How do I find out if a business name is available in Florida?
Contacting the local Secretary of State (SOS) office via Phone or Email is free and is the most reliable way to check your business name availability. Online, you can search for Florida businesses entities for free via the Florida Department of State wbeiste (click here to visit).
Is a fictitious name the same as a DBA in Florida?
A fictitious name (also known as a“doing business as” or “dba”) is: Different from your personal name, if doing business as a sole proprietor. Different from your entity’s legal name, if you have incorporated or otherwise formed a separate legal business entity.
How long does it take to get a fictitious business name in Florida?
Turnaround: 2-3 business days online or 3-5 business days by mail. Business entities operating under a name other than their legal name must file a fictitious name registration.
What is the difference between DBA and fictitious name?
DBA is an abbreviation of “doing business as.” In some states, businesses need to file for DBA or fictitious names to protect their customers. A fictitious name has the same meaning as a DBA, and both terms are interchangeable.
How do I check to see if a business name is available?
Visit: https://businesssearch.sos.ca.gov/ Select “Corporation Name” or “LP/LLC Name.” Enter all or part of your business name next to “Search Criteria.”
How do I check to see if my company name is available?
The best way to find out if your business name is taken is to do a business entity search within your state, check Federal Trademark Records, and search the web to find businesses with the same or a similar name.
Do I need to register a fictitious business name?
You might need to register your DBA — also known as a trade name, fictitious name, or assumed name — with the state, county, or city your business is located in. Registering your DBA name doesn’t provide legal protection by itself, but most states require you to register your DBA if you use one.
Do I have to publish my fictitious business name in Florida?
You must publish a “legal notice of intent to file a fictitious name” in a newspaper BEFORE your fictitious name is registered. The notice must be published once by a newspaper that circulates in the county of the principal location of the business.
Can I file a fictitious business name online?
You may request copies of filed Fictitious Business Name Statements in person, by mail, and online.
What is the purpose of filing a fictitious business name?
The Purpose of a Fictitious Name States require filing fictitious business names because they help inform the public about who actually owns the company. A fictitious name filing puts a business’s name and its owner’s identity on public record.
Can you turn a DBA into an LLC?
When you register your business as a DBA, or doing business as, and want to change it to a LLC, or limited liability company, you go through the process of registering the LLC as you would any business. Because a DBA is a registration to use a business name, it is not a business structure as is the case with a LLC.
How to get a fictitious business name in Florida?
The process for filing a fictitious name application is quite simple and you can do it online. However, note that you cannot reserve a business name in Florida. You will have to directly register it. Publish a notice in a newspaper circulating in your county (where you have your principal place of business).
What does Florida Secretary of State fictitious name search?
Florida Secretary of State fictitious name search is the process of performing a search in order to confirm that the fictitious name you are looking to register for your business is available and is not being used by some other entity. What Is a Fictitious Name?
Which is an example of a fictitious name?
The most common example of a fictitious name is the name of a corporation since it’s different from the names of individual owners of the corporation. The main advantage of using a fictitious name is that it makes business transactions much easier.
What’s the purpose of registering a fictitious name?
The sole purpose of registering a fictitious name is to inform the public which individual or business entity is transacting business under a particular name. This registration does not reserve the name or prevent another party from registering the same name.