Every year, Florida business owners are required to file an Annual Report to keep their business active and in good standing with the state. Unfortunately, this required filing has also become a major opportunity for scam companies to take advantage of small businesses.
If you’ve received emails, letters, or notices that look urgent, official, or time-sensitive — you’re not alone. Many of these messages are designed to look legitimate, but they are not required, and they often charge unnecessary fees.
[Examples: “Annual Report Due,” “Final Notice,” “Required,” etc.]
What You’re Actually Required to Do.
If you own a Florida business, you are required to:
- File your Florida Annual Report once per year.
- Submit it directly through the State of Florida.
- File between January 1 and May 1 to avoid late fees.
That’s it. You do not need to pay a third-party company to complete this filing for you.
The Common Scam Tactic
Many businesses receive emails or letters that:
- Use official-sounding language.
- Reference your LLC or corporation name.
- Include phrases like “Due Now,” “Final Notice,” or “Immediate Action Required.”
- Offer to “file on your behalf” for a fee.
These companies are not government agencies. They are private businesses charging for something you can do yourself in just a few minutes.
Some notices look convincing because they include your business name, filing number, or a deadline. That information is public record, which is how many third-party companies obtain it.
What You Should Do Instead.
Skip the third-party emails and go straight to the source. File your annual report directly through the official Florida Division of Corporations website (Sunbiz). This ensures:
- You pay only the required state fee.
- Your filing is accurate.
- Your business stays compliant.
- You avoid unnecessary charges.
If you’re unsure whether a notice is legitimate, the safest approach is to never click links inside unsolicited emails and instead navigate to the official site yourself.
Visit the official Florida Sunbiz website .
Why This Matters for Small Businesses!
Scams like these don’t just cost money — they create confusion, stress, and unnecessary risk. As a small business advocate, we believe education is one of the best ways to protect business owners.
We’ve seen firsthand how often these notices arrive, how official they look, and how easy it is to assume they’re required. They’re not.
Final Reminder
- Filing your Florida Annual Report is required.
- Paying third-party filing companies is not.
- Go directly to the State of Florida.
- Don’t respond to pressure-based emails or mailers.
If you receive something that doesn’t feel right, take a moment to verify it before paying — and when in doubt, go straight to the source. Protect your business, your time, and your money.