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.

All Posts by Steve Goldstein →
Business Formation Expert  |   Fact Checked by Editorial Staff
Last updated: 
LLCBuddy™ offers informative content for educational purposes only, not as a substitute for professional legal or tax advice. We may earn commissions if you use the services we recommend on this site.
At LLCBuddy, we don't just offer information; we provide a curated experience backed by extensive research and expertise. Led by Steve Goldstein, a seasoned expert in the LLC formation sector, our platform is built on years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the nuances involved in establishing and running an LLC. We've navigated the intricacies of the industry, sifted through the complexities, and packaged our knowledge into a comprehensive, user-friendly guide. Our commitment is to empower you with reliable, up-to-date, and actionable insights, ensuring you make informed decisions. With LLCBuddy, you're not just getting a tutorial; you're gaining a trustworthy partner for your entrepreneurial journey.
florida_state_seal

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.

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.

The first step in reserving an LLC name in Florida is to conduct a name availability search. This can be done online through the Florida Division of Corporations website, where you can search for existing business names to see if your desired name is already taken. It is important to choose a name that is not too similar to existing businesses to avoid confusion and potential legal issues down the road.

Once you have confirmed that your desired name is available, you can then reserve it for a period of 120 days. This reservation can be done online through the Division of Corporations website for a small fee. By reserving your LLC name, you can prevent others from using it while you prepare to register your business. This gives you time to gather the necessary paperwork and funds to complete the registration process without the fear of someone else snagging your perfect name.

When reserving your LLC name in Florida, it is important to ensure that it complies with the state’s naming guidelines. According to Florida law, an LLC name must include certain words or abbreviations, such as “Limited Liability Company” or “LLC.” Additionally, the name must not contain any prohibited words or phrases that could be deemed misleading or offensive.

In addition to complying with naming guidelines, it is also important to consider the long-term viability of your chosen name. A name that is unique, memorable, and relevant to your business can help set you apart from the competition and attract customers. It is worth taking the time to carefully choose a name that reflects your brand identity and values.

Overall, reserving an LLC name in Florida is a relatively straightforward process that can be completed in just a few simple steps. By conducting a name availability search, reserving your name, and ensuring it complies with state guidelines, you can secure the perfect name for your business and start building your brand with confidence. Remember, your business name is often the first impression you make on potential customers, so choose wisely and take the necessary steps to protect and reserve it for your future success.

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

Leave a Comment