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Once you’ve chosen a Florida LLC name, you need to compare it against existing businesses in the state.
This is done using the Sunbiz Business Entity Search tool.
And this is necessary because business names in the same state:
- can’t be the same
- can’t be too similar
If you file your LLC paperwork with a name that’s not available, your LLC filing will be rejected.
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How do I search the Florida business entity name database?
You can use the business entity search to compare your business name against the existing business entities registered in Florida.
Note: This tool is sometimes called the Florida Business Name Search or the Florida Business Entity Search. They both refer to the same website and get you the same search records.
Visit the Florida Corporate Records Search page:
Florida Department of State: Business Entity Search
It’s simple to use:
Enter your desired LLC name in the “Entity Name” field. Then click “Search Now“.
Search tips:
- Leave out “LLC”, “L.L.C.”, “Limited Liability Company”, etc., when doing your searches.
- Leave out any commas, periods, apostrophes, etc.
- You can search using uppercase or lowercase letters.
Tip: It’s best to enter only the main part of your desired Florida LLC name in the search bar. For example, if your desired LLC name is Riverwalk Studios LLC, first do a search for the words “Riverwalk Studio”. And then do a search for “Riverwalk”. This helps make sure that you see everything that is potentially similar.
How to interpret the Florida LLC search results
If the results show names that are not too similar to yours (meaning yours is distinguishable), then your Limited Liability Company name is available for use.
- Let’s keep using the example above. If your desired name is Riverwalk Studios LLC, and the only similar names you saw were “Riverwalk Rentals” and “Riverwalk Studio Starters”, then your name should be available.
If no results show up, that means your LLC name is unique and it should be available for use. To be safe, run your search again using only part of your LLC name (to double-check that there are no similar names).
- For example, search just the word “Riverwalk” instead of Riverwalk Studios.
If your exact LLC name appears in the list of search records, your LLC name is not available for use because another Florida business entity is already using it.
If the results show a name that is very similar to yours, your LLC name may not be available for use.
- If your desired name is Riverwalk Studios LLC, and the search results show a “Riverwalk Studio”, then your name is not available.
What if my desired LLC name isn’t available?
If your name is not unique, you’ll need to come up with a variation or a different name for your LLC.
Tip: Wait until your LLC is approved before you apply for your LLC EIN Number or purchase any other marketing materials. This way you don’t spend money on business supplies you can’t use because your business name isn’t available.
Florida Department of State Contact Information
You can call the Florida Department of State to ask questions about whether your LLC name is available.
Representatives at the Florida Department of State can help you use the Florida Business Name Search. They can’t guarantee that your LLC name will be available when you file, however.
The Division of Corporations phone number is 850-245-6000. Their hours are 8am to 5pm Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.
Florida Limited Liability Company Name Requirements
As per Section 605.0112 of the Florida LLC Act, there are a few rules and requirements for naming a Florida business entity that you need to know.
Do I have to use a comma in my LLC name?
No, you don’t have to. You can file your LLC name with or without a comma. Both versions are accepted by the Department of State.
For example: If your desired business name is Grandpa Joe’s, you can file it as:
- Grandpa Joe’s LLC
- Grandpa Joe’s, LLC
Or, instead of having “LLC” as your designator (ending), there are a few other options in Florida.
What designators (endings) can I use in my LLC name?
Your Florida LLC name must contain one of the following designators at the end:
- LLC
- L.L.C.
- Limited Liability Company
Note: Most people choose “LLC”.
The following designators are not allowed
Your Florida LLC can’t make itself sound like a Florida Corporation or any other business entity besides an LLC.
The following words and designators can’t be used anywhere in your LLC name:
- Inc.
- Corp.
- Incorporated
- Corporation
What words are not allowed in my Florida LLC name?
Your Florida LLC name can’t contain words and abbreviations that are restricted by law.
For example, you can’t make your LLC name sound like it’s a bank, part of the government or a government agency, or anything else that misleads the public.
You also can’t use words that are reserved for licensed professionals. These vary by state, but some common examples are accountants, architects, attorneys, dentists, and engineers.
Your Florida business name must be distinguishable (unique)
When you search the Florida Department of State Business Entity Search, you will compare your desired LLC name to existing businesses in the state.
