Looking for information on a specific LLC in Florida? Wondering if a particular entity name is already taken? This blog post will provide step-by-step instructions on looking up an LLC in Florida.
We will also explain the different types of information that can be accessed through the Florida Department of State's Division of Corporations website. Let's get started!
How Do I Look Up an LLC in Florida?
Looking up an LLC in Florida is simple and can be completed online. The first step is to visit the Florida Department of State's - Division of Corporations website.
You will need to select the "Search Records" option from the homepage from the main menu.
On the next page, you will be able to search for Corporations, Limited Liability Companies, Limited Partnerships, and Trademarks by name, filing number, or officer/director name.
Once you have decided which entity type you are looking for and you have entered the desired search criteria, click "Search."
Suppose the LLC you are searching for exists in Florida.
In that case, you will see a list of results that includes the entity name, mailing address, filing number, document number status, registered agent information, and date of formation.
If you know of a company only by its DBA ( Doing Business As) name, you have the option to search for it in the Fictitious Names section of the SunBiz.org website. You can search the entity in this section by the owner's name, FEIN, or registration number.
Information for Florida LLC Look Up
Most people choose to look up an LLC in Florida for one of two reasons: either they are interested in starting their own LLC and want to check if the name they have chosen is available, or they want to find out more information about an existing LLC.
The good news is that, regardless of your reason for looking up an LLC, you will be able to find a wealth of information through the Florida Department of State's Division of Corporation database.
Some of the most commonly accessed information includes the entity name and filing number, status, registered agent information, document number, and date of formation.
However, you will also be able to view the LLC's articles of incorporation (if applicable), annual reports, and a variety of other filings.
This information may be helpful if you're looking for a company that owes you money.
It can also be beneficial if you're thinking about doing business with a company and want to ensure that it's registered with the state of Florida and in good standing.
Florida LLC Search Options
You can choose from various possibilities when looking for a desired business name on the Florida Division of Corporations website.
Search by name or fictitious name (DBA)
A name search will be the quickest and easiest option if you know the exact name of the LLC you are looking for. To search by name, enter the LLC's name in the search bar and click "Search."
If the LLC exists, you will see a list of results that includes the company's filing number, mailing address, document number, status, principal address, and date of formation.
You can look for an LLC using its legal name, alternative name, or former name by using the "Name" search option. You can also use this option to conduct a partial name search.
For example, if you enter "ABC" into the name search field, you will see a list of results that includes any LLC with "ABC" in its name.
Search by registered agent name
If you know the name of the LLC's registered agent, you can use this information to conduct a search. To complete this search, enter the registered agent's name in the "Registered Agent" search field and click "Search."
Under the search bar, you will see a note giving instructions on entering the name. If you are searching for an individual, the order should be last name, first name, or Middle Initial. It is also acceptable to write partial names.
Search by the FEIN/EIN
The FEIN, or Federal Employer Identification Number, is a unique nine-digit number assigned to LLCs by the IRS. The EIN is also known as the SSN for businesses. To search by this number, enter the FEIN in the "FEIN/EIN" search field and click "Search."
Florida Naming Guidelines for LLCs
When naming your Florida LLC, you must include the phrase "Limited Liability Company," "L.L.C.," or "LLC" in the name.
The name of your LLC cannot be misleading or imply that it is something it's not. Additionally, the name of your LLC cannot be too similar to the name of another business entity.
The name must be entirely original. In other words, minor variations such as a different acronym for a business structure (LLC, Corp, etc.) do not qualify as uniqueness.
The name of your LLC cannot contain some words that could be mistaken for those of a government agency, such as "State," "Treasury," or "FBI.
You may also want to consider reserving a business name for your LLC before officially forming the company.
A letter signed by the applicant that specifies the name to be reserved, along with the applicant's name and address, must be sent to the Secretary of State to reserve a specific name.
If Florida's Secretary of State determines the business name is available, the Secretary will reserve the name for the applicant's sole use for 120 days.
The structure of the fees will vary depending on the entity type you have:
- Limited Liability Company $25.00
- Corporation $35.00
- Limited Partnership $52.50
FAQs
What is Sunbiz in Florida?
SunBiz is the Florida Division of Corporations and operates similarly to the Delaware Division of Corporations. The state division is where applications for Florida Foreign Qualifications are filed for approval or where Florida corporations are registered.
How Often Are the Records on SunBiz Updated?
Records in our database are updated every day. After processing electronic filings, images will show up in three working days. Non-electronic filing images are available five business days after review.
What Does “Administratively Dissolved/Revoked,” “Involuntarily Dissolved,” or “Revoked for the Annual Report” Mean?
For their records to remain active, Florida business entities must submit annual reports. Business entities that fail to submit an annual report are administratively dissolved or revoked. Under previous Florida law, such businesses were involuntarily dissolved or revoked for not filing annual reports.
To reactivate their business status, dissolved or revoked business organizations may submit a reinstatement application.
What Is an Entity Type?
The six most popular alternatives for business entities are sole proprietorship, general partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company (LLC), C corporation, or S corporation.
Looking Up an LLC in Florida: Final Word
If you're looking for a business name to start your LLC in Florida, the process is simple. All you need to do is visit the Florida division of corporations website and use their Business Entity Search tool.
This tool will allow you to find basic information about any entity type or see if a business name is available. So, if you're considering starting a business in Florida, check out this helpful resource.
