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About your Certificate of Status

Getting a Certificate of Status also known as a Certificate of Status is often part of the foreign qualification process. The point is to let other states know that your business (such as an LLC, corporation, nonprofit, LLP, LP, or other types of registered entities) is in good standing with the state. This means the business is current on all of its state fees and has filed all necessary state reports. Some states will also use a certificate of good standing to verify the date when your business was formed.

Part of the process of registering to do business in another state involves providing a certificate of status from your home state. Keep in mind that the new state might not ask specifically for a “certificate of good standing” because some states refer to them differently.

About your Certified Hard Copy of Articles of Organization

A certified copy is a copy of an original document issued by the same authority as the original document. In other words, if you filed your articles with your state’s Secretary of State, this office (or another agency the office authorizes) would issue any certified copies.

Because they are issued by authorities, certified copies are commonly accepted in lieu of originals for many different filings and submissions. While original documents can be used in most situations, this is not always practical. There’s a risk for damage or loss when submitting original documents, particularly via mail. Original documents may not always be easily accessible either, making certified copies a convenient alternative.

About your Annual Report

  • An annual report must be filed each year for your business entity to maintain an “active status” with the Department of State.
  • It updates or confirms your records with the Business Assistance Service Department of State, Division of Corporations, displaying your business’s most current data on file.
  • It is required, whether or not you need to make changes.
  • It is not a financial statement.
  • If a business files late, a $400 late fee will be imposed on you by The State.
  • If you do not file an annual report by the third Friday of September, your business entity will be administratively dissolved or revoked at the close of business on the fourth Friday of September. (Chapters 607, 617 and 620, F.S.) Businesses may acquire additional reinstatement fees.
  • Every order will include your updated Certificate of Status.