Florida Entity Search

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hamza
• March 20, 2025
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Are you launching a business in Florida or researching an existing company? The Florida Division of Corporations’ business entity search tool (Sunbiz) is your gateway to accessing critical business information. This comprehensive guide walks you through the entire process of conducting a Florida business entity search, with detailed instructions tailored specifically to Florida’s unique system.

What is the Florida Division of Corporations Business Entity Search?

The Florida Division of Corporations operates the state’s official business entity index through their online portal, commonly known as “Sunbiz.” This powerful search tool allows you to access information about any business registered in Florida, including corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and registered trademarks.

The official name of Florida’s business search tool is the “Florida Department of State Division of Corporations Search Records” system, accessible at search.sunbiz.org.

Why You Might Need to Conduct a Florida Business Entity Search

Before diving into the how-to, let’s cover why you might need to use this tool:

How to Access the Florida Business Entity Search Tool

The Florida Division of Corporations’ business entity search is completely free and accessible to anyone. Here’s how to get started:

Detailed Step-by-Step Guide to Searching by Business Name

The most common search method is by entity name. Here’s a detailed walkthrough with the actual field names and buttons you’ll encounter:

  1. Navigate to search.sunbiz.org/Inquiry/CorporationSearch/ByName
  2. You’ll see a search page with a single text field labeled “Entity Name”
  3. Type your desired business name in the field (do not include designators like “LLC” or “Inc.” for broader results)
  4. Click the blue “Search Now” button
  5. The system will display a list of matching results, showing:
    • Entity Name
    • Document Number (a unique identifier assigned by the state)
    • Status (Active, Inactive, Dissolved, etc.)

Florida-Specific Search Tips

The Sunbiz search system has some unique quirks that are important to know:

Sample Business Entity Search Simulation

Let’s walk through a simulated search to show exactly what you’ll experience:

  1. Let’s say we want to check if “Sunshine Builders” is available
  2. We enter “Sunshine Builders” in the search field and click “Search Now”
  3. The results page shows:
    • Sunshine Builders, LLC (Document # L21000123456) – Active
    • Sunshine Builders of Tampa, Inc. (Document # P19000087654) – Active
    • Sunshine Builders & Contractors, Inc. (Document # P08000054321) – Inactive
  4. Since “Sunshine Builders” is already taken, we might need to modify our name

Understanding the Results Page

Once you click on a business name from the search results, you’ll be taken to a detail page that contains:

Alternative Search Methods on Sunbiz

The Florida Division of Corporations offers several other search methods which can be extremely useful:

Search by Officer/Registered Agent Name

  1. Navigate to the “Search by Officer/Registered Agent Name” option
  2. Enter the last name, first name, and middle initial (optional)
  3. Click “Search Now”
  4. Results will show all businesses associated with that individual

Search by Document Number

If you know the unique document number assigned by the state:

  1. Select “Search by Document Number”
  2. Enter the document number (always use the number zero “0”, not the letter “O”)
  3. Click “Search Now” to retrieve the specific entity

Search by Federal Employer Identification Number (FEI/EIN)

  1. Choose “Search by FEI Number”
  2. Enter the nine-digit FEI number without dashes
  3. Click “Search Now”
  4. Results will show businesses registered with that tax ID

Trademark Search

Florida also maintains a trademark database:

  1. Select “Search by Trademark Name” or “Search by Trademark Owner”
  2. Enter your search criteria
  3. Click “Search Now”
  4. Results will display registered Florida trademarks

What Do Different Status Labels Mean in Florida?

When reviewing search results, you’ll encounter various status labels. Here’s what they mean in Florida:

What to Do After Checking Name Availability

If your desired business name is available, you’ll want to act quickly to secure it. In Florida, here are your next steps:

Name Reservation in Florida

If your desired business name is available, you’ll want to act quickly to secure it. In Florida, here are your next steps:

  1. To reserve a name, you must submit a letter to the Secretary of State specifying:
    • The name you want to reserve
    • Your name and address
  2. If approved, the name will be reserved exclusively for you for 120 days
  3. The reservation fee is $35 for corporations and $25 for LLCs

However, most Florida business attorneys recommend skipping the reservation process and filing your formation documents directly if you’re ready to form your business.

