Key Takeaways

  • Sunbiz is Florida’s official Division of Corporations portal, used for business registration, record searches, and compliance filings.
  • Forming an LLC via Sunbiz involves confirming name availability, completing the Articles of Organization, appointing a registered agent, and paying applicable fees.
  • The “Sunbiz by name” search helps verify whether your desired LLC name is unique and compliant with Florida naming requirements.
  • Florida LLC benefits include liability protection, no personal state income tax, and pass-through taxation.
  • Ongoing compliance requires filing an Annual Report between January 1 and May 1 each year to avoid late fees or dissolution.

Sunbiz, or Sunbiz Division of Corporations, is Florida’s official online directory for companies operating within the state. It houses the records for Florida businesses and is also where you can pay business fees, get business forms, and submit Florida Foreign Qualification applications. 

This article will provide helpful information for Florida business owners (or aspiring owners) who want to learn more about forming an LLC using Sunbiz. We will cover the steps required, the benefits of creating an LLC, and common mistakes to avoid.

What is Sunbiz?

Sunbiz is an online directory and database maintained by the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations. It provides business registration, name searches, and document retrieval services as a one-stop shop for Florida businesses. 

Sunbiz is also where you can file the necessary paperwork to start an LLC in Florida. This includes submitting Articles of Organization and paying the required filing fee. 

The directory maintains over eight million records and processes 240 million filings, certifications, and inquiries every year.  

It is incredibly important for Florida business entities to learn how to navigate Sunbiz and utilize this informational resource to their advantage.  

It is where sole proprietors and companies can turn for:  

  • Business registrations
  • Business certificates
  • Trade and service marks
  • Fictitious name registrations
  • Judgment and federal tax clients
  • UCC financing statements
  • Notary commissions and apostilles

Understanding the Role of Sunbiz by Name

The Sunbiz by name search function is a critical tool for anyone forming a Florida LLC. This feature lets you look up existing business names in the Florida Department of State’s records to ensure your desired LLC name is distinguishable and compliant with state law. A proper search helps you:

  • Avoid filing rejections caused by duplicate or confusingly similar names.
  • Verify whether a name is already trademarked or reserved in Florida.
  • Access detailed entity information, including status, filing history, and registered agent details.

Conducting this search before filing saves time and helps prevent costly amendments or disputes over name rights.

Benefits of Forming an LLC in Florida

Choosing this business structure over others in Florida is often done to take advantage of certain benefits of forming an LLC.  

These include: 

  • Limited personal liability
  • Reduced tax liability (more legitimate business expense deductions)
  • No personal income taxes at the state level (The state of Florida won’t tax you on your share of the LLC’s profits)
  • Pass-through taxation
  • Can make it easier to comply with Florida's tax regulations and reporting requirements

Additional Advantages of Using Sunbiz for LLC Formation

Beyond the general benefits of forming an LLC in Florida, using the Sunbiz platform offers:

  • Direct State Filing – Submit formation documents without going through intermediaries, reducing costs and delays.
  • 24/7 Online Access – File, amend, and search records at any time, from anywhere.
  • Integrated Compliance Tools – Receive reminders for annual reports and other filings.
  • Transparency – Publicly accessible business records promote trust with customers and partners.

This centralized portal streamlines every stage of the business lifecycle, from startup to dissolution.

Steps to Form an LLC using Sunbiz

After successfully completing an LLC Sunbiz filing, you will have formed a limited liability company (LLC) in Florida.

If you want to form an LLC in Florida or need to address an LLC application that has been rejected, follow three steps: 

  1. Make sure you understand the requirements for filing your LLC's Articles of Organization.
  2. Obtain all the information you will need for your application.
  3. Possess a permitted form of payment such as a debit or credit card. 

Detailed Name Search and Reservation Process

Before filing your Articles of Organization, complete these Sunbiz by name steps:

  1. Navigate to the “Search Records” Section – Select “Inquire by Name” to check availability.
  2. Enter Your Desired LLC Name – Try variations if your first choice is taken.
  3. Review Results – Look for exact matches or names that are too similar, which may cause rejection.
  4. Check Compliance – Ensure the name includes “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” or “Limited Liability Company.”
  5. Optional Reservation – While Florida does not require name reservations before filing, you can reserve it by filing and paying the reservation fee if you’re not ready to form immediately.

By thoroughly completing these steps, you reduce the risk of delays or rejections.

