Florida LLC Name Search – How to Name Your LLC


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
Business Formation Expert
Steve Goldstein runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

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Forming an LLC requires a different business name, which must be unique and adheres to the guidelines. The great thing is Florida’s Secretary of State page includes a name availability checker. Check out LLC Name Search to learn more.

Meanwhile, if you’re interested in learning more about starting a Florida LLC or forming an LLC in general, you can check out How to Start an LLC.

On this page, you’ll learn about the following:

How to Name an LLC in Florida

Time needed: 5 minutes

There are guidelines to follow in doing a Florida LLC name search forming an LLC. To learn more, check out LLC Naming Guidelines or read Foreign LLC Application for Registration if you’re planning to register a foreign LLC.

  1. Check Name Availability

    Search the Business Entity Records in Florida’s Official Secretary of State page to check if your chosen business name is available. You may also try typing your trademark, business, or domain name on any search engine to generate businesses with similar names and to ensure your trademark is unique and meets the state’s requirements.

    Check out How to File a DBA to learn more about registering a DBA or trademark. For social media pages, use Social Searcher to avoid using similar page names.

  2. Check Domain Availability

    If your business name is still available, you must register for a domain name using Namecheap, Google Workspace, or other domain name sites. So customers can easily find your business over the Internet. Use the Kinsta app to manage your domains efficiently.

  3. File Name Reservation

    A Name Reservation Certificate is required along with a Certificate of Formation. You can reserve a name online, by mail, or in person with a $35 filing fee (plus tax for online).

    File your Certificate of Formation and Name Reservation online on the Secretary of State Online Services page of Florida. You may also download the pdf file of the Name reservation form and submit it with the processing fee to R.A. Gray Building 500 South Bronough Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399.

Check Name Availability

Guidelines to Follow in Naming LLC

  • Use a business name with the abbreviation “LLC” or the phrase “Limited Liability Company.”
  • Your decided business name must not coincide with any existing government entity. Otherwise, you might have to face legal lawsuits when filing your LLC.
  • Use the LLC name availability checker to ensure your business name is unique.
  • Get a license first if you plan on using restricted words to avoid any complications.

Note that you must put adequate effort into naming your LLC because this name will be with your business for a long time. Making your LLC name unique is vital as it would prevent people from confusing your business with others, not to mention it would be easier for them to recall your business, products, or services.

How Do I Reserve an LLC Name in Florida

To reserve an LLC name in Florida you need to submit a name reservation request form to the Florida Secretary of State by mail or online by paying a filing fee of $25.

Before you can begin the process of reserving a name for your LLC, it is important to have a few potential names in mind. In Florida, LLC names must be distinguishable from any other registered business names on file with the Division of Corporations. This means that your proposed name cannot be identical or confusingly similar to an existing business name. It is advisable to have a few backup names in case your first choice is already taken.

Once you have determined your desired LLC name, you can check its availability online through the Division of Corporations’ website. The database allows you to search existing business names to see if your desired name is already in use. If your chosen name is available, you can proceed with reserving it for your LLC.

To reserve a name for your LLC in Florida, you will need to file an online application with the Division of Corporations. The application will ask for your selected LLC name, basic contact information, and a filing fee. The fee for reserving an LLC name is minimal and can easily be paid online at the time of submission.

The name reservation process is typically quick and efficient. Once your application is submitted and the fee is processed, the Division of Corporations will review your request and notify you of the status of your application. If the name is available and meets all legal requirements, it will be reserved for your LLC for a period of 120 days. During this time, no other business entity can register a name that is identical or confusingly similar to yours.

Reserving a name for your LLC in Florida is an important step in the business formation process. It allows you to secure your desired business name and start building brand recognition for your company. By following the simple steps outlined by the Division of Corporations, you can easily reserve a name for your LLC and take the first step towards starting your own business.

In conclusion, choosing and reserving a name for your LLC in Florida is a crucial step in the business formation process. By following the guidelines set forth by the Division of Corporations and paying the required fee, you can secure your desired business name and start building your brand identity. Make sure to have a few backup names in mind in case your first choice is already taken, and be prepared to move quickly once you find an available name. Starting a business is an exciting journey, and reserving your LLC name is one of the first steps towards making your entrepreneurial dreams a reality.

In Conclusion

LLC names are important as it is the main identity of your business. While naming your LLC make sure to choose the one that suits the nature of your business. Follow the naming guidelines before you start filing your LLC name

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