A Fictitious Name, also known as a DBA (Doing Business As), means any name under which a person transacts business in this state, other than his/her legal name.
Fictitious Name Registration it is not required for a person's legal name, corporation name, limited liability company name, or limited partnership name, and it is not required as a pre-requisite to filing a corporation, a limited liability company or a limited partnership.
The Fictitious Name Registration 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.
A Fictitious Name is not a corporation or an llc. DO NOT order the Fictitious Name Renewal Service to renew a corporation or an LLC.
ATTENTION: If a fictitious name cannot be found in the State of Florida database or is not required to be renewed, your order will be automatically converted to a new fictitious name registration and any corporate suffix will be removed.
The Fictitious Name Renewal is valid for a period of 5 years and expires on December 31 of the 5th year.
Although owner(s) of Fictitious Names cannot be changed, you can register the same Fictitious Name under new owner(s), and let the previous Fictitious Name expire, or for an extra fee, you can also file the cancellation of the previous Fictitious Name.
The registration of a Fictitious Name does not satisfy the Workers Comp Exemption requirements.
To meet the Workers Comp exemption requirements, Articles of Incorporation (Corporation) or Articles of Organization (LLC) must be filed.
The State of Florida WILL NOT deny a registration for a duplicate name and EVERY fictitious name application will be registered if statutory filing 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 Renew your Fictitious Name in the State of Florida, simply fill out the form below, and Florida Filing Solutions Co.™ will review, prepare and file your business' documents with the Florida Department of State (Sunbiz).
check additional services
Expedited Service
+ $ 50.00
Federal Tax ID
+ $ 50.00
Certified Copy
+ $ 75.00
Certificate of Status
+ $ 65.00
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.
In case you choose any additional service(s) you may be redirected to another form, and then to our secure payment page and invoice number.
Payment can be made by check, money order, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Novus, Diners Club, JCB and derivatives of those brands.
Please keep in mind that payment information must be provided and payment approved before your order is processed.
Expedited Service orders are usually completed in 1 to 5 business days, while regular services are usually completed in 5 to 10 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 (DBA) to be Renewed:
Name reservations are no longer available from the State of Florida. You are responsible for any name infringement that may result from your name selection.
The State of Florida WILL NOT deny a registration for a duplicate name and EVERY fictitious name application will be registered if statutory filing requirements are met, therefore orders CAN NOT be cancelled or refunded.
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
Business Address
Fields in red must be entered.
The principal place of business. Cannot be a P.O. box.
Address
Suite, Apt., etc.
City
State
Zip
Country
Mailing Address
Fields in red must be entered.
Check here if same as Business Address above.
Address
Suite, Apt., etc.
City
State
Zip
Country
This address does not have to be the principal place of business and can be directed to anyone's attention. Do not use an address that is not yet occupied. The mailing address does not have to be in Florida. An address can be changed at any future date.
Business Federal Tax ID
This field is optional.
A Federal Tax ID can be entered, otherwise leave this field empty.
Federal Tax ID
Enter the Federal Employer Identification Number if known or if applicable. This information is optional and will not affect the registration.
County of Business
Fields in red must be entered.
Florida County of Principal Place of Business
Using the pull down menu above, select the name of the county in Florida where the principal place of business of the fictitious name is located. If there is more than one county, choose "multiple".
Owner Information
Fields in red must be entered.
A fictitious name may have more than one owner. Both an individual and a business entity may own a fictitious name.
Owner of Fictitious Name If An Individual
Individual owner names should be listed by first name, middle name or initial, and last name. The middle name is not required. The address must be provided for each owner. DO NOT enter names of individuals as owners without their knowledge and consent.
First Name
Middle
Last Name
Sr,Jr,etc
OR Owner of Fictitious Name If Other Than An Individual
Enter the name of the business entity. Owners that are business entities must be registered and active with the Department of State (corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, general partnerships, or fictitious name registrations), or provide documentation as to why they are not required to register. Examples of business entities not required to register would be Federally Chartered Corporations, or Legislatively created entities. Fictitious names owned by entities not registered with the Department of State can not be registered online.
Enter the business entity name exactly as it is filed with the Department of State. Failure to enter the name properly will prevent the registration from processing.
Business Name
FL Document Number
Enter the Florida Document Number. This is the number that was assigned by the Department of State at the time the corporation, limited liability company, limited partnership, general partnership, or fictitious name was filed or qualified. You may find the registration/document number by searching by name.
Business Federal Tax ID
A business entity must provide its Federal Employer Identification (FEI) number, or check the appropriate box indicating it has either been "APPLIED FOR" or is "NOT APPLICABLE". The FEI number is assigned by the Internal Revenue Service. It is a nine digit number.
Federal Tax ID Status
Applied For
Not Applicable
Current
Check here if same as Business Address above.
Check here if same as Mailing Address above.
Address
Suite, Apt., etc.
