Before you form an LLC, register a fictitious name, or start a corporation, you'll need to complete a Florida Secretary of State Business Search (LLC name search). You'll perform the business name search using the Florida Business Entity Search tool to see if your name is unique.
In our Florida Business Name Search guide, we'll show you exactly how to check LLC name availability in Florida.
Recommended: Northwest Registered Agent will register your business name when they form your LLC for $29 (plus state fees).
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Florida LLC Name Search
The Florida Department of State requires all business names to be distinguishable from other business entities in the state.
It's also important to search for a matching domain name (URL).
How to Search Available LLC Names
You can check your business name availability by searching the Florida Business Entity Search online database.
Recommended: If you don’t have a business name yet or find that yours is taken, use our LLC Name Generator.
How to Check Available Domain Names
When choosing a business name you'll need to find out whether or not a good web domain name is available. Having a URL that clearly matches your business name is important. This small step can make a big difference in how prospective customers find your business.
The best way to determine if your desired URL is available is to search for it using your preferred domain registry, such as GoDaddy.
How to Register Your Business Name
Register Your Name
An LLC name is officially registered when you file your LLC application documents and form an LLC.
Ready to register your LLC name? Use our Florida LLC guide to get started.
Registering a DBA in Florida (also known as a fictitious name) is a separate process that requires filing with the Department of State.
Reserve Your Name
You can optionally reserve your LLC name in Florida for up to 120 days before you officially register it. This prevents other businesses from registering your name until you have the opportunity to register it yourself.
Name reservations must be submitted in writing to the Department of State and must specify the desired entity name, the applicant’s name, and their address. The filing fee is $35.
Florida Naming Requirements
Some key guidelines for Florida LLC names include:
- Your name must include the phrase “Limited Liability Company” or one of its abbreviations (LLC or L.L.C.).
- Your name must be distinguishable from any existing business in the state. This includes Florida reserved names.
Keep an eye out for restricted words. These words, such as “FBI” or “Treasury,” are often restricted to keep your LLC from sounding like an official institution.
Florida also has the following restrictions for LLC names:
- Your name cannot contain language implying that the LLC is organized for an unlawful purpose or one not stated in its Articles of Organization.
For more information, check out Florida’s official state statutes.
Distinguishability
It is important that your name be distinguishable from all other business names. In Florida, a distinguishable name is one that is substantively different from all other existing or reserved business names in the state.
The following differences do NOT make a name distinguishable in Florida:
- Business type suffixes (e.g., LLC, Inc, LP, etc.)
- Articles (e.g., the, a, an, etc.)
- The word “and” and “&”
- Plural or possessive forms of words
- Punctuation and symbols
- Abbreviations
Failure to use a distinguishable name could result in your formation filing being rejected.
Is your name already taken? Our free AI-powered LLC name generator will generate thousands of new ideas.
Florida LLC Name Search FAQ
How do I check if an LLC name is taken in Florida?
You can use the Florida Business Entity Search tool to see if your business name is available.
Learn more about business entity name availability in the How to Search Available LLC Names section.
Should I name my LLC after myself?
While there’s no rule against naming an LLC after yourself, most experts advise against doing this.
One of the benefits of starting an LLC is the ability to choose a different name for your business, which can make it sound more professional.
To explore other naming options, use your free AI-powered LLC Name Generator.
What words can’t be used in a Florida LLC name?
Business names generally can’t include words that imply the company is a banking or financial institution or that it’s affiliated with a local, state, or federal government agency.
Additionally, Florida LLC names cannot imply that the LLC is organized for an unlawful purpose or one not stated in its Articles of Organization.
Learn more about LLC naming requirements in the Florida Naming Requirements section.
Should I use an LLC name generator?
If you’re having trouble choosing a name for your LLC, an LLC name generator can help you come up with some ideas.
What is a brand name?
A brand name is a name a company gives to a product or line of products. It can be the same as the company’s name or something different.
Learn more about branding with your business entity name with our How to Name an LLC guide.
Do I have to include LLC in my name?
Yes. Florida requires that its LLCs use “Limited Liability Company” or one of its abbreviations (e.g., LLC or L.L.C.) in their legal name.
Learn more about LLC naming requirements in the Florida Naming Requirements section.
Do I need to renew my business name in Florida?
Florida doesn't require LLCs to renew their legal name, but fictitious names must be renewed by December 31 of the fifth year after registration and every five years after that. You can renew online or by mail.
Learn more about fictitious names with our Florida DBA guide.
Can my business name be different from my LLC name in Florida?
Some companies choose to operate under a name that’s different from their legal name. This can either be called a “doing business as” (DBA) name or a fictitious name in Florida.
In Florida, LLC fictitious names are filed with the Department of State.
Learn more about fictitious names with our Florida DBA guide.
Does my LLC need a DBA name?
Your LLC doesn’t need a DBA name unless it plans to do business under a name other than its legal name. Learn more about Florida DBAs by reading our guide to filing for a DBA and selecting Florida from the dropdown menu.
