Non Profit Articles of Incorporation
Non Profit Articles of Incorporation
Non Profit Articles of Incorporation
DIVISION OF CORPORATIONS
The following are instructions, a cover letter and sample articles of incorporation pursuant to Chapter
617, Florida Statutes (F.S.)
The Division of Corporations strongly recommends that corporate documents be reviewed by your
legal counsel. The Division is a filing agency and as such does not render any legal, accounting, or tax
advice.
If you intend to apply for IRS federal tax exemption as a charitable organization, your articles of
incorporation must contain a required purposed clause and a dissolution of assets provision. Valuable
information on 501 (c) (3) qualification is on the IRS website, www.irs.gov. It includes sample articles
of incorporation. Click the “charities and Nonprofits” link and then the Life Cycle of a Public Charity
link.
Chapter 496, F.S., requires charitable organizations or sponsors intending to solicit contributions from
the public in the state of Florida to register annually with the Division of Consumer Services. They
may be reached at (850) 488-2221 or 1-800-435-7352 for more information.
A preliminary search for name availability can be made on the Internet through the Division’s records
at www.sunbiz.org. Preliminary name searches and name reservations are no longer available from
the Division of Corporations. You are responsible for any name infringement that may result from
your corporate name selection.
Pursuant to Chapter 617.0202, F.S., the articles of incorporation must set forth the following:
Article I: The name of the corporation must include a corporate suffix such as Corporation,
Corp., Incorporated, or Inc.; “Company” or “Co.” may not be used as a corporate
suffix by a nonprofit corporation.
Article II: The principal place of business and mailing address of the corporation. The principal
address must be a street address. The mailing address, if different, can be a P.O. Box
address.
Article III: The specific purpose or purposes for which the corporation is organized. A general
statement of “any and all lawful business” will not be sufficient.
CR2E006 (3/08)
Article IV: The manner in which the Directors are elected or appointed.
Article V: The names, address and titles of the Directors/Officers (optional) When naming
Directors, 3 must be listed. The names of officers/directors may be required to apply
for a license, open a bank account, etc.
Article VI: The name and Florida street address (P.O. Box NOT acceptable) of the initial
Registered Agent. The Registered Agent must sign in the space provided and type or
print his/her name below signature accepting the designation as Registered Agent.
Article VII: The name and address of the Incorporator. The Incorporator must sign in the space
provided and type or print his/her name below signature.
An Effective Date: Add a separate article if applicable or necessary: An effective date may be
added to the Articles of Incorporation, otherwise the date of receipt will be the
file date. (An effective date can not be more than five (5) business days prior to
the date of receipt or ninety (90) days after the date of filing).
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Department of State
Division of Corporations
P. O. Box 6327
Tallahassee, FL 32314
SUBJECT:
(PROPOSED CORPORATE NAME – MUST INCLUDE SUFFIX)
Enclosed is an original and one (1) copy of the Articles of Incorporation and a check for :
FROM:
Name (Printed or typed)
Address
NOTE: Please provide the original and one copy of the articles.
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
In Compliance with Chapter 617, F.S., (Not for Profit)
ARTICLE I NAME
The name of the corporation shall be:
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Having been named as registered agent to accept service of process for the above stated corporation at the place designated
in this certificate, I am familiar with and accept the appointment as registered agent and agree to act in this capacity.
Signature/Incorporator Date