How to Change Business Name in Florida

Changing a business name can give your company a new lease on life, but following the correct legal procedures is essential to ensure a smooth transition. The name is the first identity of your business. If you run it for a while and then decide to change, you must update the new name everywhere. In Florida, popularly known as The Sunshine State, the process of modifying your business name can be quite straightforward, provided you adhere to the necessary rules and regulations.

You must follow some steps and regulations while changing your business name. For example, if you start an LLC in Florida, you must follow specific regulations the Florida state government sets. The current population of the so-called The Sunshine State is 22,359,251. Changing the name of your existing business in any city (especially in the capital, Tallahassee) might affect your business reputation and existing customers adversely. Hence, before you change the name of your business, make sure the decision is rightfully taken.

Technically, the process of changing your business name in Florida involves three major steps. In this article, I have shared how to change a business name in Florida. To learn everything about changing a business name, I recommend you read the whole article till the end.

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

Reasons to Change a Business Name in Florida
- Things to Consider Before Changing Your Business Name in Florida
How to Change a Business Name in Florida
Things to do After Filing the Florida Amendment
FAQs

Reasons to Change a Business Name in Florida

Rebranding: A business may want to change its name in Florida to reflect the new brand identity, target a different market, or signify a shift in the company’s vision and goals.
Merger or acquisition: If a business in Florida merges with or is acquired by another company, a name change may be necessary to represent the combined entity accurately.
Legal reasons: A business in Florida may need to change its name due to trademark disputes, cease and desist letters, or other legal issues.
Expanding to new markets: If a business in Florida is looking to expand into new regions or countries, a name change may be needed to avoid confusion with existing businesses in those markets or to appeal to a broader audience.
Negative associations: A business in Florida may want to change its name if the current name has become associated with negative events, such as scandals or poor customer experiences.
Simplifying the name: A business in Florida may choose to change its name to a simpler or more memorable one, making it easier for customers to remember and find.
Reflecting a change in ownership: If a business in Florida changes ownership, the new owners might change the business name.

Things to Consider Before Changing Your Business Name in Florida

There are a few things to consider before you change your existing business name. A business name change is a huge decision for any company. Changing the business name in Florida frequently is neither easy nor desirable. If it is absolutely necessary to change the business name, you must consider the following points-

Legal requirements: Ensure you follow the necessary legal steps to change your business name in Florida.
Name availability: Search the Florida business registry to make sure your desired new name is available and does not infringe on any existing trademarks or business names.
Impact on branding and marketing: Assess how a name change will affect your existing brand identity, marketing materials, and overall company image in Florida.
Customer perception and loyalty: Consider how your current customers in Florida will react to a name change and whether it may cause confusion or negatively impact customer loyalty.
Costs associated with the name change: Changing your business name in Florida may involve costs such as new signage, website updates, and reprinting marketing materials. Be sure to budget for these expenses.
Updating licenses and permits: You must update any licenses, permits, and registrations with the new business name in Florida.
Maintaining continuity: Consider maintaining continuity with your old name during the transition period and address any potential confusion among customers and clients in Florida.
Tax implications: Consult with a tax professional to understand any tax consequences or implications of changing your business name in Florida.
Reputation management: Be prepared to manage your online reputation during the transition, as customers may leave reviews or comments on social media related to the business name change.

How to Change a Business Name in Florida

Changing your business name in Florida is not difficult, as I mentioned. But, before we start with the steps, you must know that one must follow some LLC naming guidelines while naming their LLC. Based on the type of business structure, naming guidelines may vary. Following are some of the guidelines an LLC must follow while changing the business name-

The name should be available to use
Any other business does not use the name.
The new name must include “LLC” if it is a limited liability company.
The name should not be confused with a government entity, such as banks, treasury, or any governmental organization.

Read Florida LLC name search to learn about LLC naming if you form an LLC. Now, let’s dive into the steps to change the business name-

Step 1: Choose the New Name for Your Business

The first step is to choose a new name for your business. Many people file a DBA (Doing Business As) or a Fictitious Name before filing their business with the SOS. Later, they can change that name and get a new one when filing their business. When you decide to change the name of your business, you can search for the name to check if the new name is already taken or available for you to use.

To choose a new name, you must go through the same process you did when you first named your business. You go to the Florida SOS, search for the name, check if the name is available to use if it is available, finalize it and proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Prepare Documents to File the Amendment

As soon as you are ready with the new business name, you must start preparing to file the Florida Amendment. Along with the name change form, you must submit the following details,

Current business name
New business name
The entity number of the business – issued by Florida state
Board of Directors’ approval statement (for corporations)
Information of shares (if applicable)
Signatures of members (LLC) or Shareholders (Corporation)
Florida amendment filing fee

You must submit the above-mentioned list of details to the Florida SOS while filing the new business name. Ensure the details you provide for the Amendment are consistent with the initial filing documents. Failing to do so might result in the cancellation of the registration.

