How to Change LLC Name Florida: Steps and Requirements

Key Takeaways

• To change an LLC name in Florida, you must file Articles of Amendment with the Florida Division of Corporations.
• The Florida Division of Corporations provides both online and mail-in options for filing the amendment.
• The new LLC name must comply with Florida’s naming rules and cannot conflict with existing registered names.
• Changing the LLC name does not automatically update your federal EIN, bank accounts, or business licenses—you must notify these entities separately.
• Registering a fictitious name (DBA) is not the same as legally changing your LLC name in Florida.
• Additional steps may include updating contracts, marketing materials, domain names, and notifying clients and vendors.

Knowing how to change a corporation name in Florida is important when you decide to operate your company as a corporation. The state will require it to have a DBA, or "doing business as" name. It can be confusing when filling out all the forms to register your business, and you may feel pressured to pick a name quickly. If you feel that the name you originally chose no longer suits your business, you can head to the state corporation bureau to put in a request to change its name.

What Are Florida Corporation Naming Requirements?

Whether you incorporate your business in Florida or in another state, you'll need to go to the state government to register a name for the business. What name you choose is fairly open as long as another company's name isn't duplicated and the name you choose meets all the requirements of the state. Once you decide on the legal name for the business, you're not able to change it whenever you want. You'll need to register any new names with the state.

Steps in Doing a Corporate Name Search

Before you submit a request to modify the name of your business, you must first confirm that the new name is free to use. You can look at the list of names on the Florida Division of Corporations' website to verify this. The name you pick should be different from any other names that are on there. You face the risk of the state rejecting any name that's too similar to one that's currently being used. It's also recommended by the Small Business Administration that you research whether the name violates a domain name or trademark that's already been established.

Steps to Amend a Business Name

In order to change the name of a corporation, you must change the articles of incorporation for a company. You can do this through the following steps:

• Download the proper form from the Division of Corporations.
• Pay the filing fee of $35 to change it.
• Enter the new name you want to use.

The same form can be used to make additional changes, such as using a different registered agent or changing the official address. The form should also state if the change was made due to a board decision or shareholder vote.

You need to let the IRS know when you change a business name. You can report this on the tax return for the company or let the IRS know in writing if the return has already been filed. You also should let your local government know and find out if you need any new permits or business licenses. If you possess a federal license, such as one to sell firearms, the agency might also need to know when the name changes will take place.

What is a Fictitious Name?

A business can have both a legal name and a fictitious name. Florida defines this is anything besides the personal name of the owner. If you decide to amend the name in the future, you can use one registration form to have the original name canceled and register the desired name. If you're forming a sole proprietorship or small business in Florida under a name that isn't yours, you'll need to register this name with the Florida Division of Corporations so it's protected from infringement.

This isn't necessary for limited liability companies, corporations, or limited partnerships, as these have separate filing requirements. The process to file a fictitious name is fairly easy and can be done online. There is no need to reserve the name as long as you register it.

Changing Your LLC Name vs. Registering a Fictitious Name

It's important to understand the difference between legally changing your LLC name and registering a fictitious name (also known as a "doing business as" or DBA name):

If your goal is simply to operate under a different brand name without changing the legal entity name, a fictitious name might be the better option.

Steps to File a Florida LLC Name Change

To file the name change for an LLC, you'll need to file an amendment to an LLC. You'll use the Limited Liability Company Amendment form to do this. You'll need to include the original name that's currently in the state record, the Florida document number, the date when the articles of organization or incorporation were originally filed, the new name you want to use, and a signature of an authorized representative or member.

What to Do After Changing Your LLC Name in Florida

Once your LLC name change is approved by the state, you should:

• Update Your EIN Information: Notify the IRS of the name change. Depending on whether your LLC is taxed as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation, this may require filing Form 8822-B or noting the change on your next tax return.
• Amend Your Operating Agreement: Update the LLC's internal documents to reflect the new name.
• Notify Your Bank: Provide the bank with your amended Articles and any required resolutions to update your business bank accounts.
• Update Licenses and Permits: Contact local and state licensing agencies to amend your business licenses and permits.
• Update Contracts and Business Records: Review and update any contracts, vendor agreements, leases, or other formal documents.
• Revise Marketing Materials: Change your business name on websites, social media profiles, business cards, and advertising materials.

Florida LLC Name Change Filing Fee and Optional Services

When filing to change your LLC name in Florida, be prepared for the following costs:

• Filing Fee: $25 for the Articles of Amendment.
• Certified Copy (Optional): $30 if requested.
• Certificate of Status (Optional): $5 if requested.

Ordering a certified copy or certificate of status may be beneficial for your business records or when updating other agencies (like your bank).

Methods to File Your Florida LLC Name Change

In Florida, you can file the Articles of Amendment for your LLC name change in one of two ways:

1. File Online:

• Visit the Florida Division of Corporations' Sunbiz website.
• Navigate to the "Amendment" section under LLC management.
• Complete the online form by providing your LLC’s document number, current name, and the new name.
• Pay the filing fee via credit card.

2. File by Mail:

• Download the "Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Organization" form (PDF) from the Sunbiz site.
• Fill out the form with your LLC’s current details and the new name.
• Include a check or money order for the filing fee made payable to the Florida Department of State.
• Mail the completed form and payment to:
  • Division of Corporations
  • Amendment Section
  • P.O. Box 6327
  • Tallahassee, FL 32314

Processing Time:

• Online filings: Usually processed within 1–2 business days.
• Mail filings: May take 5–10 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does it cost to change an LLC name in Florida?
   The filing fee is $25. Optional services include a $30 certified copy and a $5 certificate of status.
2. Can I file the LLC name change online in Florida?
   Yes, you can submit the Articles of Amendment online through the Florida Division of Corporations' Sunbiz website.
3. How long does it take to process an LLC name change in Florida?
   Online filings are typically processed within 1–2 business days, while mailed filings may take 5–10 business days.
4. Do I need to notify the IRS if I change my LLC name in Florida?
   Yes, the IRS must be notified. The method depends on your LLC’s tax classification. You may need to use Form 8822-B or update the next tax return.
5. Is registering a fictitious name the same as changing my LLC name?
   No. Registering a fictitious name (DBA) allows your LLC to operate under another name but does not legally change the LLC’s official name with the state.

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