As a professional land surveyor in FL, do I have to form a PLLC or can I simply for a normal LLC?

Question

pllc vs. llc

Answer 1

You probably don't need any type of LLC at all.  The only thing that an LLC does is provide partial shielding of your personal assets such as your home from liability claims against the business.  You can still be sued personally for your actions and the LLC will not shield your personal assets in that case.  Unless you are in a high-risk venture, the potential added complications associated with an LLC are not worth the benefit.  A good general liability insurance policy will provide better coverage and often cost less in the long run.  Stick with a Sole Proprietorship and you'll be fine.

A PLLC is used where your state requires you to be professionally licensed.  That includes physicians, attorneys, architects, etc.  If FL requires that surveyors be professionally licensed then you normally would form a PLLC.  The principal difference between an LLC and a PLLC is that all owners of a PLLC (partners if a multi-member LLC or shareholders if a corporation) must be licensed in the field of endeavor.  Other than that there is little difference between the two.

Consult with a local attorney who specializes in small business law.  He or she can advise you if an LLC is preferential for your business risk situation or if staying with a Sole Proprietorship would make more sense in your case.  The majority of small businesses do fine as Sole Proprietorship.