Registering a Florida DBA (doing business as), also known as a Florida fictitious name, is a simple process that you complete with the Secretary of State.
Learn How to Register a DBA in Florida yourself in three simple steps:
Fast-Track Your DBA Registration
You can hire a professional service such as LegalZoom to file your DBA for you. Their packages start at $99 (plus state fees).
If you haven’t already, visit the Sunbiz Florida Fictitious Name Search portal to complete a fictitious name search. Your name must be distinguishable from all Sunbiz fictitious name registrations that are already on file.
Your name can be similar to other business names, but it’s still a good practice to create a unique business name.
In Florida, your fictitious name should not include:
Next, a quick search on the U.S. Trademark Electronic Search System will tell you whether someone else has already trademarked your name.
Now would be the perfect time to make sure there’s a web domain available for your Florida DBA as well.
Domain Name Search
Florida requires that all new fictitious names be published once in a newspaper before the business name is registered.
You must publish your “legal notice of intent to file a fictitious name” with a newspaper in the county were your principal location is located. Start by contacting a newspaper in the county of your principal location. Then, request the newspaper publish a “legal noticle of intent to file a fictitious name.”
The legal notice of intent to file a fictitious name must state:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of [Your DBA Name Here] intends to register the said name with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, Tallahassee FL and/or Clerk of the Circuit Court of [County], FL. [Your Company Name, Address, City State, Zip Code]
The exact newspaper requirements can be found in detail in chapter 50 of Florida Statutes. The basic requirements for the publishing newspaper are:
When it comes to proof of publication, Florida enforces a criminal variation of the honor system. When you sign the form, you are promising that you published the name already and that you did it right.
The signature line of the application for registration of fictitious name states:
“ I further certify that the intention to register the fictitious name to be registered has been advertised at least once in a newspaper as defined in chapter 50, Florida Statutes…I understand that the signature below shall have the same legal effect as if made under oath and I am aware that false information submitted in a document to the Department of State constitutes a third degree felony as provided for in s.817.155, F.S.”
We think this goes without saying—DO NOT register your DBA in Florida without publishing first.
In Florida, you register your DBA with the secretary of state. You can file online at the Sunbiz fictitious name portal or you can complete the application for registration of fictitious name form.
The application will ask for your new DBA name and information about your business, such as:
A DBA does not offer any legal protection for your personal assets in the event that your business is sued. For more information on setting up a limited liability company, visit our How to Form an LLC page and select your state.
Walk In
Division of Corporations
Clifton Building
2661 Executive Center Circle
Tallahassee, FL 32301
Mail
Fictitious Name Registration
PO Box 6327
Tallahassee, FL 32314
Fees
$50 Processing Fee
$10 Certificate of Status
$30 Certified Copy
General Questions
Call the Florida secretary of state: 850-245-6059
Renew Your Fictitious Name with the State
Your Florida DBA should be renewed by December 31st of the fifth year after registration and every five years after that. You can renew on the Sunbiz DBA portal or by completing and mailing the application for renewal of fictitious name form. Mail the completed form to:
Fictitious Name Renewal
Division of Corporations
PO Box 6327
Tallahassee, Florida 32314
Change Your Fictitious Name
To make changes to your certificate of assumed name, complete only section 4 of the registration of a fictitious name form. Mail the completed form to:
Fictitious Name Registration
PO Box 6327
Tallahassee, Fl 32314
Withdraw Your Fictitious Name
To cancel your fictitious name, complete only section 4 of the registration of a fictitious name form. Include an updated address if your business’ address on file is no longer valid. Mail the completed form to:
Fictitious Name Registration
PO Box 6327
Tallahassee, Fl 32314
Simplify Your Florida DBA Filing
Let LegalZoom’s expert team handle your DBA registration for just $99 plus state fee, so you can focus on growing your business.
You can file your DBA online at the Sunbiz DBA page.
