How to Register a Fictitious Name in Florida
Educational resource for small-business owners
A Florida fictitious name registration tells the public who is doing business under a particular name. It does not reserve the name or prevent another party from registering the same name.
Before filing
Review the official instructions and confirm whether the name and your business situation meet the requirements. Florida states that the name must be advertised at least once in a newspaper located in the county where the principal place of business is located; proof is not submitted, but the applicant certifies the advertisement when signing.
File the registration
Sunbiz offers online filing and a PDF/mail option. Current fees and processing information should always be checked directly on Sunbiz.
Remember the public record
Information submitted to the Division of Corporations becomes public record.