File Your Business Formation Documents

To fully secure your business name, file your formation documents:

  1. For LLCs: File Articles of Organization ($125 filing fee)
  2. For Corporations: File Articles of Incorporation ($70 for nonprofit, $70 + $8.75 for each director for profit corporations)
  3. For Limited Partnerships: File a Certificate of Limited Partnership ($1,000 filing fee)

These can be filed online through Sunbiz or by mail to the Division of Corporations.

Register a Fictitious Name (DBA)

If you want to operate under a name different from your legal entity name:

  1. File a Fictitious Name Registration through Sunbiz ($50 filing fee)
  2. Publish a notice in a newspaper in the county where your principal place of business is located
  3. Fictitious names must be renewed every 5 years ($50 renewal fee)

Special Circumstances and Helpful Tips

What if Your Desired Name is Already Taken?

If your search reveals that your preferred name is already in use, you have several options:

  1. Modify your name: Add words, change words, or restructure the name
  2. Check status: If the status is “Inactive”, the name may become available after a waiting period:
    • For administratively dissolved entities: 1 year
    • For voluntarily dissolved entities: 120 days
  3. Contact the existing business: In some cases, you might be able to purchase the name

Florida’s Unique Business Name Requirements

When selecting a business name in Florida, remember these state-specific rules:

Checking Name Availability Doesn’t Guarantee Trademark Clearance

A successful Florida business entity search only confirms state-level availability. To fully protect your name:

  1. Search the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database
  2. Consider a comprehensive trademark search through a professional service
  3. Consult with a trademark attorney before final name selection

FAQs About Florida Business Entity Searches

How long does a name reservation last in Florida?

In Florida, a name reservation lasts for 120 days. After this period, the name becomes available again unless you’ve formed your business entity during that time.

Yes, Florida allows online registration through the Sunbiz website. Most business formation documents and name registrations can be completed entirely online with payment by credit card.

For most business entities, you’ll need:

While you cannot reserve a name online, you can register your business entirely online through the Sunbiz portal. The registration process effectively secures your business name.

If your desired name is taken, you can either modify your name to make it unique, wait until an inactive business name becomes available again (typically 120 days to 1 year), or consider using a fictitious name (DBA) for your business operations.

Resources for Florida Business Owners

Florida Division of Corporations Contact Information

If you need assistance with your business entity search or have questions:

  • Phone: (850) 245-6052
  • Address: Division of Corporations, The Centre of Tallahassee, 2415 N. Monroe Street, Suite 810, Tallahassee, FL 32303
  • Websitedos.fl.gov/sunbiz
  • Email[email protected]

Additional Florida Business Resources

Related Business Entity Search Resources

Step-by-Step Guide to
Forming a Florida LLC

Florida LLC Starter Guide

A step-by-step guide to forming an LLC in Florida, covering all legal and operational requirements.

1. Florida Name Search

Learn how to check the availability of your desired LLC name and ensure compliance with Florida naming rules.

2. Florida Registered Agent

Understand the role of a registered agent and how to choose one for your Florida.

3. Florida Articles of Organization

Find out how to file the Certificate of Formation, the official document that establishes your LLC.

4. Florida Operating Agreement

Discover why an Operating Agreement is crucial for defining the structure and management of your LLC.

5. Florida EIN Number

Learn how to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for tax and banking purposes.

6. Florida Business License

Get information on the required business licenses and permits for operating legally in Florida.

7. Florida Certificate of Good Standing

Find out how to obtain a Certificate of Good Standing to prove your LLC is compliant and active.