City
State
Zip
Country
check here if you would like to add more owners.
Owner Information
Fields in red must be entered.
Owner of Fictitious Name If An Individual
First Name
Middle
Last Name
Sr,Jr,etc
OR Owner of Fictitious Name If Other Than An Individual
Business Name
FL Document Number
Business Federal Tax ID
Federal Tax ID Status
Applied For
Not Applicable
Current
Check here if same as Business Address above.
Check here if same as Mailing Address above.
Address
Suite, Apt., etc.
City
State
Zip
Country
check here if you would like to add more owners.
Owner Information
Fields in red must be entered.
Owner of Fictitious Name If An Individual
First Name
Middle
Last Name
Sr,Jr,etc
OR Owner of Fictitious Name If Other Than An Individual
Business Name
FL Document Number
Business Federal Tax ID
Federal Tax ID Status
Applied For
Not Applicable
Current
Check here if same as Business Address above.
Check here if same as Mailing Address above.
Address
Suite, Apt., etc.
City
State
Zip
Country
check here if you would like to add more owners.
Owner Information
Fields in red must be entered.
Owner of Fictitious Name If An Individual
First Name
Middle
Last Name
Sr,Jr,etc
OR Owner of Fictitious Name If Other Than An Individual
Business Name
FL Document Number
Business Federal Tax ID
Federal Tax ID Status
Applied For
Not Applicable
Current
Check here if same as Business Address above.
Check here if same as Mailing Address above.
Address
Suite, Apt., etc.
City
State
Zip
Country
check here if you would like to add more owners.
Owner Information
Fields in red must be entered.
Owner of Fictitious Name If An Individual
First Name
Middle
Last Name
Sr,Jr,etc
OR Owner of Fictitious Name If Other Than An Individual
Business Name
FL Document Number
Business Federal Tax ID
Federal Tax ID Status
Applied For
Not Applicable
Current
Check here if same as Business Address above.
Check here if same as Mailing Address above.
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 document to be filed in a rush. Expedited Service orders are usually completed in 1 to 5 business days, while regular services are usually completed in 5 to 10 business days, once all your materials are submitted to us and payment has been received.
Federal Tax ID Service (Also known as FEI, EIN, or TIN.)
+ $ 50.00
The Federal Tax ID (FEI/EIN/TIN) may be required when applying for a license, opening a bank account, etc.
Expedited Federal Tax ID Usually acquired on same day.
+ $ 50.00
Certified Copy Service
+ $ 75.00
A certified copy is a copy of the registration certified by the Department of State as a true and correct copy of the registration as filed with the State.
If a certified copy is desired, check the "Certified Copy" box. There is an additional fee for the certified copy. Certified Copies will be sent to the email address shown on record.
Certificate of Status Service
+ $ 65.00
A certificate of status certifies the registration has been filed and is active with the Department of State.
If a certificate of status is desired, check the "Certificate of Status" box. There is an additional fee for the certificate. Certificates of Status will be sent to the email address shown on record.
Owner Signature
Fields in red must be entered.
Signature of fictitious name owner.
An owner must enter a typed signature in the "Owner Signature" field below. An individual's name must appear in this field. If an owner is a business entity, an individual must "sign" on their behalf. This can be an officer or director of the business entity. By completing the signature field, an owner is certifying that the information contained on the application is true and accurate, and that the name has been advertised at least once in a newspaper as defined in Chapter 50, Florida Statutes. ( No proof of advertisement will be required ). The signature shall have the same legal effect as if made under oath.
This signature must be that of the individual "signing" this document electronically or be made with the full knowledge and permission of the individual, otherwise it constitutes forgery under s.831.06, Florida Statutes. The individual "signing" this document affirms that the facts stated herein are true.
Owner Signature
I the undersigned, being an owner in the above fictitious name, certify that the information indicated on this form is true and accurate. I further certify that the fictitious name to be renewed has been advertised at least once in a newspaper as defined in Chapter 50, F.S., in the county where the principal place of business is located. I understand that the electronic signature above shall have the same legal effect as if made under oath and I am aware that false information submitted in this application constitutes a third degree felony as provided for in s. 817.155, F.S.
Disclaimer
Terms of Use
By checking this box, I verify that I have read and accept the terms of this Disclaimer and Terms of Use.
Note: This is a form meeting requirements for filings pursuant to the Florida Statutes. If your business requires additional information, please contact us and we'll be pleased to fulfill your needs.
Please verify your information for accuracy before submitting this form. Once payment is made, order cannot be changed, removed, cancelled, or refunded, in whole or in part, and any amendment will require extra charge(s).
By clicking the "Submit Order and Make Payment" button, you affirm and certify that neither Florida Filing Solutions Co.™ nor any of its employees, representatives, agents or licensees have provided you with any legal or tax advice, that the information listed in this form is exactly what you desire to be reflected for the filing, and that you have read, understood and agreed to our Disclaimers and Terms of Use.
