Doing business as (DBA) is a way to register a business name in the state of Florida. It is important to ensure that your DBA name is unique and legally compliant. To do this, you must use the Sunbiz of Florida fictitious name search and file your DBA with the Florida Secretary of State. You may also need to publish a “legal notice of intent to submit a fictitious name” in a newspaper in the county where your main business is located.
Additionally, if you are filing a DBA from another state, you must apply for a foreign qualification. The process of applying for your fictitious business name can be done completely online, so you don't need to be present in the state of Florida to file your DBA there. On the DBA registration form, you will be asked if you have posted this notice and must respond with precision. In addition to these costs, you may also have to pay for business permits and licenses, depending on the type of business you operate.
It is important to follow some guidelines when choosing the best possible business name for your Florida DBA. A certificate of status certifies the status and existence of the fictitious name record and verifies that the entity has paid all fees due to this office up to a certain date. While you are not required to provide proof of publication when applying for your DBA, the honor system will ask you if you have published your DBA in the local newspaper. It is your responsibility to ensure that no one else uses your DBA name in the state of Florida.
