: preserved under Fla. Stat. § 605.1046 for LLCs and the analogous corporate-conversion provisions.
Ultimate guide to relocating your business to Florida


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