Sunbiz Business Search

The name of your LLC must be distinguishable in the Department of State records. Before you submit your formation documents, you should perform a search to determine the availability of your LLC name. 

Make sure your company name includes the words limited liability company or LLC/L.L.C.  

If you're establishing a professional limited liability company, its name should include the abbreviations PLLC or P.L.L.C. or the words “Professional Limited Liability Company” or Chartered.  

You should not use your LLC name until it has been approved by the Division of Corporations. 

How to Use Sunbiz by Name for Ongoing Business Management

Even after your LLC is formed, the Sunbiz by name search remains valuable:

  • Monitor Your Record – Verify that your business status is “Active” and that filings are up to date.
  • Check Competitors – Review other businesses’ public filings for market insights.
  • Validate Vendor or Partner Information – Confirm that other entities are properly registered and in good standing.
  • Access Historical Data – View prior amendments, mergers, or name changes.

This ongoing use of Sunbiz helps you stay compliant and informed.

Sunbiz Forms and Fees

Sunbiz offers many forms, each with a different fee schedule: 

Articles of Organization

For Florida LLC forms, you can choose from several forms depending on your needs, including Articles of Organization, which are necessary to form a Florida Limited Liability Company according to Chapter 605, Florida Statutes. 

The filing fee for Articles of Organization and Designation of Registered Agent is $125, but you can pay an extra $30 for a certified copy or an additional $5 for a Certificate of Status. Upon registration, you will receive a free letter of acknowledgment. 

You can file online with a credit card, complete the fillable PDF on your computer, or print the PDF to complete it and send it to the Division of Corporations with your payment.

Sunbiz Requirements for LLC Formation Documents

Under s.605.0201, Florida Statutes, your Articles of Organization must set forth five things. 

  1. When submitting your formation documents, include the address of your company's principal office. If your LLC's mailing address differs from the principal address, you should also include this one.
  2. LLCs in Florida are required to name a Registered Agent, and you will need to provide the address and name of your agent.
  3. Your company's registered agent will be responsible for handling the service of process for your LLC. They can either be an active Florida business or an individual who resides in the state of Florida.
  4. You should also ensure your Registered Agent has signed your LLC application. Your agent's signature indicates that they understand and accept their responsibilities.
  5. If you've chosen a Florida business as your Registered Agent, an individual in the business must provide their signature. 

Please read the entire form to learn more about these articles and their unique requirements.

Annual Report

To remain active, an LLC must file an Annual Report each year. This report either updates or confirms the records of the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations. 

Reports must be filed electronically between January 1st and May 1st; the first report is due the year after formation.  

It’s important to file on time, as you face a $400 late fee in addition to the $138.75 annual report filing fee. The late fee is not waived under any circumstances. You must also file your annual report every year, even if you do not make changes to it. Failure to file the annual report may lead to an administrative dissolution of your LLC.

Conclusion: Find a Florida Business Attorney to Help with LLC Formation

Hiring a Florida business attorney to guide you through the Sunbiz LLC formation process is a valuable decision.  

Your lawyer can ensure compliance with legal requirements, review and draft your contracts, and help you choose the most strategic business structure. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Sunbiz

Many LLC applications face delays or rejections due to avoidable errors, including:

  • Skipping the Name Search – Filing without confirming name availability leads to rejections.
  • Incorrect Registered Agent Information – Providing outdated or incomplete details can cause compliance issues.
  • Late Annual Reports – Missing the May 1 deadline results in a $400 late fee.
  • Incomplete Articles of Organization – Omitting required information under Florida Statutes §605.0201 delays processing.

Working with a qualified attorney can help you navigate these pitfalls and ensure a smooth filing process.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the purpose of the Sunbiz by name search?
    It ensures your desired LLC name is unique and compliant with Florida naming rules before you file formation documents.
  2. Do I need to reserve my LLC name before filing in Florida?
    No, but you may reserve it if you are not ready to file immediately. Most choose to file directly after confirming name availability.
  3. How much does it cost to file an LLC on Sunbiz?
    The filing fee is $125, with optional fees for certified copies ($30) and certificates of status ($5).
  4. What happens if I miss the annual report deadline?
    You’ll be charged a $400 late fee, and failure to file can lead to administrative dissolution of your LLC.
  5. Can I update my LLC information through Sunbiz?
    Yes, you can amend records, change your registered agent, or update addresses directly through the Sunbiz portal.

If you need help forming a sole proprietorship or an LLC, or if you need assistance determining which type of business structure is right for you, 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.