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Fictitious Name Registration Help
The following is an explanation of the data fields contained on the
Application for Registration of Fictitious Name and their requirements:
- Fictitious Name to be Registered:
- Mailing Address:
- Florida County of Principal Place of Business:
- FEI/EIN Number:
- E-mail Address:
- Certificate of Status:
- Certified Copy:
- Owner Information:
- Signature:
Enter the name as you wish it to be registered. Only one name per application can be registered. A fictitious name may not contain the words "Corporation" or "Incorporated", or the abbreviations "Corp." or "Inc.", unless the business for which the name is registered is incorporated or has obtained a certificate of authority to transact business in this state pursuant to chapter 607 or chapter 617 Florida Statutes.
Note: List only the name to be registered. Do not list the owner name dba the name to be registered. Example: The name to be registered is XYZ INC., the owner is ABC INC. Do not list ABC INC. DBA XYZ INC. List only XYZ INC. It is assumed the owner is doing business as the name to be registered.
Enter the mailing address, this address does not have to be the principal place of business and can be directed to anyone´s attention. Do not use an address that is not yet occupied. The mailing address does not have to be in Florida. An address can be changed at any future date at no charge by notifying the Division of Corporations in writing.
Using the pull down menu, select the name of the county in Florida where the principal place of business of the fictitious name is located. If there is more than one county, choose "multiple".
Enter the Federal Employer Identification Number if known or if applicable. This information is optional and will not affect the registration.
Online registration: An e-mail address is required for online registrations. The acknowledgement letter, any certification requested, and all future notices will be e-mailed to the address provided.
Paper application: There is a block to the right of the owner´s signature to provide an e-mail address. This address will be used for future notices. You will receive your acknowledgement letter and any certification requested through the US Postal Service.
If a certificate of status is desired, check the ´Certificate of Status´ box. There is an additional fee of $10.00 for the certificate. Certificates of Status will be sent to the mailing address shown on record.
A certificate of status certifies the registration has been filed and is active with the Division of Corporations.
If a certified copy is desired, check the ´Certified Copy´ box. There is an additional fee of $30.00 for the certified copy. Certified Copies will be sent to the mailing address shown on record.
A certified copy is a copy of the registration certified by the Division of Corporations as a true and correct copy of the registration as filed with the Division.
NOTE: Both the certificate of status and certified copy are optional. You may request them at a later date if you find that you need one. You would mail a request to the Division of Corporations along with the appropriate fees.
A fictitious name may have more than one owner. Both an individual and a business entity may own a fictitious name.
Individual Owner(s): Individual owner names should be listed by Last name, First name, and Middle name or initial. The middle name is not required. The address must be provided for each owner.
Business Entity as Owner(s): Enter the name of the business entity. Owners that are business entities must be registered and active with the Division of Corporations (corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, general partnerships, or fictitious name registrations), or provide documentation as to why they are not required to register. Examples of business entities not required to register would be Federally Chartered Corporations, or Legislatively created entities. Fictitious names owned by entities not registered with the Division of Corporations can not be registered online. You would need to download a fictitious name application and mail it to the Division of Corporations.
Enter the business entity name exactly as it is filed with the Division of Corporations. Failure to enter the name properly will prevent the registration from processing.
Enter the corporate address, this can be either the principal or mailing address.
Enter the Florida Document Number. This is the number that was assigned by the Division of Corporations at the time the corporation, limited liability company, limited partnership, general partnership, or fictitious name was filed or qualified. You may find the registration number by doing an online search by name.
A business entity must provide its Federal Employer Identification (FEI) number, or check the appropriate box indicating it has either been "APPLIED FOR" or is "NOT APPLICABLE". The FEI number is assigned by the Internal Revenue Service. It is a nine digit number.
An owner must enter a typed signature in the ´Owner Signature´ block at the bottom of the page. An individual´s name must appear in this field. If an owner is a business entity, an individual must ´sign´ on their behalf. This can be an officer or director of the business entity. By completing the signature block, an owner is certifying that the information contained on the application is true and accurate, and that the name has been advertised at least once in a newspaper as defined in Chapter 50, Florida Statutes. The signature shall have the same legal effect as if made under oath.
Once you have completed the application, please review it carefully before pressing ´Continue´. Once you press continue you will be taken to the payment screen.
The registration will post within 24 to 48 hours of submission. Your acknowledgement will be e-mailed to the address provided on the application.
For information regarding fictitious names on file you may search the Division´s records on-line or call (850) 245-6058. Hearing/Voice Impaired may call (850) 245-6096 (TDD).
For questions regarding on-line registration of fictitious names call (850) 245-6058.