DSCR + LLC Guide

How to Start an LLC in Florida for a DSCR Loan

To start an LLC in Florida, search your business name on Sunbiz, appoint a Florida registered agent, file Articles of Organization online with the Florida Division of Corporations, get a free EIN from the IRS, and sign an Operating Agreement. Once the LLC is active, it can take title to a rental property and close a DSCR loan with TAG Lending Group in the LLC's name.

Why Close Your DSCR Loan in an LLC?

DSCR loans are business-purpose loans for investment property, so most DSCR investors let an LLC hold title and sign the note. Setting the LLC up correctly before you write an offer keeps the entity from delaying your closing.

Why Investors Use an LLC

  • Title to the rental property vests in the LLC instead of your personal name.

  • Keeps rents, repairs and mortgage payments separate from personal finances.

  • Makes it simpler to bring in partners, with ownership set in the Operating Agreement.

  • A common structure for investors growing a portfolio one property at a time. Ask your attorney how it affects liability protection.

How DSCR Works With an LLC

  • The loan qualifies on the property's rent compared with the full monthly payment (PITIA).

  • The LLC is the borrower and title holder. Members typically sign a personal guaranty.

  • Credit is pulled on the guarantors. No tax returns, W-2s or personal income documents.

  • Most DSCR investors accept a newly formed LLC. The entity doesn't need its own history.

How to Start an LLC in Florida: 7 Steps

Complete these in order. Most investors finish steps 1 through 6 within a couple of weeks. Fees and deadlines are from the Florida Division of Corporations as of October 2026. Confirm current amounts on Sunbiz before filing.

  1. Search your LLC name on Sunbiz

    The name must be distinguishable from every entity already on file in Florida and end in "LLC," "L.L.C." or "Limited Liability Company."

    Pick a name you're comfortable seeing on the deed, the insurance policy and every lease.

    Search names on Sunbiz
  2. Appoint a Florida registered agent

    The agent needs a physical Florida street address and must be available during business hours to accept legal notices. You can be your own agent if you have a Florida address. The agent signs an acceptance as part of the filing.

  3. File Articles of Organization

    File online with the Florida Division of Corporations. The state fee is $125: $100 for the Articles plus $25 for the registered agent designation. You'll list the LLC name, principal and mailing addresses, the registered agent and the members or managers.

    List everyone who will sign loan documents as a member or manager. Lenders match signers against the Articles and the Operating Agreement.

    File on Sunbiz
  4. Get an EIN from the IRS

    Apply online after Florida approves the LLC. It's free and takes minutes. Save the confirmation letter (CP 575) as a PDF before closing the window.

    Lost the letter? Request a 147C verification letter from the IRS. Lenders accept either one.

    Apply for an EIN at IRS.gov
  5. Sign an Operating Agreement

    Florida doesn't require you to file one with the state, but DSCR lenders require it. It sets ownership percentages and who can act for the LLC, and every member signs it.

    Include language that authorizes the LLC to borrow and pledge real estate, and names who can sign.

  6. Open a business bank account

    Bring the filed Articles, the EIN letter and the Operating Agreement to open an account in the LLC's name. Rents, repairs and the mortgage payment should run through it.

    If down payment funds move from a personal account, keep the statements that show the transfer.

  7. File the annual report every year

    File on Sunbiz between January 1 and May 1, starting the year after the LLC is formed. The fee is $138.75. Missing May 1 adds a $400 late fee, and LLCs that still haven't filed are administratively dissolved in September.

    Lenders check Sunbiz for active status before closing. A dissolved LLC can't close until it's reinstated.

Documents to Close a DSCR Loan in Your LLC

Most DSCR investors ask for these. Send them with the application and underwriting won't have to come back for them.

  • Articles of Organization, as filed and approved by Florida.

  • Operating Agreement, signed by every member with ownership percentages.

  • EIN confirmation, IRS CP 575 or 147C letter.

  • Active status on Sunbiz, verified shortly before closing.

  • W-9 for the LLC, signed by an authorized member.

  • ID for each guarantor, unexpired government-issued photo ID.

  • Borrowing resolution, when the LLC has more than one member.

  • Personal guaranty, signed at closing by the guarantors.

Pick the TAG DSCR Program for Your LLC

LLC vesting is common across TAG's DSCR programs. Choose the one that fits your experience, leverage and property, and confirm entity eligibility for your scenario with your loan officer.

DSCR Loan Program

Qualify on the property's rental income potential instead of tax returns or W-2s. Available for purchase, rate and term refinance, and cash-out refinance.

View DSCR Loan Program

DSCR Investor Program

Loan amounts from $125,000 up to $3 million, up to 85% LTV depending on DSCR tier, with 1.25, 1.00 and below-1.00 DSCR options. Foreign national and first-time investor options may be available.

View DSCR Investor Program

DSCR Max Investor Program

Built for seasoned investors seeking maximum leverage and portfolio growth across purchase, refinance and cash-out scenarios.

View DSCR Max

DSCR Investor Loan 85% LTV

High-leverage financing up to 85% LTV for eligible borrower and property scenarios, qualified on rental income and property cash flow.

View DSCR 85% LTV

LLC and DSCR Loan FAQs

Can I get a DSCR loan in an LLC in Florida?

Yes. DSCR loans are business-purpose loans, and most DSCR investors let the LLC take title and sign the note, with the members personally guaranteeing the loan.

Can a brand-new LLC close a DSCR loan?

With most DSCR investors, yes. The loan is underwritten on the property's rent and the guarantors' credit, not the age of the LLC.

How much does it cost to form an LLC in Florida?

The state fee is $125: $100 to file Articles of Organization and $25 for the registered agent designation. After that, the annual report costs $138.75 each year.

Do I need tax returns to qualify for a DSCR loan?

No personal income documents or tax returns. The property's rent qualifies the loan. Credit is pulled on the guarantors, and you'll show assets for the down payment, closing costs and reserves.

Can I buy in my own name and move the property into an LLC later?

It's possible, but deeding a financed property to an LLC can raise due-on-sale and title insurance questions. Closing in the LLC from the start avoids both. Talk to your attorney before transferring title.

Do I need an attorney or CPA to form an LLC?

Not to file with the state. Both are worth a conversation for the Operating Agreement, liability protection and tax treatment. TAG Lending Group doesn't provide legal or tax advice.

Ready to Close Your DSCR Loan in Your LLC?

Connect with a loan officer to review your investment property, your LLC status and the right DSCR program for your scenario.