Business Formation & Entity Selection

Building Your Business on a Solid Legal Foundation

Local Business Formation Expertise in Wakulla County

Starting a business involves numerous critical decisions that impact your future success, liability exposure, and tax obligations. As a local Wakulla attorney with sophisticated government and business experience, Sean Gellis provides personalized guidance to entrepreneurs and business owners navigating the entity selection and formation process.

We understand the unique business environment in Wakulla County and tailor our services to help local businesses thrive while providing the legal protections they need.

Comprehensive Business Formation Services

Entity Selection Consultation

We analyze your specific business goals, risk factors, growth plans, and tax considerations to recommend the optimal business structure for your venture. Our advice is practical, forward-thinking, and focused on your success.

Limited Liability Company (LLC) Formation

The most popular entity choice for small businesses, offering liability protection with operational flexibility and favorable tax treatment. We handle the entire formation process, including:

  • Name availability research
  • Articles of Organization preparation and filing
  • Operating Agreement customization
  • Initial meeting minutes
  • EIN application assistance
  • Membership certificates

Corporation Formation

Ideal for businesses seeking maximum liability protection, planning significant growth, or considering future investor participation. Our comprehensive corporation formation includes:

  • Name availability research
  • Articles of Incorporation preparation and filing
  • Bylaws customization
  • Initial corporate resolutions
  • EIN application assistance
  • Stock certificate preparation
  • Organizational meeting minutes

Partnership Agreements

For businesses with multiple owners preferring a partnership structure, we draft comprehensive partnership agreements that clearly define roles, responsibilities, profit-sharing, decision-making authority, and exit strategies.

Nonprofit Organization Formation

We guide Wakulla community organizations through the nonprofit formation process, including 501(c)(3) status applications and compliance requirements.

Why Choose Gellis Law for Business Formation?

Local Wakulla Expertise

As a Wakulla resident and business attorney, Sean Gellis understands the local business environment, county-specific requirements, and community connections that can benefit your new venture.

Long-Term Business Partner

We don’t just file your formation documents and disappear. We build lasting relationships with our business clients, providing ongoing support as your business grows and evolves.

Government Experience Advantage

With extensive experience in high-level government positions, including as former General Counsel of the Florida Department of Transportation, Sean brings unique regulatory insight to your business formation needs.

Fixed-Fee Packages

No hourly billing surprises—our business formation services come in transparent, flat-rate packages so you can budget with confidence.

Our Business Formation Process

  1. Initial Consultation We meet to discuss your business goals, plans, risk factors, and preferences to understand your specific needs.
  2. Entity Selection Analysis We analyze various entity options and provide a clear recommendation based on your unique situation.
  3. Document Preparation We prepare all necessary formation documents, governance materials, and filings.
  4. Filing and Registration We handle all government filings and registrations to establish your entity properly.
  5. Organizational Meeting We conduct an organizational meeting to review governance documents, explain compliance requirements, and answer any questions.
  6. Additional Setup Guidance We provide guidance on business licenses, permits, tax registrations, and other startup requirements.

Ready to Start Your Wakulla County Business?

Take the first step toward establishing your business on a solid legal foundation. Contact Gellis Law today to schedule a business formation consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Business Formation

How do I know which business entity is right for my Wakulla business?

The right entity depends on several factors: liability concerns, tax preferences, management structure, funding plans, and growth objectives. During our consultation, we’ll analyze these factors for your specific situation to recommend the most advantageous structure.

How long does it take to form a business entity in Florida?

Standard processing time for Florida business formations is typically 7-10 business days after filing. Expedited services are available for an additional fee. Our flat-rate packages include preparation time, which usually takes 1-2 days once we have all necessary information.

What ongoing requirements will my business have after formation?

Florida entities must file annual reports, maintain certain records, and comply with specific governance requirements depending on entity type. We provide a compliance calendar and guidance on all post-formation obligations.

Do I need an attorney to form a business in Wakulla County?

While it’s possible to file formation documents yourself, working with an attorney ensures your business has proper governance documents, appropriate liability protection, and compliance with all legal requirements. The cost of fixing problems later typically far exceeds the investment in proper setup.