Register a fictitious (DBA) name with the Florida Division of Corporations via Sunbiz. Search for name availability, file the registration form online or by mail, and pay the required fee. Verify current term lengths, renewal windows, county filing, and publication rules on Sunbiz or with your county clerk; consult an attorney for legal consequences or trademark protection.

What a fictitious name (DBA) means in Florida

A fictitious name - often called a "doing business as" (DBA) name - is any trade name other than your legal personal or business name. In Florida, you must register a fictitious name before using it to transact business, advertise, or enter into contracts under that name.

Where to register

The Florida Division of Corporations handles fictitious-name registrations through Sunbiz (sunbiz.org). You can complete the registration online or by mail using the form the Division provides. The Division issues a registration confirmation after the filing is processed.

Basic steps to register

  • Search Sunbiz for existing names to avoid conflicts.
  • Complete the Division's fictitious name registration form online or mail a signed form.
  • Pay the required filing fee (see Sunbiz for current amount).
  • Keep the registration confirmation and use it when needed for banking or contracts.

Term, renewal, and notices

Fictitious-name registrations have a limited term and must be renewed to remain active. Historically, registrations in Florida have been valid for five years and have expired on December 31 of the final year; renewal windows and Division reminder practices have also been described in state guidance.1 Always check Sunbiz for current term lengths and renewal dates.

Publication and county filings - historical vs. current practice

Older guidance advised filing a fictitious-business-name statement with the county clerk and publishing the statement in a local newspaper. That guidance appears to be outdated for state-level registration through the Division of Corporations; local county requirements were historically separate. If you were relying on county filing or publication rules, confirm current local requirements with the county clerk in the county where the business is located.2

Legal effects and limits

Registering a fictitious name lets you lawfully do business under that name in Florida, but registration does not create trademark rights. It also does not necessarily prevent others from registering a similar name. Consider searching federal and state trademark databases and registering a trademark if you need exclusive rights. If you have questions about penalties for failing to register or other legal effects, consult an attorney or review the relevant Florida statutes and Sunbiz guidance.3

Practical tips

  • Use Sunbiz to verify name availability before investing in branding.
  • Keep your registration records and renewal reminders in a business file.
  • Consider registering a matching domain name and checking trademarks.
For the most current procedures, fees, and legal details, consult Sunbiz (Florida Division of Corporations) and, for legal questions, a qualified attorney.
  1. Confirm current filing fee for a Florida fictitious-name registration on Sunbiz (sunbiz.org).
  2. Verify the current term length and renewal window for fictitious-name registrations on Sunbiz.
  3. Confirm whether county-level fictitious-business-name statements and newspaper publication are still required in Florida or have been superseded by state registration.
  4. Confirm statutory penalties or criminal provisions for failing to register a fictitious name under current Florida law.

FAQs about Fictitious Name

Where do I file a fictitious name in Florida?
File a fictitious-name registration with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz) online or by mail. Check Sunbiz for the current online form and filing instructions.
How long does a Florida fictitious-name registration last?
Registration terms and renewal windows have been described historically as five years with expiration on December 31 of the final year, but confirm current term lengths and renewal procedures on Sunbiz.
Do I need to publish a DBA in a newspaper or file with the county?
Older guidance recommended county filing and publication, but those steps may no longer be required for state registration. Verify current county-level requirements with the county clerk and Sunbiz.
Does registering a fictitious name give me exclusive rights to the name?
No. Registering a DBA authorizes your use of the name in Florida but does not create trademark rights. For exclusive rights, search federal and state trademark databases and consider registering a trademark.
What happens if I don’t register my fictitious name?
Failure to register can carry legal consequences, which may include fines or other penalties under Florida law. Consult Sunbiz and an attorney for specific penalties that apply.

News about Fictitious Name

Betting on misery: the dark side of Italy's gambling passion - Reuters Connect [Visit Site | Read More]

'AI slop': Emily Portman and musicians on the mystery of fraudsters releasing songs in their name - BBC [Visit Site | Read More]

What does WH Smith’s new high street name TGJones actually mean? - The Guardian [Visit Site | Read More]

Delaware amends its law on registering a trade (DBA) name - Wolters Kluwer [Visit Site | Read More]