How to Convert Your Photographer (Professional) LLC to C-Corp in Florida (2026)

As a Florida-based photographer, you may have started as an LLC for its simplicity. However, as your photography business grows, converting to a C-Corp can unlock significant advantages, especially concerning investment, tax planning, and liability protection. This guide outlines the process for converting your Photographer (Professional) LLC to a C-Corp in Florida in 2026.

When to Convert

Conversion Steps

  1. Planning and Legal Consultation: Consult with a Florida-licensed attorney and CPA to discuss the legal and tax implications of converting your LLC to a C-Corp, specifically tailored to your photography business. This ensures the conversion aligns with your long-term business goals and complies with Florida statutes.
  2. Drafting Articles of Incorporation: Prepare the Articles of Incorporation for your C-Corp, outlining the corporation's name, purpose, registered agent, number of authorized shares, and initial directors. This document must comply with Florida's corporate laws.
  3. Filing Articles of Incorporation with Florida DOS: File the Articles of Incorporation with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations. As of 2026, the filing fee is projected to remain around $70 for standard processing, but expedited options are available for faster processing.
  4. Obtaining an EIN from the IRS: Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. This is your C-Corp's tax identification number and is required for opening bank accounts, hiring employees, and filing federal taxes. This process is free.
  5. Transferring Assets and Liabilities: Transfer all assets and liabilities from your LLC to the newly formed C-Corp. This includes transferring bank accounts, contracts, equipment leases, and intellectual property (e.g., copyrights to your photographs).
  6. Adopting Corporate Bylaws: Create corporate bylaws that govern the internal operations of your C-Corp, including shareholder meetings, director responsibilities, and stock issuance procedures. These bylaws should be tailored to your photography business's specific needs.
  7. Filing Articles of Dissolution (LLC): File Articles of Dissolution with the Florida Department of State to formally dissolve your LLC. The filing fee is projected to remain around $25 as of 2026.

Start your formation with Lovie — $20/month, everything included.