Step 3: File the Florida Amendment

Once everything is arranged and checked, you can file the Amendment. You must amend Florida LLC Articles of Organization for LLC or amend Florida Articles of Incorporation for the corporation. Remember, you must attach the name reservation form with the Amendment forms. You can file it online or by mail, whichever is available.

What Will Happen If I Change My Business Name in Florida

You can change the name of your business in Florida. You must file the Amendment for changing your name to the Florida Secretary of State. The process of filing the amendment is the same for an LLC and a corporation. However, the forms are different. The forms are available on the official website of Florida Secretary of State.

It is recommended to check if the name change is absolutely necessary. Because it can affect the whole business. In some cases, it is better to start a new Business than change the name of an existing one.
– LLCBuddy Editorial Team

Things to do After Filing the Florida Amendment

As soon as you are done with the filing process, you must update the new business name in other areas as well. Following are some points to consider after you change your business name in Florida-

Legal documents: Florida statement of information, loan documents, active legal contracts, or any other legal documents must be amended with the changed name.
Informing stakeholders: Ensure that you communicate the name change effectively to all your stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers, and partners in Florida.
City/local registration: Some cities/local authorities in Florida might need business registration. If your city has the same rule, then you must register your new business name with the city by submitting appropriate documents.
Business License: The business licenses you obtained previously to run a business in Florida have the current name of your business. Hence, you must update your new name with the proper department to obtain appropriate business licenses and permits.
Bank Accounts: It is obvious that all your business accounts in Florida have a current business name. Once you change the name, file the amendment, and pay the fees, you must update the bank accounts to avoid any inconvenience.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS): It is essential to update the IRS once you change your business name in Alabama. Neglecting to notify the IRS and other relevant entities may lead to confusion and disorganization within your business operations. It is absolutely necessary to amend with the IRS once you change the current business name in Florida. Failing to amend with the IRS or any other places results in confusion and disorganization of the business.
Others: If you have employees, you must inform the employment development authority of the name change. Additionally, it is important to update various business permits and other legal documents as needed.
Website: Finally, if you have a domain, update the name there to avoid confusion. Signage, visiting cards, merchandise, and any other places where your business name is mentioned should be updated. Changing the domain name will not be a good idea as it can affect your SEO results.

FAQs

What are the requirements for changing a business name in Florida?

In order to change the name of your business in Florida, you must submit a completed name change application to the state Division of Corporations. The application must include the current business name, the proposed business name, the existing file number, the business address and the signature of an officer of the business.

How much does it cost to change a business name in Florida?

In Florida, there is a fee of $70 to change a business name.

How long does it take to change a business name in Florida?

The processing time for name change applications in Florida is typically 7-10 business days.

How do I know if my proposed business name is available in Florida?

You can conduct a business name search with the Florida Division of Corporations to determine if your proposed business name is available.

Do I need to register my new business name in Florida?

Yes, if you are changing your business name in Florida, you must register your new name with the state Division of Corporations.

Do I need to notify the IRS of my business name change in Florida?

Yes, you must notify the IRS of your name change in order to update your business tax records.

Do I need to notify my customers of my business name change in Florida?

Yes, you should notify your customers of your business name change to ensure that future communications, payments and correspondence are received.

Do I need to update my website and social media accounts with my new business name in Florida?

Yes, you should update your website and social media accounts with your new business name to ensure that all communications reflect your new identity.

Do I need to file any additional paperwork after changing my business name in Florida?

After changing your business name in Florida, you must file a Statement of Change form and a Certificate of Amendment with the Florida Division of Corporations.

Do I need to update my business license with my new business name in Florida?

Yes, you must apply for and receive a new business license with your new business name in order to legally operate in Florida.

Do I need to re-register my trade name or fictitious name with the state of Florida?

If you are changing your trade name or fictitious name, then you must re-register your business with the state of Florida.

Do I need to update any other documents with my new business name in Florida?

Yes, you must update any other documents related to your business, such as contracts, leases, bank accounts, insurance policies, etc. with your new business name.

What are the steps involved in changing a business name in Florida?

The steps involved in changing a business name in Florida include filing an Assumed Name Certificate with the Florida Department of State, filing a new fictitious name certificate with the county in which the business operates, obtaining a new Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, changing the name on the business’s bank accounts, and updating the name with the Department of Revenue.

Is an Assumed Name Certificate the same thing as a DBA?

Yes, an Assumed Name Certificate is the same thing as a DBA (“doing business as”).

How much does it cost to file an Assumed Name Certificate in Florida?

The cost to file an Assumed Name Certificate in the State of Florida is $50.

Do I need to file a new Assumed Name Certificate if I just need to change my company’s address?

Yes, if you need to update your business’s address, you must file a new Assumed Name Certificate with the Florida Department of State.