If your name is not unique, you’ll need to come up with a variation or a different business name.
Below are rules and examples of LLC names that are not distinguishable.
Designators
Differences in designators (endings) don’t create distinguishability.
If your desired LLC name is Manatee Boat Company LLC, it’s not available to use if any of the following are found in the Florida Business Name Search results:
- Manatee Boat Company, Inc.
- Manatee Boat Company, Corp.
- Manatee Boat Company, L.L.C.
Filler Words
Adding non-meaningful or filler words (the, a, an, and, &) won’t create distinguishability.
If your desired LLC name is Mockingbird Farms LLC, it’s not available to use if any of the following are found:
- The Mockingbird Farms LLC
- A Mockingbird Farm Inc.
- Mockingbird and Farms L.L.C.
- Mockingbird & Farms Corp
Plural or Singular Words and Possessive Words
Adding a letter “s” to make a word plural or possessive doesn’t create distinguishability.
If your desired LLC name is Ricky’s Oranges LLC, it’s not available to use if any of the following are found:
- Rickys Oranges LLC
- Ricky’s Orange Inc.
- Rickys Orange, L.L.C.
Punctuation and Symbols
Adding punctuation and special characters won’t create distinguishability.
If your desired LLC name is Fearless Leader Logistics LLC, it’s not available to use if any of the following are found:
- Fearless-Leader-Logistics LLC
- Fearless Leader! Logistics, Inc.
- Fearless’ Leader’ Logistics’ L.L.C.
- Fearless & Leader: Logistics Corp
Want to watch a video tutorial instead?
The video below shows you how to search LLC names in Florida.
The video starts with LLC name rules in Florida. Then at the 3:30 minute mark, you can see LLC searches being completed.
What if my Florida business name is rejected?
If you file your Florida Articles of Organization (the document that creates your Florida LLC) and the business name is not available, don’t panic. The state will notify you and tell you why your filing was rejected.
You will just need to file again with a variation of your LLC name or a different LLC name.
Florida Business Name FAQs
No, a name reservation isn’t required to form an LLC in Florida. It’s an unnecessary step and a waste of money.
You can just file your LLC’s Articles of Organization with your desired LLC name.
Yes. Your Florida LLC name must contain one of the allowable designators at the end. The most commonly used designators are:
- LLC
- Limited Liability Company
No, you’re not required to file a DBA (“Doing Business As”) for your business entity in Florida.
A DBA (known as a Fictitious Name in Florida) lets your LLC conduct business under a name which is different from its true and legal name (the name on your Articles of Organization).
If you want your LLC to do business under a name that’s different from its true and legal name, you have to file a Fictitious Name Registration and pay an additional fee of $50 to the Department of State. Check out the Department of State Fictitious Name Registration Instructions for more information on this process.
You can file the Fictitious Name Registration online or by mail.
There is no limit to the number of Fictitious Names an LLC can have. (And your Florida Fictitious Name doesn’t have to be distinguishable from every other business in the state.)
For more information, please see Does my LLC need a DBA?
When would my LLC use a DBA?
Let’s say you form an LLC called Everglade Panthers Softball LLC, but you also want to use a friendlier, catchy name, like Everglade Softball. In this case, your LLC would need to file a Fictitious Name Registration to use the name Everglade Softball.
If you don’t file a Fictitious Name Registration for a different name, you can only use your legal entity name of Everglade Panthers Softball LLC.
Similarly, if you want to do business under the name Everglade Panthers Softball, just without the letters “LLC” in the name, you will need to file a Fictitious Name Registration for Everglade Panthers Softball.
Once you’ve found a business name that you like, it’s a good idea to check if your domain name is available before forming your LLC.
You can search for available domain names with GoDaddy:
Find a domain name
Each business entity name must be “distinguishable upon the records” of the Department of State.
This means that no two businesses can operate with the same exact name. Said another way, if a business already exists with your desired LLC name, you can’t register your LLC with that name.
For example, let’s say you want to form an LLC called Coral Landscapers LLC. But there is already a business in another town called Coral Landscapers, Inc. Because your desired LLC name is the same as that existing Florida Corporation, it is not distinguishable. You can’t use it and must choose another name.
