Registering a DBA (Assumed Name) in Florida
Where and how to file a DBA, trade name or assumed name in Florida, and the fee.
Short answer: Florida calls a DBA a fictitious name. It is registered with the Division of Corporations for $50.00 and is valid for 5 years, expiring December 31. s. 865.09, Fla. Stat.; Florida Division of Corporations, Fictitious Name Registration page
| DBA / assumed name | Florida calls a DBA a fictitious name. It is registered with the Division of Corporations for $50.00 and is valid for 5 years, expiring December 31. The name must be advertised at least once in a newspaper in the county of the principal place of business before registering (s. 865.09, Fla. Stat.); proof is not required, but the applicant certifies on the application that the name was advertised. |
|---|---|
| Name rules and reservation | The name must contain the words "Limited Liability Company" or the abbreviation "L.L.C." or "LLC" and must be distinguishable on the Department of State's records. The Articles of Organization instructions say preliminary name searches and name reservations are no longer available from the Division and that filers are responsible for any name infringement. The Division's LLC fee page still lists a $25.00 name reservation fee, while the Articles of Organization instructions say name reservations are no longer available. |
Where to get help in Florida
More Florida starting an llc & small business
- What an LLC Costs in Florida
- LLC Annual Report in Florida
- All Florida starting an llc & small business rules
FAQ
How do you register a DBA in Florida?
Florida calls a DBA a fictitious name. It is registered with the Division of Corporations for $50.00 and is valid for 5 years, expiring December 31. The name must be advertised at least once in a newspaper in the county of the principal place of business before registering (s. 865.09, Fla. Stat.); proof is not required, but the applicant certifies on the application that the name was advertised.
What are the LLC name requirements in Florida?
The name must contain the words "Limited Liability Company" or the abbreviation "L.L.C." or "LLC" and must be distinguishable on the Department of State's records. The Articles of Organization instructions say preliminary name searches and name reservations are no longer available from the Division and that filers are responsible for any name infringement.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.