Is there a time limit for filing an Assumed Name Certificate in Florida?

Yes, Assumed Name Certificates filed with the Florida Department of State must be filed within 30 days of beginning business operations.

Is a fictitious name certificate the same as a DBA?

No, a fictitious name certificate is a document that is filed with a county office and lists the names of all the owners of a business. It is not the same as a DBA.

How do I file a fictitious name certificate in Florida?

To file a fictitious name certificate in Florida, you need to complete the form provided by your county and submit it along with a $50 filing fee to your local county clerk office.

Do I need to obtain a new EIN if I change my business name in Florida?

Yes, you will need to obtain a new EIN for your business if you change its name.

How do I update the name on my business’s bank accounts?

To update the name on your business’s bank accounts, you will need to contact your bank and provide them with the updated Assumed Name Certificate and any other necessary documentation.

Do I need to notify the Florida Department of Revenue if I change my business name?

Yes, if you change your business name, you must notify the Florida Department of Revenue so that they can update their records.

Is it necessary to change my business’s name with the Secretary of State?

Yes, in order to legally change the name of your business, you must file an Assumed Name Certificate with the Secretary of State.

Is there a time limit for filing a fictitious name certificate in Florida?

Yes, fictitious name certificates must be filed within 30 days of beginning business operations in Florida.

Do I need to obtain a new EIN if I change my business address in Florida?

Yes, you will need to obtain a new EIN for your business if you change its address.

How do I update the name on my business’s bank accounts if I change the name of my business?

To update the name on your business’s bank accounts, you will need to contact your bank and provide them with the updated Assumed Name Certificate and any other necessary documentation.

Do I need to notify the Florida Department of Revenue if I change my business address?

Yes, if you change your business address, you must notify the Florida Department of Revenue so that they can update their records.

Is there a fee for filing an Assumed Name Certificate in Florida?

Yes, the fee for filing an Assumed Name Certificate in the State of Florida is $50.

Is it necessary to change my business’s address with the Secretary of State?

Yes, in order to legally change the address of your business, you must file an Assumed Name Certificate with the Secretary of State.

Do I need to obtain a new EIN if I change the address of my business in Florida?

Yes, you will need to obtain a new EIN for your business if you change its address.

How do I update the address on my business’s bank accounts if I change the address of my business?

To update the address on your business’s bank accounts, you will need to contact your bank and provide them with the updated Assumed Name Certificate and any other necessary documentation.

Do I need to notify the Florida Department of Revenue if I change the name of my business?

Yes, if you change the name of your business, you must notify the Florida Department of Revenue so that they can update their records.

Why Florida Change Business Name is So Important

First and foremost, a business’s name is often its first point of contact with customers. It serves as a brand identity and can shape perceptions about the quality and values of a company. By changing its business name, Florida is signaling to the business world that it is evolving and adapting to the changing needs of consumers. This rebranding can help attract new businesses to the state and position Florida as a forward-thinking and innovative place to do business.

Moreover, a fresh new name can breathe new life into an organization. It can reinvigorate employees, renew their sense of pride in their work, and foster a sense of unity and purpose. By changing its business name, Florida is sending a message to its residents and employees that it is committed to growth and prosperity. This renewed sense of purpose can help boost morale, improve productivity, and ultimately benefit the state’s economy.

Additionally, a new business name can help differentiate Florida from its competitors. In today’s globalized economy, states are competing for businesses, investors, and talent from around the world. By choosing a distinctive and memorable name, Florida can set itself apart from other states and showcase its unique offerings and strengths. This differentiation can help attract new businesses, spur economic growth, and enhance the state’s reputation as a business-friendly destination.

Furthermore, changing its business name can help Florida stay relevant and competitive in an ever-changing marketplace. The business landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies, trends, and consumer preferences emerging every day. By adopting a new name, Florida is demonstrating its willingness to adapt and stay ahead of the curve. This agility can help the state respond to new challenges, seize new opportunities, and thrive in a rapidly evolving business environment.

Overall, the decision to change its business name is a strategic move by Florida that could have far-reaching benefits for the state’s economy, businesses, and residents. By signaling growth, renewing purpose, differentiating from competitors, and staying relevant, Florida is positioning itself as a dynamic and forward-thinking place to do business. This rebranding effort has the potential to attract new businesses, boost morale, spur economic growth, and enhance the state’s reputation as a business hub. In an increasingly competitive and fast-paced world, a business name change may just be the key to unlocking a brighter future for Florida.

Conclusion

It is not desirable to change business names frequently. But if it is required, you must change it. Whether you are rebranding or restructuring your company, this guide walks you through the essential steps to change your business name in Florida efficiently and effectively. The process of changing the name and filing the amendment form in Florida is not so difficult. However, a list of details is needed to submit. Make sure they all are accurate and consistent with the previous filing documents.