I need to know the legal requirements for a establishing a nonprofit
corporation in Florida.

Hello copyeditor-ga,

At the outset, I should emphasize the important disclaimer at the
bottom of this page, which states that answers Google Answers are
general information, and are not intended to substitute for informed
professional legal advice.  As a Researcher for Google Answers, I
cannot provide a professional legal opinion.  If you need legal
advice, you should consult with a Florida lawyer.

The Florida Secretary of State's office says, with respect to
nonprofit corporations:

"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.

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.

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 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."

The original and a copy of the articles of incorporation, plus a
filing fee, must be sent to Florida's Department of State, Division of
Corporations.

"Instructions for Not for Profit Articles of Incorporation"
Florida Department of State
http://www.dos.state.fl.us/doc/pdf/cr2e006.pdf

- justaskscott-ga


Search terms used on Google:

site:fl.us nonprofit

To the answer provided by justaskscott-ga I would add this advice: if
you intend for the Florida non-profit corporation to be exempt from
Federal income tax (and for contributions to the corporation to be
deductible for Federal income tax purposes), you need also to consider
the Federal requirements. In general they are more stringent than the
states' requirements.