[ Comparisons ]
REM vs online LLC filing services: an honest comparison
By REM Strategic Services · Updated
[ Quick answer ]
If you only need the filing, an online service or filing yourself on Sunbiz for Florida's $125 works fine. Online services often show $0 before the state fee and add-ons, and their registered agent commonly runs $125 to $249 a year and auto-renews. REM's Florida LLC is $249 total, with the state fee, EIN, and a basic operating agreement included and no subscription. We're a website shop first, so REM makes the most sense when you're starting from zero and need the website too.
Your three options
You can file a Florida LLC yourself on Sunbiz, use an online filing service, or use a local shop like ours. All three get you a valid LLC.
The difference is what's bundled, what renews, and whether you can reach a person.
Side-by-side comparison
Online filing services vary, so this column shows what's common, not what any one company charges. Check the checkout page of any service before you pay.
| File yourself on Sunbiz | Typical online filing service | REM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price shown up front | $125 | Often $0 before the state fee and add-ons | $249 total |
| Florida's $125 state fee | You pay it | Usually added at checkout | Included |
| EIN | Free from the IRS; you apply | Often an add-on | Included |
| Operating agreement | You write or find one | Often an add-on | Basic one included |
| Registered agent | Be your own for $0 | Often $125–$249 a year, commonly auto-renewing | Be your own, or ours for $99 a year, same every year |
| Subscription | None | Common | None |
| Website | No | Sometimes sold separately | Launch: LLC + 5-page site for $1,099 |
| Human contact | Florida Division of Corporations | Varies | Reply in about 2 hours on weekdays; free 30-minute call |
When to file yourself
If you know your LLC name, address, and who manages the company, filing on Sunbiz is a fine option. You pay Florida's $125, get your EIN free from the IRS, and you're done.
Be your own registered agent if you have a Florida street address and don't mind it being public.
When an online filing service makes sense
LegalZoom-style online services work fine for many people. If you want a guided form, have no other needs, and like handling things on your own schedule, they're a reasonable choice.
Read the checkout carefully. Look at what's added after the $0, and check the registered agent renewal price and whether it auto-renews.
When REM makes sense
We're a website and growth shop in Central Florida. We also file LLCs because people starting from zero need both, and it's easier with one team.
If you only want the LLC, our $249 includes the state fee, EIN, and a basic operating agreement, with no subscription. If you also need a website, Launch is $1,099 for the LLC and a 5-page site, which is $100 more than the site alone. Launch Pro is $2,599 with a 10-page site.
LLC filings are final once paid. We file right away, and the state keeps its fee.
What stays with you no matter who files
Whoever files your LLC, a few things stay with you as the owner.
- The Florida annual report: $138.75, due by May 1 every year starting the year after you form, $538.75 if late.
- Licenses and permits for your trade.
- Business insurance.
We're not a law firm or CPA. If you have multiple partners, real estate holdings, or tax questions, talk to a lawyer or CPA.
[ Prices ]
REM prices
- Florida LLC (filing, Florida's $125, EIN, basic operating agreement)$249
- Starter website alone (up to 5 pages)$999
- Launch: Florida LLC + Starter website$1,099Half now, half at launch.
- Launch Pro: Florida LLC + Business website (10 pages)$2,599Half now, half at launch.
- Registered agent (optional)$99 a yearSame price every year.
[ Common questions ]
Questions owners ask
- Is REM cheaper than an online LLC service?
- Not always. If you only need the filing and are your own registered agent, filing yourself on Sunbiz for $125 is the cheapest. Our $249 includes the state fee, EIN, and a basic operating agreement, with no subscription. Compare the total after add-ons and renewals, not the first number you see.
- Do online filing services do a bad job?
- No. They work fine for many people. The main things to watch are add-ons at checkout and registered agent renewals.
- Why does a website company file LLCs?
- Many of our clients start from zero. They need the company, the EIN, and the website at the same time. Launch puts the LLC and a 5-page site together for $1,099.
- Can REM form an LLC outside Florida?
- Yes. An LLC in another state is $124 plus that state's fee.
- Can I talk to someone before I pay?
- Yes. The first 30 minutes are free. On weekdays, a person replies in about two hours, Monday to Friday, 9 to 6 Eastern.
[ Want it done for you ]
Start with a website that brings in calls.
Starter website for $999 — half now, half when it goes live. You own it. Starting from zero? Launch adds the Florida LLC.
[ Related services ]