How Do I Register A Company In Florida

Step 1: Choose a Business Structure

The Truic Flame Logo

Recommended: We typically recommend forming an LLC for most entrepreneurs because this structure comes with personal asset protection, has no double taxation, and is pretty easy to maintain.

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

Sole Proprietorships and General Partnerships

By default, sole proprietorships operate as the same name as the owner while general partnerships must include the surnames of all the partners.

Step 2: Check Name Availability

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

Domain Name Search

We strongly recommend that you also check to see if your business name is available as a web domain (URL). Even if you don't plan to create a business website today, you may want to buy the web address to prevent others from acquiring that domain name. If the web domain is available then it's likely the name will also be available in a business search.

Florida Business Name Search

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

Search requirements can vary depending on your business needs. For example, a unique and available name is required to:

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

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

Step 3: Form Your Business With the State of Florida

Once you have selected your business structure and name, you will need to file your formation documents with the state, which will register your business with the state of Florida.

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

Or use a professional service like ZenBusiness or LegalZoom to form your LLC for you.

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

Additional Considerations

Protect Your Business Name With a Trademark (Optional)

Once you confirm the availability of your business name and secure it, you can choose to apply for a trademark for your business. This typically costs around $225 to $400 plus any attorney fees as well as a renewal fee every 10 years.

While this cost can be high for a start-up or fledgling business, it will give your company brand nationwide protection backed by federal law. That means if others try to do business with the same — or a similar — 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.

The Truic Flame Logo

How to Change the Name of a Florida Business

Changing the name of a business in Florida can be done in two ways: by filing for a fictitious name or by submitting an amendment to the legal name of an existing business.

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

A DBA name is the only way for sole proprietorships and general partnerships to have a different business name. It's 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 want to change the legal name of your LLC or corporation, however, filing an amendment to the legal name of an existing business is your best option. Here are links to forms for both options:

Articles of Amendment for LLCs
Articles of Amendment for corporations

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a business tax ID in Florida?

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

How much does it cost to start a business in Florida?

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

You can find the fees applicable to your business structure on the Florida Division of Corporations website.

Does Florida require a business license?

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