Business names are important for branding and recognition. The name of your Florida LLC can be your company’s brand name, but it doesn’t have to be (please see the FAQ about DBAs above). Either way, picking a good LLC name is an important decision.
Here are some quick tips for coming up with business names:
- First, write down the features of your company and things that you want to be associated with.
- Then list out as many business names as you can think of. Don’t edit or analyze them. Just get as many names on the page as you can.
- Now go back and read through them. Write down any variations that come to mind.
- Next, set the list aside. Do something else, like go for a walk or get groceries, or sleep on it for the night. Then come back and review the list of names. As you go through it, write down additional ideas and variations.
- Read the whole list out loud. If you want, get input from friends, business partners, and family.
- Repeat the process: sleep on the ideas, write down new variations, read them out loud again.
- The best business name will often “rise off the page” and present itself. If it doesn’t, you can try this trick: Close your eyes and count to 10. When you get to 10, you must choose a name. When you open your eyes, force yourself to make a decision. Sometimes we know the best name deep in our subconscious, and this trick can help it come out. Trust yourself and go with what feels best.
For more tips, please see How to Choose an LLC Name.
No. You can’t use the same name as another Florida business.
And it doesn’t matter what entity type it is – your LLC can’t have the same entity name as another corporation, LLC, or any other entity type.
You can’t use another business’s name even if the entity is in “Inactive/UA” status on the Florida Department of State website.
But if the business entity is marked “inactive” (without the letters “UA” after it), Florida allows you to use their name. This means you can form an LLC with the same name.
You can change your LLC’s name later by filing an Amendment form with the Department of State.
We have step-by-step instructions on how to change an LLC name in Florida.
Here are the steps to starting an LLC in Florida:
- Choose an LLC name and make sure it’s available
- Choose who will be your Florida Registered Agent
- File the Florida LLC Articles of Organization
- Complete and sign an LLC Operating Agreement
- Get a Tax ID Number (EIN) from the IRS
- Open an LLC bank account
- Check whether you need a business or sales tax license in Florida
References
Florida LLC Act: Section 605.0112
Florida Division of Corporations: Division FAQs
Florida Division of Corporations: Title abbreviations
Florida Division of Corporations: Fictitious name search guide
Florida Division of Corporations: Corporation records search guide
Matt holds a Bachelor's Degree in business from Drexel University with a concentration in business law. He performs extensive research and analysis to convert state laws into simple instructions anyone can follow to form their LLC - all for free! Read more about Matt Horwitz and LLC University.
Florida LLC Guide
Looking for an overview? See Florida LLC
So i see a company name frieght kings inc.
But i want to use freight king llc. Can i use it? And i did my research on uspto and seen frieght kings inc based in California and not Florida.
Hi Eric, the Florida Division of Corporations will likely reject your LLC name since isn’t distinguishable. A trademark registered with the USPTO is a federal trademark (national), so it doesn’t matter where the mark owner’s address is. Hope that helps.
If the name is listed as inactive is it available for use?
Hi Tye, an LLC name (or any business entity name) in Florida that is “inactive” for more than 1 year, then becomes publicly available. However, we usually recommend proceeding with caution and doing extra research. Make sure the name isn’t still being used somewhere to avoid confusing potential customers/clients. Make sure the name doesn’t have a bad reputation. Make sure the name is not filed as a federal trademark. You can search the USPTO’s trademark database called TESS (Trademark Electronic Search System). Please see here: USPTO: Search trademark database. Also make sure to search trademarks in Florida. Please see here: Florida Division of Corporations: Search by trademark name. Hope that helps.
Matt, your tutorials have been extremely helpful and informative. When searching for a name for an LLC, can the same name be used if it is a completely different type of business? For example: Smith Bicycle Repair and Smith Florist
Hey Victoria, glad to hear! Yes, the same root (ex: “Smith”) can be used for different LLC names. So in your example, Smith Bicycle Repair LLC and Smith Florist LLC can both be in existence. The only exception to this would be if there was a state-level or federal-level trademark filed for the root word that was registered in the same business class.
Thanks…..You made my day!!!
Awesome! You’re welcome.