Name availability · FL
Florida business name search
To search Florida business names, use Sunbiz, the Division of Corporations' official site. Search by entity name without the suffix. Sunbiz lists corporations, LLCs, LPs and trademarks together, and fictitious names have their own search. Florida ignores suffixes, articles, "&" vs "and", plurals and punctuation when deciding whether a name is available.
How to check if a name is available in Florida
- 01
Search by Entity Name on Sunbiz
Open Search by Entity Name and type your name without Corp., Inc., Co. or LLC. Sunbiz shows an alphabetical list, so similar names appear right next to yours.
- 02
Watch for INACTIVE/UA entries
A name marked INACTIVE/UA isn't free yet. Florida holds it for a period: one year after administrative dissolution or revocation, or 120 days after voluntary dissolution.
- 03
Run the Fictitious Name search
Fictitious names are a separate Sunbiz search. Check it so you don't pick a name someone is already registered to trade under.
- 04
Apply Florida's comparison rules
Drop suffixes, "a/an/the", "&" vs "and", plurals, possessives and punctuation from both names. If what's left matches, Florida treats the names as the same.
- 05
Check trademarks, domain and socials
Sunbiz includes Florida trademarks, but not federal ones. Search https://tmsearch.uspto.gov/ as well, and check the domain and social handles.
- 06
Brainstorm alternates
Our free /business-name-generator/ is a quick way to come up with substitutes when Sunbiz shows a conflict.
Florida business naming rules
- Florida doesn't treat differences in suffix (Corp., Inc., Co., LLC), articles (the, a, an), "and" vs "&", singular/plural/possessive forms, or punctuation and symbols as making a name distinguishable.
- Leave the suffix off when you search for availability.
- A name marked INACTIVE/UA stays unavailable for a period: one year after administrative dissolution or revocation, or 120 days after voluntary dissolution.
- If an individual or entity does business under any name other than its legal name, it must register a fictitious name with the state.
Reserving a name
According to the Division's FAQs, you can reserve an available name for 120 days by sending the Secretary of State a signed letter that gives the name and the applicant's name and address. Check the current fee on the agency's site.
DBAs and trade names
Florida fictitious names (DBAs) are registered at the state level with the Division of Corporations on Sunbiz, which has its own Fictitious Name search.
Still looking for the right name?
Brainstorm dozens of options with the free generator, then run your shortlist through the Florida search above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I search Florida business names?
Use Search by Entity Name on Sunbiz without the LLC or Inc. ending, then run the separate Fictitious Name search. Look at the names listed around yours, not just exact matches.
What does INACTIVE/UA mean on Sunbiz?
It marks an inactive entity whose name is still being held. Florida keeps it unavailable for one year after administrative dissolution or revocation, or 120 days after voluntary dissolution.
Do I need a fictitious name in Florida?
Yes, if you do business under any name other than your legal name (or your entity's exact registered name). You register it with the Division of Corporations; it isn't required just to form an LLC.
Is "Sunshine Pools Inc." different from "Sunshine Pool, LLC" in Florida?
No. Florida ignores the suffix and singular vs plural forms, so those names would conflict.
General information, not legal advice. Name approval is decided by the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations (Sunbiz); a name showing as available in a search is not a guarantee it will be accepted.