While it’s a relatively simple task, picking a name for you limited liability company (LLC) isn’t necessarily a straight forward process. Each state has its own naming requirements, so here’s what you need to know about Florida:
Check to make sure your FL LLC name isn’t taken
Before submitting your business name to FL’s Division of Corporations, you’ll want to make sure it’s not already in use. You can do that by typing your preferred business name into this Florida’s Entity Name Search, which includes all active businesses registered with the state.
If your name is already taken, unfortunately that means you’ll have to choose another one. You won’t be penalized for submitting a name that’s already in use, but doing so will drag the formation process out a little longer.
Distinguish your FL LLC name from other LLCs
If your preferred business name is already taken, you can choose a variation of the original—but Florida has strict rules about what is sufficiently distinguishable. For example, according to Florida Statute § 607.0112, adding or supplementing any of the following terms are NOT sufficient enough to distinguish one entity from another:
- Adding a suffix
- Including definite or indefinite article
- Interchanging the word “and” and the symbol “&”
- Using the singular, plural, or possessive form of a word
- Adding a punctuation mark or symbol*
*Note: Florida does not permit LLCs to use special characters, such as: “!,” “$,” or “#.”
Use terms specific to LLCs
All limited liability companies in Florida are required by law to include the term “limited liability company,” or the abbreviation “LLC” or “L.L.C.” in their business name.
Don’t be misleading with your Florida LLC name
It may seem obvious, but you can’t choose a name for your business that doesn’t accurately reflect the purpose of your business. Florida Statute § 607.0112 specifically states that an LLC’s name may NOT include language that indicates the LLC is “organized for a purpose other than what’s authorized in… its articles of organization.” So, if you own a hair salon, you cannot name your business “Fred’s Auto Shop.”
You also cannot use language that implies your business “is connected with a state or federal government agency or corporation or other entity chartered under the laws of the United States.” So, you’ll have to refrain from calling your hair salon “Florida Tax Cuts.”