Copies of filings are not sent by the State of Florida with the Certificate of Status, but Florida Filing Solutions Co.™ will include online links to the certificate of status, as well as to other documents available on record as part of your service.
The Certificate of status and other documents on record will be available online for reprint for 90 days after your order is completed.
Certificates of Status are usually generated in PDF format and require a PDF reader to view and print.
The certificates can be printed in color with the Adobe PDF Reader.
If you do not have a PDF reader you may obtain one for free at: http://get.adobe.com/reader/.
Certificates of Status include information such as the business name, document number, status with the State of Florida, any fees pending, and lastest filings.
Subject to any qualification stated in the certificate of status, a certificate of status may be relied upon as conclusive evidence that the business is in existence in this state.
The State of Florida WILL NOT deny a certificate of status for an inactive or dissolved business and EVERY certificate of status will be issued if statutory requirements are met, therefore orders CAN NOT be cancelled or refunded.
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- What is a Fictitious Name?
A fictitious name means any name under which a person transacts business in this state, other than his/her legal name.
Business means any enterprise or venture in which a person sells, buys, exchanges, barters, deals, or represents the dealing in any thing or article of value, or renders services for compensation.
Legal name means a person's given name, or an entity that has been properly registered. Examples: trademarks, service marks, corporations, limited partnerships.
What is the intent of the Fictitious Name Registration Act?
The intent of the Fictitious Name Act is for public notice as to ownership.
What is the effect of the Fictitious Name Registration?
Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, registration under the Fictitious Name Act, 865.09 F.S., is for public notice only, and gives rise to no presumption of the registrant's rights to own or use the name registered, nor does it affect trademark, service mark, trade name or corporate name rights previously acquired by others in the name or a similar name. Registration under this Act does not reserve a fictitious name against future use by another party.
Who is exempt from filing of a Fictitious Name?
A business formed by an attorney licensed to practice law in this state, or a person licensed by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation or the Department of Health, for the purpose of practicing his licensed profession need not be registered under the Fictitious Name Act, notwithstanding that it transacts business ancillary to the practice of such profession. Note: The individual licensing board at the Department of Business and Professional Regulation or the Department of Health should be contacted to determine if the individual licensing board requires registration regardless of the exemption stated in 865.09 F.S.. The Department of State does not make this determination.
When would the Department of State not require the filing of a fictitious name?
- When the applicant is a licensed attorney forming a business for the practice of law in the State of Florida.
- When the applicant is registered with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation and their licensing board has not imposed requirements for the registration as a fictitious name.
- When the applicant is a corporation, partnership or other legal entity filed or registered and in good standing with the Department of State and is not transacting business under any other name.
- When the applicant is a Federally chartered corporation and is not transacting business under any other name.
- Other exceptions may apply. They would have to be addressed on an individual basis.
Are there any penalties for failure to file a Fictitious Name Registration?
Failure to comply with the fictitious name registration provisions of section 865.09, F.S., is a misdemeanor of the second degree and punishable as provided in section 775.082 or section 775.083, F.S..
Will I need proof of my Fictitious Name Registration?
Yes, section 205.023, Florida Statutes states: "Requirement to report status of fictitious name registration. - As a prerequisite to receiving a local occupational license under this chapter or transferring a business license under s. 205.033(2) or s. 205.043(2), the applicant or new owner must present to the county or municipality that has jurisdiction to issue or transfer the license either:
- A copy of the applicant's or new owner's current fictitious name registration, issued by the Department of State; or
- A written statement, signed by the applicant or new owner, which sets forth the reason that the applicant or new owner need not comply with the Fictitious Name Act."
Also, banks and financial institutions may require proof of registration before engaging in any transactions.
Does the fictitious name need to be advertised in a newspaper?
Yes, the name to be registered must be advertised at least once in a newspaper as defined in Chapter 50, F.S., in the county where the principal place of business of the applicant will be located. No proof of advertisement will be required. As part of the signature block the applicant certifies the name has been advertised at least once in a newspaper as defined in Chapter 50, F.S..
How long is the Fictitious Name Registration valid?
The fictitious name registration is valid for a period of 5 years and expires on December 31 of the 5th year. All fictitious names registered must maintain a current mailing address with the Department of State.
If I want to register as a "partnership", do I register my partnership name as a fictitious name or do I register as a partnership under the Revised Uniform Partnership Act?
Effective January 1, 1996, partnerships can be filed with the Department of State under Part II of Chapter 620, Florida Statutes. Under this statute, filing is not required but is "permissive". As a partnership you should file under either the partnership act or as a fictitious name. You should review both statutes to determine which better fits your needs.
In order to receive a Fictitious Name (DBA) Certificate of Status in the State of Florida, simply fill out the form below, and Florida Filing Solutions Co.™ will review, prepare and request the fictitious name certificate of status with the Florida Department of State (Sunbiz).
check additional services
Expedited Service
+ $ 50.00
Total Cost:
$
After completing, reviewing and submitting the form below, you will be redirected to our secure payment page containing your invoice number. Please print that page for your records.
Payment can be made by check, money order, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Novus, Diners Club, JCB and derivatives of those brands.
The State of Florida does not provide electronic certification for fictitious names. Expedited Service orders are usually completed in 10 to 15 business days, while regular services are usually completed in 15 to 30 business days, once all your materials are submitted to us and payment has been received.
Business Name
Fields in red must be entered.
Fictitious Name:
Florida Registration Number
Fields in red must be entered.
Registration Number:
Contact Information
Fields in red must be entered.
Contact Name
Contact Email
Your confirmation email, any certification requests, and all future notices will be sent to the email address above.
Contact Phone
Contact Fax
Preferred Method of Contact
Email
Phone
Fax
Payment Method
Credit Card
Debit Card
Check
Mailing Address
Fields in red must be entered.
Address
Suite, Apt., etc.
City
State
Zip
Country
Additional Services
These fields are optional.
Expedited Service
+ $ 50.00
Check this option if you need your certification to be requested in a rush. The State of Florida does not provide electronic certification for fictitious names. Expedited Service orders are usually completed in 10 to 15 business days, while regular services are usually completed in 15 to 30 business days, once all your materials are submitted to us and payment has been received.
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