Florida LLC Name Search — Check Availability on Sunbiz.org

Before you form your LLC, you need to confirm your desired name is available with the Florida Division of Corporations. Under §605.0112 of the Florida Revised LLC Act, your LLC name must be "distinguishable upon the records" of the Division from any other entity currently on file. The search is free, instant, and done entirely through Sunbiz.org.

How to Search for LLC Names on Sunbiz.org

The Division of Corporations maintains a complete database of all registered entities (LLCs, corporations, limited partnerships, and others) searchable through Sunbiz.org:

1. Go to sunbiz.org
2. Click "Search Records" in the top navigation bar
3. Select "Search by Entity Name"
4. Type your desired LLC name in the search field (you can search with or without the "LLC" suffix)
5. Click "Search" and review the results

What to look for in results:

• Active entities with similar names — these will block your filing
• Inactive/Dissolved entities — these generally do not block new filings, but the Division may still reject a name that is too similar to a recently dissolved entity
• Name reservations — active reservations held by others will block your name
• Variations — search for alternate spellings, abbreviations, and word orders to identify potential conflicts

The Sunbiz.org search is very fast — results appear within seconds. Run several variations of your desired name to be thorough.

Beyond Sunbiz.org — additional searches to run:

• USPTO.gov — search the federal trademark database. A registered trademark holder can force you to change your LLC name (even if the state accepted it) if your use creates consumer confusion.
• Domain availability — check if a matching .com domain is available. Your LLC name does not need to match your domain, but alignment strengthens branding.
• County fictitious name records — not required, but helpful to see if another business is already operating under a similar name locally.

Florida LLC Naming Rules Under §605.0112

Must include one of these designators:

• "Limited Liability Company"
• "LLC"
• "L.L.C."
• Abbreviations like "Ltd. Liability Co." or "Ltd. Liability Company" are also acceptable

Must be distinguishable from every other entity name (LLC, corporation, LP, etc.) currently on file with the Division of Corporations. This is a records-based test — the Division looks at what is in their database, not what names are in general use in the marketplace.

Cannot include words that imply a different entity type:

• "Inc.," "Incorporated," "Corporation," "Corp." — these imply a corporation
• "LP," "Ltd.," "Limited Partnership" — these imply a limited partnership

Restricted words requiring additional authorization:

• "Bank," "Banker," "Banking," "Trust" — require approval from the Florida Office of Financial Regulation
• "Insurance," "Surety," "Fidelity" — require approval from the Florida Department of Financial Services
• "University," "College" — require approval from the Florida Department of Education or Commission for Independent Education
• Words implying government affiliation (e.g., "Federal," "State," "United States") are generally prohibited

What "Distinguishable Upon the Records" Actually Means

Florida uses a "distinguishable" standard — not an "identical" standard. Two names do not need to be exactly the same to create a conflict. The Division of Corporations applies these general principles:

Likely NOT distinguishable (will be rejected):

• Adding or removing "The" — "The Smith Group LLC" vs. "Smith Group LLC"
• Changing entity designator only — "Smith Corp" exists, you file "Smith LLC"
• Trivial spelling variations — "Color" vs. "Colour," "Center" vs. "Centre"
• Adding generic terms like "Services," "Group," "Solutions" to an otherwise identical name
• Changing punctuation or spacing — "A-1" vs. "A1" vs. "A One"

Likely IS distinguishable (may be accepted):

• Adding a substantive descriptive word — "Smith Construction LLC" vs. "Smith Consulting LLC"
• Different geographic modifier — "Orlando Design LLC" vs. "Tampa Design LLC"
• Completely different words even if same industry — "Sunshine Plumbing LLC" vs. "Florida Plumbing LLC"

Important: The Division makes the final determination. If they reject your name, they will notify you via email (for online filings) with the reason. You can search more carefully beforehand to avoid this delay.

Tips for Choosing a Strong Florida LLC Name

1. Be specific to your business — "Miami Property Management Group LLC" is stronger and less likely to conflict than "Property Management LLC"

2. Avoid overly generic names — Names built entirely from common business words ("American Business Solutions LLC," "Quality Services Group LLC") are more likely to conflict with existing filings in Florida's large entity database (Florida has over 3 million entities on file)

3. Consider your operating name separately — Your LLC's legal name does not need to be your customer-facing brand name. You can form under an available legal name and register a fictitious name (DBA) through Sunbiz.org ($50 fee) for marketing purposes. See LLC vs DBA.

4. Check domain availability early — Even if the LLC name is available on Sunbiz.org, the matching .com might be taken. It is much harder to change an LLC name after formation ($25 amendment fee plus updating all documents, bank accounts, and contracts) than to adjust beforehand.

5. Think about future growth — A name tied to a specific location ("Orlando X LLC") or narrow service ("iPhone Repair LLC") may limit you if the business expands geographically or adds services.

If Your Desired Name Is Taken

Options when your first-choice name is unavailable:

1. Add a distinctive word — "Smith Construction Services LLC" instead of "Smith LLC." The added word must be substantive, not generic.

2. Use a geographic modifier — "Jacksonville Smith LLC" may be distinguishable from "Smith LLC" in some cases, though this is not guaranteed.

3. Restructure the name — "Smith & Chen LLC" vs. "Smith LLC," or "Smith Holdings LLC" vs. "Smith Group LLC."

4. Adopt a different name entirely — sometimes the best approach, especially if the existing entity is in a similar industry.

5. Form under an available name, operate under a DBA — File your LLC with whatever available legal name works, then register your desired marketing/brand name as a fictitious name ($50 through Sunbiz.org). This separates your legal entity name from your customer-facing brand.

6. Contact the existing entity — If the conflicting entity appears inactive or dormant, it may dissolve on its own (administrative dissolution happens each September for entities that do not file annual reports). You could wait, or you could contact the owner about voluntarily dissolving if they are no longer using the name. This is not guaranteed to work.

Reserving Your Name

If you find your name available but are not ready to file Articles of Organization immediately, reserve your name through Sunbiz.org for $25. The reservation holds the name for 120 days — during that period, no one else can file an entity with that name.

FAQ

Is the Sunbiz.org name search always accurate?

The database is updated as filings are processed — typically within 1-2 business days of submission. A name filed yesterday may not appear in search results today. For this reason, there is a small window where two people could be filing with the same name simultaneously. The Division resolves this on a first-filed, first-served basis.

Can I use a name that a dissolved LLC had?

Generally yes, if the entity has been dissolved or revoked and no active reservation exists for that name. Search on Sunbiz.org — dissolved entities appear in results but their status shows "Inactive" or "Admin Dissolved." The Division typically allows new filings with names previously held by dissolved entities, though very recently dissolved names (within weeks) may still cause issues.

Does my LLC name have to match my brand name?

No. Your LLC's legal name (on file with the Division of Corporations) can be different from your marketing name. Many businesses form under a legal name like "J. Smith Holdings LLC" but operate publicly under a registered fictitious name (DBA) like "Sunshine Consulting." Register the fictitious name through Sunbiz.org for $50. See our LLC vs DBA guide.

How long does name availability last without a reservation?

There is no hold on a name just because you searched it. Someone else could file with that name minutes after your search. If you want to protect it while you prepare other aspects of your LLC, file a name reservation ($25, holds for 120 days).

Can I include my profession in the LLC name?

Yes, but be careful with restricted terms. "Smith Law LLC" or "Chen Medical LLC" are acceptable if you are forming a Professional LLC and hold the appropriate license. For non-licensed businesses, avoid terms that imply professional licensure you do not hold.