Are you longing for the Sunshine State? Florida draws many people there to live and do business. You will need to do some planning before you head south to open a business. Florida is like other states in that it has specific laws regarding opening a business and picking a business name. You will need to do a business search to pick a name that is available in the state.
Don’t worry, we have a great guide to help you do an online search for a business name. Our guide also offers other tips to get your business started in Florida the right way.
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How to check business name availability in Florida
You can just name your business any name you choose. It has to be distinguishable from every other business in Florida. Here is how to check for available names within the state.
1. Go to the Florida Department of State website
Once you get to the Business of Corporations page, you will see the link for business names.
2. Click on the link for business names
There is a search tool on the page you can use for finding business names.
3. Put in a name or keywords
Type in the name you are thinking of or some keywords that you may want to use.
4. Hit search
The program will generate a list of businesses that either match your name or are similar to your name. You may have to do several searches before you can create a distinguishable name no other Florida businesses are using.
5. Consider reserving a name
After running a Florida business name search, you have two options: You can reserve a name or you can register the name. You should reserve your name if you aren’t planning to set up the business immediately.
Unfortunately, Florida doesn’t allow business owners to reserve a name. The state only allows you to register it. You can register a fictitious name but that doesn’t stop anyone else from using it.
A fictitious name is a name that is different from your personal name, such as a doing-business-as name. It is also used when the business entity is registered under a different name.
You must advertise the name at least once in a local newspaper where your business is located in Florida.
To do so, you’ll fill out a quick form and provide the payment.
Again, you don’t need to reserve a name if you plan to officially set up your business with the state of Florida, but if you’re just doing some homework and plan to set up your business later, reserve the name now so it’s not taken when you’re ready.
6. Check domain name availability
We created a tool that makes it easy.
How to name your Florida business
Now that you know a little more about the business landscape in the state, it’s time to start generating a list of names for your business. To do so, follow these steps:
1. Write down basic details about your business
Start by creating a verbal picture of your business. Think about what your business will offer and who it will serve. Will you sell a specific product or service? Who’s going to buy it? Jot down a few details about your company as a starting point.
Next, start creating a list of adjectives that describe your business. Think in terms of keywords. What keywords would your customer use to find the product or service that you offer? Write them down.
2. Stay away from initials and hard-to-say words
There are plenty of businesses that include initials, like A&J Plumbing, but consider upping your game with something a bit more creative and descriptive.
The same goes for names that are hard to say. If your last name is Stackowaski, for example, it’s not conducive to a business name because it’s too hard to pronounce.
3. Don’t pigeon-hole your business
Be careful not to select a name that limits your company’s potential growth. Think about where your business will be in five, ten, even twenty years, and take that into consideration when creating a name.
A company named Bob’s Bargain Books, for example, is a good name, but what if they plan to sell vintage records and cassettes down the road? The name only refers to books, so when vintage music is added people won’t associate it with the store.
4. Consider using a name generator
At this point, you probably have a list of a few ideas. Rather than brainstorm a bunch of different combinations, why not try a name generator? You simply enter a few of the adjectives that you came up with into the search bar and you’ll get a list of possible names.
Name generators can take some of the hassles out of creating a name. Most name generators will only show you available names too, which is helpful.
Check out some of Namechk’s name generators below:
What kind of business structure is right for your Florida company?
As you research available business names in Florida, you’ll also want to think about what kind of business you want to establish. There are a handful of options to choose from, but some of the most common are Sole proprietorship and LLC.
- A sole proprietorship is ideal for small businesses with no employees that want to test their business out. There’s virtually no paperwork to set up this kind of business, which is a plus. However, a sole proprietorship is not a separate business entity, which means you’re financially and legally responsible for any problems that might arise.
- An LLC, or limited liability company, provides a certain amount of liability protection. Your personal assets and your business are separate with this business structure, which means if the business is sued or goes bankrupt, you will not be forced to use your personal cash reserves to bail the business out.
Steps to register your Florida business
Ready to set up your business in FL? Here’s what you do:
1. File your Articles of Organization
Visit the Florida Secretary of State website and fill out the Articles of Organization. To fill this out, you’ll need to have an available business name, address, and contact information.
