How to Register a Company Name in Florida
Florida has become one of the fastest growing states to start and conduct business. If you are starting a new business or expanding your business into Florida, you are required to register your company's name with the state. Under Florida law, a business may also be required to register with the local county government. The Florida Department of revenue will also need to be informed of your business activities for sales tax registration.
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Instructions
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Choose a name for your company. Under Florida law, a company's name must be unique and accurate. If you are a corporation, Limited Liability Company or a limited partnership you must include some indication of your status such as including the abbreviation Inc., LLC or LP in your company name.
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Check whether your proposed company name is available for use. Under the law, no two companies in the state may have the same or similar names. Moreover, some names may be trademarked and therefore unavailable for use without permission from the owner of the trademark. You can search for your proposed name via the Secretary of State's business name search website.
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Publish the name in a county newspaper. Florida law requires that prior to registration, a fictitious name is "published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation" in the county where the business is located.
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Obtain a "fictitious name application" by either: picking up a hard-copy from the Department of Corporations' office or via access to the Online Fictitious Name Registration website.
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Complete the "fictitious name" application as instructed. The application requires the name, address and signature of the owner(s) of the fictitious name as well as the address where the fictitious name will be used.
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File or submit the application with the non-refundable $50 filing fee to the Division of Corporations. Once the application is reviewed you will receive an acknowledgment from the state. Registration lasts for five years but you must renew registration as long as you continue to do business. Alternatively, if you cease doing business before your registration expires, you will need to inform the state.
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