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.
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.
When starting a business, one of the first and most important steps to take is choosing a name and ensuring that it is available for use. Depending on the type of business structure you have chosen, there are different ways to reserve a business name in Florida. If your business will operate under a limited liability company (LLC) structure, here is how to reserve an LLC name in Florida.
First, it is important to note that you do not have to reserve an LLC name before filing your Articles of Organization with the Florida Division of Corporations. Unlike some states, Florida does not require name reservations as part of the LLC formation process. However, if you have a particular name in mind and want to ensure that no one else takes it before you can officially register your business, reserving the name can give you peace of mind.
To reserve an LLC name in Florida, you will need to file a form called the “Application for Reservation of Limited Liability Company Name.” This form can be submitted online through the Division of Corporations website or filed on paper. When submitting the form, you will need to provide the desired name, the name and address of the person making the reservation (which can be different from the LLC’s members or managers), and a filing fee of $50.
Once the Division of Corporations receives your application and fee, they will process it and reserve the name for your exclusive use for 120 days. This means that during that time, no one else can use the name for an LLC in Florida. If you decide within that 120-day window that you do not want to form an LLC under that name, you can file a “Cancellation of Name Reservation” form to release the name and get a refund of the filing fee.
It is important to note that reserving a name does not guarantee that the Division of Corporations will approve it for use when you file your Articles of Organization. To ensure that your desired name meets all requirements and is available, it is a good idea to perform a name search on the Division of Corporations website before filing any paperwork. This will confirm that the name is not already in use by another LLC in Florida and that it meets any other requirements set forth by the state.
Reserving an LLC name in Florida can be a smart step for business owners who have a specific name they want to use and want to ensure that it is available before filing formal paperwork. The process is relatively simple, only requiring the submission of a form and payment of a fee, but it can provide peace of mind and protection for your desired name. However, it is important to remember that reserving a name does not guarantee approval or exclusive rights to the name, so it is still important to conduct a thorough name search and comply with all requirements before filing your Articles of Organization.
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.
- 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. - 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.
- 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.
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.
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
