Starting a business is no easy task, but with careful preparation and planning, you can establish your company with less hassle. Part of the crucial preparations is ensuring you get a unique business name for your company. In order to get that, you need to check first if your name is still available.
In this guide, we will show all the steps and details on how to do a business name search in Florida.
Florida Business Entity Search Page
Identifying whether your Florida business name is available or not is made easy by accessing the Search Records of the Florida Division of Corporations page [1]. From thereon, you have the option to search by name, keyword, FEIN (Florida Employment Insurance Number), registered agent, or document number.
Choose a search option based on your available information in order to obtain accurate results. You can also use specific search criteria found in the linked webpage to further refine your results.
Search by Name
Step 1
To search by name, make sure to select the section with this label on the records/document page of the Florida Division of Corporations. The results will provide updated lists of business name entities that have been registered by licensed LLC services.
Step 2
Enter a specific entity name and click on the Search button. After loading, a list of business entities will appear like the one below. Now, you can click on any name of your choice to access more detailed information.
Step 3
After you select on the business name you’re interested in, more detailed information will show up, such as the annual report information, EIN, status, principal address, and more.
Search by Officer, Registered Agent, or Partner Name
Step 1
If you are searching for registered agents or partners, head over to the page with these labels. Start the inquiry by entering the name and information and click on the search button.
Step 2
Wait for the page to load and a list of entity names will be shown if you entered the name correctly. In this list, choose a specific name to access more information. From here, you can check the status of your subject.
Search by FEIN
Step 1
Another method is searching through the use of an FEI Number. Like the other methods, head over to this part and you will be transferred to a page to search for the business entity.
Step 2
Enter the FEI Number on the blank field. You will be then be transferred a page that shows the business under the FEIN. If you are looking for a GP/LLP, a list of partnership names will be shown along with corresponding corporate names.
Step 3
Click on a specific FEI Number and you will be provided more detailed information that concerns the business.
Search by Document Number
Step 1
Using a document number would be your last option for searching a business entity on the Division of Corporations. Just like the other methods above, simply enter the document number of a certain corporation, LLC, LP, or LLP. Use the other box for GP or LLP.
Step 2
After providing the correct document number and hitting the search bar, you will then be directed to a page with more specific and detailed information about the business you are trying to look for.
