Florida Business Name Search

ByMatija Kolaric
Reading time 5 mins
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A good business name is integral to any business. It is essential for branding because it sets the tone for your business and reflects your business strategy and mission to clients and investors. To achieve all of this, you need to select a one-of-a-kind business name so you don’t get confused with any other business. We can make sure that your name is like no other by showing you how to conduct a business name search in Florida. 

A Florida business name search ensures that your business name is not already in use, so you can register the name and begin establishing your business in Florida. This article will guide you through conducting a business name search and registering your business name in Florida. Not only will you be able to do all of this yourself after you’ve read this guide, but you’ll also understand why it is important to register your business name in Florida. 

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To conduct a Florida business name search, you need to have at least one business name that you would be happy to use. You cannot start checking and registering your business name without having a name. If you don’t have a full-fledged name yet, we can help. 

We have business name generators for every industry to help you create your dream business name. All you need to do is enter some keywords that relate to your business, and the generator will produce pages of results for you to consider.  

How To Search For Available Names In Florida

Once you have your chosen business name, you want to ensure that no one else has it. To do so, you need to conduct a comprehensive search for businesses in Florida. We recommend beginning with a google search as this is an easy and effective way of uncovering any businesses with the same name. After that, you can search for available business names in Florida with the Florida Department of State website. If it says INACTIVE or INACT, it is available for you to use for your business, but any other status update means it isn’t available at all or at the moment. 

As a last measure, we suggest using our instant domain name generator. This generator has a dual purpose: you can generate domain names and check that the domain name isn’t already in use. Our instant domain name generator provides extra comfort that your business name is available and ready for you.  

How To Register Your Business Name In Florida 

You can register your business name in Florida either online or by post. Before registering your business name in Florida, you have to go through many processes. You will need to have already:

  • A general business license
  • Evidence of paying taxes and fees
  • A certificate of status
  • A certified copy of the articles of your organization. 

Once you have completed the application, you just need to pay the application fee and wait for a response. If the name is available, it should be successful. 

Policies And Preparations For Registering Your Business Name In Florida 

In each state, there are specific policies and preparations that you should know when you register your business name in Florida. 

  • Before registering your Florida business name, you can reserve your business name for 120 days. During that time, no other business can register that specific business name except for you. 
  • If you are forming an LLC or PLLC, you must include a variation of LLC or PLLC in your business name. 
  • If you want to register for a fictitious name, you can apply after registering your business name. It requires another application and fee, details available on the Division of Corporation’s website. 

Florida Business Registration Office Details

In the table below are the relevant contact details for the Florida business registration office details. 

Websitehttps://dos.myflorida.com
Phone Number(850) 245 6000
Email Address[email protected] 
Opening HoursMonday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm 

How To Register A Business Name Using The Florida Online Portal

To file your business name in Florida online, you will need to have the same legal documents as when you register your business name by post. You simply need to fill in the online application and pay online by card. There are multiple different applications for each type of business, and you can even file for a fictitious name online now. 

How Expensive Is It To Register A Business Name In Florida?

There are several costs required to register your business name in Florida. To apply for your business name, you need to pay for your certificate of status and your certificate of your articles of organization. After this, you also pay to file your business name. These fees vary depending on the type of business you are registering. Costs can range between $87.50 and $1100 to register your business name in Florida. 

Why Do I Need To Register A Business Name In Florida?

If you are planning to establish an LLC, corporation, or partnership, you must register your business name in Florida. Other businesses do not have to register their business, but it is the recommended choice as it emphasizes your business’s credibility and professionalism. However, all businesses do need to file for a business license in order to operate. 

If you choose to operate under a fictitious or trade name as well as your official business name, you will need to file separately to do so. Failure to file for a fictitious name is against the law and can lead to the filing of charges. 

Support For Registering A Business Name In Florida

If you require any personal or additional support in registering your business name in Florida, you can contact or visit the Department of State Division of Corporations in Tallahassee. There are many professionals there that can advise you on how to register your business and ensure that you operate within the law. 

Florida Business Name Search Summary 

Registering your business name in Florida is a vital process for any business that wants to show its openness with its clients and investors. It is a simple process to undertake once you understand it. After coming up with your business name using the business name generator, you conduct a business name search. If it is available, you can register the business name in Florida. The specifics of the registration vary depending on the type of business that you are registering. 

While it is not an essential process for every business, it is an easy one that can have enormous benefits for your business. For the fees that you pay, there will be a greater return in the form of clients and investors. If you want to know more about conducting a business name search in another state, have a look at our business name search index.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

You can register your business name with the Florida Department of State Division of Corporations.

Useful information:
– You have to go through a business registration before choosing your company name. Luckily, the process can be completed online.
– In Florida, you can also opt for an additional procedure known as fictitious name registration.
– To do a fictitious name registration, you will once again have to search the database and make sure that you have selected a unique title.

To register your business name, you’ll need to prepare various documents and you’ll also have to pass through a number of processes:

– You will have to obtain your general business license
– If you are doing a fictitious name filing, you’ll need to fill out several forms.
– There are fees and taxes to pay for the incorporation of your business and the registration of your name. You’ll have to provide evidence of having paid those.
– A certificate of status (issuing costs five dollars)
– A certified copy of your articles of organization

The fees and charges will vary from one type of organization to another. You can find official information and guidelines here.

There are rules and restrictions when it comes to choosing a company name in Florida. Your name should be unique and distinguishable from the company names that have already been registered. Hence, you cannot choose a title that’s very similar to the name of another business.

If your name is very similar to the name of another entity (especially a company operating in the same field or a large multinational corporation), you risk running into trademark problems.

Depending on the circumstances, you may be capable of using a version of the name that’s somewhat modified. In such instances, however, it would be best to talk to a corporate attorney in advance. The consequences of getting in a little battle with another corporate entity can be devastating so be careful!

If you are running a corporation, limited partnership, or limited liability company, you do not have to file before using a fictitious business name. For any other type of business, you need to file otherwise, you are committing a second-degree misdemeanor. It is simple to file; you need to fill in an application, send it either virtually or by post and pay the fee.

A fictitious business name, also referred to as a trade name or DBA, is a name that you can conduct business with, but it is not your legal name. Your business name is your official name, as it is the name on all of your legal documents. You can operate with both names, but they differ slightly and have to be filed separately.

Once you have sent the letter to reserve your business name and they approve it, you must pay a fee. The fees vary depending on the type of business that you are in. For an LLC, it costs $25. For a corporation, it costs $35. For a limited partnership, the cost is $52.50.

Author

Matija Kolaric

Matija Kolaric

Amazing content is the core of what we do. With more than 5 years of experience in branding, name development, and business, Matija helps create and manage content production.

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