Choosing the Nonprofit Organization's Directors When forming a 501(c)(3) in Florida, founders are required to have a board of at least three directors. Typically, those serving on the board of directors are selected by the person or people who are incorporating the non-profit organization.
Recruit Incorporators and Initial Directors You will need at least one, but can have more than one. Directors make up the governing body of your nonprofit corporation and are stakeholders in your organization's purpose and success. You'll want to identify three, unrelated individuals to meet IRS requirements.
Nonprofit Corporations Soliciting Donations Chapter 496, F.S., the Solicitation of Contributions Act, requires anyone who solicits donations from a location in Florida or from people in Florida to register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and to renew annually.
A Florida nonprofit needs a board of directors to oversee operations. The State of Florida requires nonprofits to have at least three directors on the board.
Corporate bylaws are legally required in Florida. Florida law requires corporations to adopt bylaws.
Bylaws are the rules used by the board to govern the organization. Florida does not require a copy of the bylaws to be filed with the state. Regardless of filing requirement, their creation is a part of the formation process and is required by state law.
How they're different. Interestingly, a nonprofit organization can operate like a traditional C corporation, where the organization is a separate legal entity from the owner. By contrast, not-for-profit organizations are similar to general partnerships in that they enjoy no legal separation from the members involved.
All charities soliciting within the state of Florida (excluding religious, educational, political and governmental agencies) are required to register and file financial information with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).
Ing to a study by Bain Capital Private Equity, the optimal number of directors for boards to make a decision is seven. Every added board member after that decreases decision-making by 10%. Nonprofits can use that as a starting metric before considering the organization's life cycle, mission and fundraising needs.