Whether you’re researching the availability of a business name or checking the status of a business entity, find the information you need from the Florida Department of State’s website. Like all other states, Florida requires each LLC or corporation registered in the state to have a unique business name. You can do a Florida business name search on the Florida Department of State website to see if the business name you want to use is available.
Related: Checklist To Start A Business In Florida
Steps To Do A Florida Business Name Search
Step 1: Visit the Florida Entity Name Database
Visit the Florida Department of State’s website.
Step 2: Search for a Business Name
Enter the name you want to use in the “Entity Name” field. In this example, we will search for a Florida LLC name by looking up “Sew What.” After entering the company name, click “Search Now.”
Step 3: Review the Results
When we search “Sew What,” we get several listings that show up. One column to keep an eye on when searching for available business names is the last column called “Status.” A record with a status of “INACT” means it is inactive and probably available to use. A message of “Active” means the company is operational and in good standing with the state. We are looking for names very similar to the ones we want to register. In this example, forming a business named “Sew What LLC” (with or without the question mark) isn’t possible since there is an active listing. To learn more about a business, click on the link for “Corporate Name.” Here, we will select the “SEW WHAT LLC” listing that is active.
Clicking on the name gives us a detailed view of the business.
While the name “Sew What” by itself may not be available, other variants, such as “Sew What Quilting” or “Sew What Seamstress,” are. Searching for those business names returns a result that says, “There were no records found.” While final approval is still with the Department of State, it is likely available to register.
These are the basics of searching for a business name in Florida. Even when the name of the business you want is available, the Florida Department of State’s Sunbiz website will make a final determination when filing to ensure the name you picked isn’t too similar to other registered names.
What information can be found on the Florida business entity database?
A Florida business search can uncover many details about registered businesses operating in the state. A few of these include:
- Date Filed: The official date the business entity formation was submitted to the Department of State.
- Effective Date: Date the corporation or LLC started
- Status: “Active” means the entity is in good standing.
- Principal Address: Physical address of the entity. This can be a physical location like a storefront or an address where the records are stored.
- Mailing Address: An address where communications from the Department of State are sent.
- Registered Agent Information: A Florida registered agent is the singular point of contact for the entity should a legal or tax notice be sent to the business.
- Authorized Person(s) Detail: Name(s) of people authorized to act on behalf of the entity.
- Document Images – Filings like the Florida LLC Articles of Organization or the Articles of Incorporation.
Florida Business Name Search FAQs
How do I find the business name of a Florida sole proprietorship?
A Florida sole proprietorship or general partnership can use the small business owner(s) full first and last name as the business name, but many will want to operate under a specific business name, in which case they will file a Florida Fictitious Name registration.
Similar to the corporation or LLC, Fictitious Name registrations can be searched on the Florida Department of State Division of Corporations website.
