Key Takeaways

  • Conduct a free business name search on the Florida Division of Corporations website to ensure your LLC name is available.
  • A name must be distinguishable from other registered entities and comply with Florida naming rules.
  • You can also search by officer, agent, FEI/EIN, or document number for thorough results.
  • Inactive entities may still make names unavailable depending on their status.
  • Filing a DBA (fictitious name) requires a separate search and registration process.
  • Consider reserving a name if you're not yet ready to form your LLC.
  • Domain availability and trademark conflicts should be checked alongside your state name search.

To check LLC name availability in Florida, you will need to conduct a thorough search prior to filing your paperwork. This can be done on the Florida Division of Corporations website.

Florida LLC Name Search

When forming your LLC in the state of Florida, the first and most important step will be choosing your name. Your LLC name must meet certain requirements and be distinguishable from any other registered entity. 

On the Florida Division of Corporations website, you can conduct a search using:

  • The entity name
  • The officer name
  • The registered agent name
  • The partner name
  • The FEI/EIN (federal employer identification number)
  • The document number

This search can be completed free of charge.

Searching the Florida Name Database

To begin, head over to the "Entity Name Search" page here. 

Input your desired name into the search box and don't worry about capitalization. To make sure that you are conducting a thorough search, include the first one or two words of your desired name. That way, you will be able to see everything similar to that name. You can even input only part of the first word to complete an even more thorough search. 

For example, if you would like to call your business "Printing For You" — simply enter "print" on its own.

Once you click "search now," you will be able to see all of the existing Florida-based businesses. This will help you determine whether your desired name is available. If you are unsure, you can always file the required paperwork with the state. If your name is too similar to another business, you will be notified that your name needs to be changed. 

This is why you must complete this step before you invest in a domain or any marketing material. 

Searching the Florida Name Database: Search By Name

If you plan to search by a potential name, you can head to the "Partnership Name" search. This is intended for all general partnerships, limited liability companies, and all other entity types. Once again, you can enter the full name or just part of your desired name. 

If similar entities are displayed, you can click on them to find out more. On this detailed page, you will be able to access information such as the EIN for your LLC, the principal address, its status, and even information from annual reports. You also have the option to search by officer/partner/registered agent name or by a federal employer identification number. 

Florida LLC Name Requirements

When forming an LLC, you must include "limited liability" or "LLC" in the name. Other abbreviations are also possible, including "L.L.C." Since you will not be forming a corporation, the use of "corporation" or "incorporated" are prohibited. Your name MUST be distinguishable — differences in grammar do not count. 

Additional Restrictions and Best Practices for Naming Your LLC in Florida

In addition to including “LLC” or a similar abbreviation in your name, Florida law restricts the use of words that could mislead the public about your business structure or activities. For example:

  • Your name cannot imply the business is a government agency.
  • Certain professional designations (like “Engineer” or “Bank”) may require additional licenses or approval.
  • Minor differences such as articles (“a,” “an,” “the”), punctuation, or plurality do not make a name distinguishable.

Best practices when selecting a name include:

  • Avoid using overly generic or similar names to competitors.
  • Check for trademarks to avoid future legal conflicts.
  • Test the name’s marketability and domain availability early on.

Entity Name Search Status

If your search yields names that are currently "active" — they are NOT available for use. Even if the company's status is "INACT/UA," the name may or may not be available. In some cases, a company may be displayed as inactive because they are not currently in good standing. For example, they may not have filed their annual report. These names are generally available within one year.

The same is true regarding "inactive" companies. Although the company was likely voluntarily dissolved, this does not automatically mean that the name is available for use. You may also come across the following two statuses:

  • "NAME HS" — This means that a company changed its name, and their original name may or may not be available.
  • "CROSS RF" — Once again, when there is a cross reference name, it may not be available for use. 

What to Do if Your Desired Name Is Unavailable

If your desired LLC name is already in use or too similar to another registered name, consider the following options:

  1. Use a Variation – Adjust the name by adding unique keywords that reflect your business’s niche or location.
  2. File a Fictitious Name (DBA) – If your preferred name is unavailable as an official LLC name, you can still operate under it by filing for a DBA.
  3. Check Trademark Availability – Even if a name is available with the state, a trademark could prevent its legal use.
  4. Get Legal Help – Consulting with a business attorney can help you determine if your name is legally defensible and compliant.

Setting Up a DBA in Florida

Before filing a DBA or "doing business as," search the Fictitious Name database. If the name you want is available, you can proceed with the registration process. Florida offers an online fictitious name registration service. Please ensure that you fully understand the various laws currently in place before you register. You can read all general information here. 

Once the DBA is registered, it will be valid for five years. However, once the DBA has expired, you can file for renewal. 

Reserving a Business Name in Florida

Florida does not require or allow general name reservations for LLCs as some other states do. However, one way to unofficially “reserve” your business name is to:

  • Complete your LLC filing promptly after confirming name availability.
  • Secure your domain name and social media handles.
  • Check for potential trademark conflicts before moving forward.

Although Florida doesn’t offer formal name reservations, timely filing after a successful name search is crucial to avoid losing your desired name to another filer.

Why Checking Domain and Trademark Availability Matters

Even if a name is available in the Florida business name database, it may not be the best fit if:

  • The domain name is already taken – You may need to choose a different business name or select a less desirable web address.
  • It’s trademarked nationally – A federally registered trademark can override your state’s approval, leading to costly rebranding or legal action.

Use online tools like the USPTO’s TESS database and domain registrars like GoDaddy to perform a full due diligence check before committing to a business name.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How do I check business name availability in Florida?
    You can check availability by using the Florida Division of Corporations’ online search tool. Search by entity name, officer, registered agent, or other criteria.
  2. What makes a name distinguishable in Florida?
    A name must differ from all existing registered business entities by more than grammar, punctuation, or article words. It must be clearly unique.
  3. Can I reserve a business name in Florida?
    Florida does not allow formal name reservations. To “hold” a name, your best option is to file your Articles of Organization as soon as possible.
  4. What happens if I file an LLC with a name that’s too similar to another?
    The Division of Corporations will reject your filing, and you’ll need to choose a different, distinguishable name.
  5. Do I need to register a DBA if I want to use a different name than my LLC?
    Yes. If you plan to operate under a name other than your LLC’s official name, you must register a fictitious name (DBA) with the state.

If you need help with checking business name availability florida, you can post your legal need on UpCounsel's marketplace. UpCounsel accepts only the top 5 percent of lawyers to its site. Lawyers on UpCounsel come from law schools such as Harvard Law and Yale Law and average 14 years of legal experience, including work with or on behalf of companies like Google, Menlo Ventures, and Airbnb.