For many business owners, real estate investors, and entrepreneurs in the Clearwater/Pinellas County area, liability protection and efficient structure matter. Florida’s newly enacted protected series LLC law—effective July 1, 2026—offers a novel way to manage multiple ventures or asset pools under one umbrella entity while insulating risks between them.
At McGuire Law Offices, our experience includes advising companies and individuals on entity formation, asset protection, and business strategy. Now is the time to understand whether this advanced structure fits your goals.
What Is a Protected Series LLC?
A protected series LLC is a variation of the traditional limited liability company where one “master” LLC may form one or more protected series, each of which can have separate members, assets, liabilities, and operations. Under Florida Statutes §§ 605.2101–605.2802, enacted via CS/SB 316 and CS/HB 403, each protected series is treated as a distinct “person” for certain liability and UCC purposes.
The key benefit: horizontal liability shields. That means liabilities belonging to one series generally cannot reach the assets of another series or the master LLC—provided statutory formalities are followed.
Why This Matters for Florida Business Owners
1. Asset Segregation- Owners juggling multiple ventures—such as rental properties, service businesses, and investments—can structure each venture as a series. If one series is sued, the exposure may remain isolated to that series.
2. Cost & Administrative Efficiency- Rather than forming multiple separate LLCs (each with separate filing fees, annual reports, etc.), a series LLC lets you operate one umbrella entity with multiple internal divisions.
3. Strategic Liability Planning-For business owners facing potential liability (realestate defects, professional malpractice, product risk), the series structure offers another level of protection—if done right.
Key Legal Requirements & Risks
- Protected Series Designation: The master LLC must file a “protected series designation” with the Florida Department of State.
- Recordkeeping & Asset Association: Florida law requires that each protected series maintain contemporaneous records clearly identifying assets and liabilities as associated with that series. If these requirements are not met, a creditor may be able to “pierce” the shield.
- Election/Identification Requirements: Each series must be named properly (e.g., must include phrase “Protected Series” or “P.S.”) and be clearly distinguished.
- Effect Timing: The law becomes effective July 1, 2026, giving businesses time to plan and restructure.
- Not a Separate Entity: Note that each series is not a fully independent LLC in Florida—rather, it is a “person” for certain purposes, but part of the master series LLC umbrella.
Practical Uses & Scenarios
- A real estate investor in Pinellas County might start a master LLC called SunCoast Ventures LLC, with “Series A – Clearwater Rentals P.S.” and “Series B – Tampa Holiday Homes P.S.” Each series holds separate properties, bank account, insurance, and liabilities.
- A tech entrepreneur could form one series for the core product business and another for IP licensing or real-estate holdings—limiting cross-venture exposure.
- A professional service provider could separate high-risk practice areas (e.g., consulting) from lower-risk passive income entities within one umbrella.
Caution & When to Consult an Attorney
- The structure’s protection depends on strict compliance with statutory requirements, especially recordkeeping.
- Tax, creditor rights, bankruptcy, and regulatory issues may complicate the benefits of a series LLC.
- Transitioning existing entities into this structure or forming new ones requires expert planning.
- If a series fails to maintain independence (e.g., common assets, commingled funds, inadequate records), courts may disregard the shield.
Call McGuire Law Offices Today for a Free Consultation
Florida’s new protected series LLC law offers significant opportunities for business owners, investors, and entrepreneurs—but the structure isn’t a plug-and-play. The key is precise implementation and professional guidance. At McGuire Law Offices, we can assess whether a protected series structure makes sense for your ventures, help you form or reorganize accordingly, and safeguard your assets. Contact us today at 727-446-7659 to schedule a consultation. Secure your business future before the July 1, 2026 effective date.