Key Takeaways

  • You can perform an EIN lookup in Florida through the Sunbiz Division of Corporations site by searching business names, officer names, or fictitious names.
  • The EIN, also called a Federal Tax ID Number, is essential for filing taxes, hiring employees, and opening business bank accounts.
  • Florida does not assign EINs but allows indirect access through public business records.
  • If the EIN is not publicly listed, alternative lookup methods include reviewing IRS documents or contacting the business directly.
  • You can apply for a new EIN online for free through the IRS website or via fax, mail, or phone.
  • Be cautious of third-party sites charging fees for EIN services—IRS issues EINs at no cost.

Business EIN lookup Florida can help you find information about companies registered in the state. In Florida, the Division of Corporations website records and publishes a detailed set of data about all the companies registered to do business in the state. Each company's Employer Identification Number (EIN) for tax purposes is part of this information.

Fictitious Name EIN Lookup

If you have the company's name, the company's fictitious name, or its DBA, you can search for its EIN on the Division of Corporations website. You can also do the search if the only information you have is the name of a company officer or the company's owner. The website search function has extra options to help you identify a company and its EIN.

Other Ways to Search Florida Business Records

In addition to fictitious names, the Florida Division of Corporations also allows searches using:

  • Document Number: Each registered entity is issued a unique ID.
  • FEI/EIN Number (if publicly listed): Rarely, a Federal Employer Identification Number may appear in older records.
  • Officer/Registered Agent Name: Useful when the business name is unknown but you know someone affiliated with it.
  • Trademark Name: For businesses with registered trademarks in Florida.

To access the search page, visit Sunbiz Search and choose your preferred search method.

Online EIN Search

From the homepage of the Florida Division of Corporations website, navigate to "Search Records" at the top of the page. This page gives you options for ways to locate the data you need about all of the companies registered to do business in Florida:

  • First, if you know the company's name, you can select "Name" from the search list. Then, just type the business's name into the search box.
  • If you only know the first word in the business's name, you can type that word in. The site will give you a list of companies with names that start with that word.
  • When you only know the DBA for a company, you can choose it by its fictitious name then select that fictitious name or DBA from the list the site gives you.

From there, the Detail by Entity Name web page will come up, and this page has all of that companies registration information including its assigned EIN. The EIN is also called a federal tax ID number. It's a nine-digit number and it's assigned by the IRS to business entities that apply for it.

Limitations of Public EIN Lookup in Florida

While Florida’s Sunbiz portal is a robust tool for business research, it typically does not display the EIN directly due to privacy concerns. However, you can:

  • Look for EINs on public filings like annual reports or IRS forms (if uploaded).
  • Check official business websites or contact the business’s accounting department for EINs on legitimate invoices or contracts.
  • Consult with a legal or tax professional if you need help identifying EINs for due diligence purposes.

If you're unable to locate the EIN via Sunbiz or public sources, consider requesting it from the business directly or exploring IRS retrieval options.

Purpose of the EIN

This identification number is used to ID businesses and taxpayers for the purpose of filing business tax returns. If if the business gets sold or ownership is transferred, it's necessary to apply for a new EIN. If you hire employees in a new business, you need to get an EIN, and if you want to open a business bank account, especially if your business is an LLC, banks require you to get an EIN.

What to Do If You Lost Your EIN

If you're a business owner and can’t find your EIN, try the following:

  • Check official IRS correspondence: EINs are issued on a CP 575 confirmation letter.
  • Look at previous tax returns: Your EIN will be listed on any tax documents submitted to the IRS.
  • Contact your bank: If you opened a business account, the bank may have it on file.
  • Call the IRS: The IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933 can verify your EIN after identity confirmation.

Avoid third-party lookup services that charge unnecessary fees—EIN verification should be free.

When It's Required for a Business

There are several situations where a business must file for a tax identification number. It's required if the business:

  • Has employees.
  • Has operated as a corporation, LLC, LLP, LP, or any other business type that operates as an entity.
  • Has an involvement with an organization like an estate trust, a non-profit, real estate mortgage investments, farmers coops, or plan administrators.
  • Has an established Keogh plan.
  • Files employment taxes, excise taxes, tobacco and firearms taxes, or alcohol taxes.

When your business is in the startup phase, you must choose someone as a representative. This person is called the registered agent for your business. Your registered agent must fill out the application for your EIN, and the application should be filed as soon as possible. More information is available on the Florida Department of Revenue website. Business owners can also call 850-488-6800.

Ways to Apply

You can call the IRS to apply for your EIN. The number is 800-829-4933, and the hours you're permitted to call are between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Calling is the fastest way to get your EIN. You can also fax in form SS-4 to 859-669-5760. You need to provide a return fax number, though. If you don't, processing your EIN application can take as long as two weeks. You can also send form SS-4 through the mail when you apply for your federal tax ID number.

One last way to apply is by using the IRS website. Using the website gives you a fast response. To register online, you have to input the valid social security number or individual tax ID number for either the general partner, the owner of the business, a grantor, or the business' principal office.

EIN Application Tips and IRS Warnings

When applying for an EIN:

  • Only apply through official channels like the IRS EIN Online Application.
  • Do not pay for an EIN—it is free from the IRS.
  • Submit during IRS hours (Monday–Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern) for same-day issuance.
  • Use the correct responsible party’s SSN or ITIN when filling out Form SS-4.

If using a third party to help file, ensure they are a trusted professional or tax advisor to avoid scams or errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I find any business’s EIN in Florida through Sunbiz?
    No, most EINs are not listed publicly. You can search business filings on Sunbiz, but EINs are rarely displayed for privacy reasons.
  2. What is the difference between an FEI and an EIN?
    They are the same—FEI stands for Federal Employer Identification, and EIN stands for Employer Identification Number. Both refer to the nine-digit tax ID issued by the IRS.
  3. How do I know if my business needs an EIN in Florida?
    You need an EIN if you hire employees, operate as an LLC or corporation, or file certain federal taxes. It’s also required for business bank accounts.
  4. What do I do if I applied for an EIN but never received it?
    Contact the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933 to verify the status. You may also reapply if your previous application wasn’t processed.
  5. Can I look up my EIN if I lost the number?
    Yes. Check your CP 575 IRS letter, past tax filings, or call the IRS for confirmation.

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