How Many Companies Are Registered In Florida

Pace 1: Choose a Business Structure

Recommended: Nosotros typically recommend forming an LLC for most entrepreneurs because this construction comes with personal nugget protection, has no double tax, and is pretty easy to maintain.

If you would like to employ a service, read our guide on the best LLC germination services.

Sole Proprietorships and General Partnerships

Past default, sole proprietorships operate equally the same name every bit the owner while full general partnerships must include the surnames of all the partners.

Step 2: Cheque Name Availability

When registering a business name, it's of import to make sure information technology'south unique and no i else in your state formed a company with information technology or has control of it online as a domain name.

Domain Proper noun Search

We strongly recommend that y'all too check to see if your business name is available every bit a web domain (URL). Fifty-fifty if yous don't plan to create a business website today, you may want to purchase the web address to forbid others from acquiring that domain name. If the web domain is available and so it's probable the proper noun will besides be available in a business concern search.

Find a Domain Now

Florida Business Name Search

Side by side, search the Florida Partition of Corporation's business name search tool. This is an important step in the procedure because your filing will be denied if you try to file for a name already in use.

Search requirements can vary depending on your concern needs. For case, a unique and bachelor proper noun is required to:

File for formal concern structures like LLCs and corporations.
File a DBA proper name for any business organisation structure.

A state-level name search isn't required for informal business concern structures like sole proprietorships or general partnerships in Florida. Only, if you determine to register a fictitious proper name or DBA proper noun, y'all'll need to search the database to see if your desired proper noun is unique and available.

Step 3: Form Your Business concern With the State of Florida

One time you have selected your business structure and proper noun, yous volition need to file your formation documents with the state, which volition register your business organisation with the state of Florida.

To register your Florida LLC, you'll need to file the Articles of System with the Florida Division of Corporations. You can apply online, by mail, or in person. Read our Course an LLC in Florida guide for details.

Or employ a professional service like ZenBusiness or LegalZoom to grade your LLC for you.

To register your Florida corporation, you'll need to file the Articles of Incorporation with the Florida Section of State. Read our Class a Florida Corporation guide to learn more.

Boosted Considerations

Protect Your Business Name With a Trademark (Optional)

One time you confirm the availability of your business name and secure it, you lot tin can cull to apply for a trademark for your business organization. This typically costs around $225 to $400 plus any attorney fees likewise as a renewal fee every 10 years.

While this price can be loftier for a start-up or fledgling business, it will requite your company brand nationwide protection backed past federal law. That means if others try to practice business organization with the same — or a like — name as yours, you'll have legal precedent on your side. For most small businesses, this really isn't necessary unless they are thinking of going national.

How to Modify the Name of a Florida Business

Irresolute the name of a business in Florida tin can exist done in 2 ways: past filing for a fictitious name or by submitting an amendment to the legal proper noun of an existing business.

The first method, filing for a fictitious proper noun (also known as a DBA name), is the easiest way to operate your business using a different proper name without needing to change its legal name.

A DBA name is the merely way for sole proprietorships and full general partnerships to have a different business name. It'due south also the easiest method for LLCs and corporations to follow because it allows them to avoid filing an amendment or complicating their business operations while enabling them to operate with brand names that don't include the necessary LLC or Inc. suffix required in a legal name.

If you lot want to change the legal name of your LLC or corporation, still, filing an subpoena to the legal proper noun of an existing business is your best option. Here are links to forms for both options:

Articles of Subpoena for LLCs
Articles of Subpoena for corporations

You may submit both past mail service. The LLC form requires a $25 filing fee while the corporation course has a $35 filing fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

How practice I get a business tax ID in Florida?

In order to register your business for taxes in Florida, you lot must fill out this form and submit information technology online or by mail service. Earlier doing so, you'll need to obtain your Employer Identification Number (EIN).

How much does it price to start a concern in Florida?

The cost of forming a business in Florida depends on your business structure. For case, forming a corporation in Florida costs $87.50 while forming an LLC costs $160.

Y'all tin can find the fees applicable to your business structure on the Florida Division of Corporations website.

Does Florida crave a business license?

Not every business concern in Florida requires a license from the Florida Department of Business concern and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Licensing requirements will vary depending on your business type. You tin can appraise your concern'due south licensing needs on the DBPR website.