2. Name a registered agent
You’ll also need to name a registered agent. A registered agent is the point-person for your company who will receive important documents like tax notices or legal documents.
A registered agent must be trustworthy and be available during regular business hours when documents are delivered. The business owner can serve as the registered agent in Florida, or another person or company can be named.
You might decide to name your accountant or co-founder, for example. You can also hire a registered agent service to serve in this role. Northwest Registered Agent, ZenBusiness, and Bizee are a few examples. These companies will receive documents on your behalf and notify you of their arrival.
3. Pay the filing fee
Every state charges a filing fee to file LLC formation documents with the government. In Florida, the cost is $35.
4. Wait for approval
Florida will review your application and typically provides approvals within five business days. Once approved, your business is officially set up.
Our picks of the best registered agent services
Florida small business facts
Starting a business can be great and Florida can be an awesome place to do it. However, you should look at some economic facts from the U.S. Business Administration before you decide to open a business there:
- Florida had 2.1 million small businesses with 404,095 of them employing others. Approximately 1.7 million don’t employ others.
- There are 3 million workers in Florida that are employed by a small business.
- The latest unemployment rates from 2013 show Flrodia’s rate declined over the years. It was 6% in 2014 and 6.7% in 2013
- Florida has a solid success rate for new businesses. Statistics show 44,160 businesses opened in 2010 with 65.7% surviving through 2012. Records show 53,186 businesses opened in 2014 at least 78.5% surviving at least two years.
FAQs
To further help entrepreneurs, check out these frequently asked questions about starting a business in Florida:
Why is it so important to check on business name availability?
Florida will not allow two businesses in the state to have the same name. There are many reasons for this, but at its core, it’s to avoid any confusion. For example, if someone plans to sue Bob’s Fruit Stand and there are two of these companies in the state, things can get complicated quickly.
All businesses must have a unique name. And, you can’t just add a hyphen to a name to make it different. Each name must be “distinguishingly different.”
What do I need to register a business in Florida?
There are several entities you need to check with before you register with the Department of State. First, check with the county tax collector to see what licenses and certifications you will need.
You will also need to register your business with the Department of Revenue. Another entity you will need to register with is the IRS. You will get a federal employment identification number (EIN) from this entity.
Then, take all this information and register with the Department State.
Are all businesses required to have a business license in Florida?
Florida requires almost all businesses to get a license before doing transactions. This applies to businesses that are home-based or one-person businesses as well. A general business license is called a business tax receipt in Florida.
What will I need to do to register a business in Florida?
You first need to decide what kind of business you are starting. It can be either a DBA, an LLC, or a corporation. Then, you just need to choose your business name and register it with the state.
Can I run a business out of my home in Florida?
Yes, you can have a home-based business in Florida but you still must have all the proper licensing and business registration. However, you won’t have to register with the labor department or provide workman’s compensation information if you don’t have any employees.
What are the benefits of registering your business in Florida?
Having a business registered with the state has some advantages. First, it allows you to write some things off on your taxes. Second, it can open up opportunities to get business loans and contracts with the state. Third, you can open a business bank account once you have registered your business.
Are there other fees associated with registering a business in Florida?
There is an annual report fee. Florida LLCs pay a fee of $138.75 and corporations pay a $150 annual fee. The fees are due between Jan. 1 and May 1 each year. The state imposes a $400 late fee if the payment isn’t paid by May 1.
Do I have to register my business if I have strictly an online business?
Yes, all businesses must register with the state and follow county business licensing requirements even if you operate an online business. The fees are the same regardless of whether you have a home-based business, an online business, or a brick-and-mortar store.
How long does it take to get approved after I register?
An LLC can be set up in Florida rather quickly, depending on how many the state is working on at the time. Generally, an LLC name and the registration approval can be processed within two to five business days. You will be notified when it is approved.
Are business taxes low in Florida?
Florida has one of the lowest corporate tax rates in the country. Its income tax rate is 3.53%, which is down from 5.5%. The lower rate will remain in effect through 2021.
Is Florida a good place to start a business?
Florida has a good, strong economy with a business-friendly stance. It was one of the first states to re-open after the pandemic and has virtually no restrictions on movement, hours, transactions, or other mandates as other states.
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