Florida Secretary of State Business Search: A Complete Guide

I know how confusing it can feel when you’re trying to start a business and don’t know where to begin. In Florida, one of the most important tools available is the Florida Secretary of State business search, also known as the Sunbiz database. This free public platform allows anyone to look up registered business entities across the state.

We often underestimate the value of such a tool until we need to check name availability, confirm if a company is active, or gather key details about an existing business. Let’s walk step by step through what this search is, how it works, and why it’s so useful.

Why People Use This Search Tool

They usually turn to the Florida Division of Corporations website, known as Sunbiz, for different reasons. Some want to see if their business name idea is still available, while others need information about an existing company before signing a contract.

These are the most common uses:

• Checking if a business name is available before registering.
• Finding the legal status of a company.
• Looking up officers, directors, or registered agents.
• Viewing annual reports and filing history.
• Verifying details for legal or professional purposes.

What You Can Search For

I’ve noticed that one of the strengths of Sunbiz is its wide range of search options. You don’t just type a name and hope for the best. Instead, you can refine your search with several criteria.

Here are the options available:

• Entity Name: Enter a full or partial name.
• Officer or Registered Agent Name: Search by last name or full name.
• Trademark Name: See trademarks filed in Florida.
• Trademark Owner Name: Find businesses by owner.
• FEI/EIN Number: Look up by federal ID.
• Document Number: Find exact records using the filing number.
• Zip Code: Narrow by area, but results can be long.
• Street Address: Useful when searching by physical location.

How the Database Helps Entrepreneurs

We sometimes forget that the first legal step of building a brand is choosing a name that complies with state law. The Florida business search makes this step easier.

When you check for name availability, you can see right away if someone else already uses it. This saves you from rejection when you file formation papers. For entrepreneurs, this tool saves time, energy, and frustration.

Information Found in the Results

They give much more than a simple “yes” or “no” when you search. Each entity has a detailed page full of official information.

Here’s what you’ll find:

• Document Number
• FEI/EIN Number
• Date Filed
• State of Domicile
• Status (active or inactive)
• Principal and Mailing Addresses
• Registered Agent Information
• Officer/Director Details
• Annual Report Filing Dates
• Formation Date
• Event History (last event, filing date, and effective date)

This level of detail is helpful when researching competitors, partners, or verifying legitimacy.

Business Naming Rules in Florida

We all want our business name to sound unique and professional, but Florida has strict naming guidelines. These rules prevent confusion and protect consumers.

Key rules include:

• The name must differ from all other registered entities.
• Corporations must include “Corporation,” “Company,” or “Incorporated.”
• LLCs must include “LLC” or “Limited Liability Company.”
• No names can imply illegal or unlicensed activities.
• Government-like names are not allowed.

If you’re in a licensed industry, such as law or healthcare, you’ll need to follow additional naming requirements.

Reserving a Business Name

We sometimes pick the perfect name before we’re ready to file the full paperwork. In Florida, you can reserve your name for 120 days by writing a request to the Secretary of State.

The filing fees are:

• LLC: $25
• Corporation: $35
• Limited Partnership: $52.50

This small step protects your idea while you prepare the rest of your business setup.

Other Entities You Can Find

These searches go far beyond corporations or LLCs. The Sunbiz database also covers:

• Limited partnerships
• General partnerships
• Limited liability partnerships
• Fictitious names (DBAs)
• Trademarks and service marks
• Judgment liens
• Federal lien registrations
• Cable franchises

We can see just how broad the resource is when we realize it covers almost every type of business filing in Florida.

Nationwide Options for Business Search

They didn’t stop with Florida. If you want to search across the country, a nationwide portal exists that links all 50 states, plus D.C. and Puerto Rico. Each state typically runs its own database under the Secretary of State or Business Services Division.

For Florida, the link directs you back to Sunbiz, which remains the official source for business name searches and filings.

Tips for Using the Search Effectively

We can sometimes get overwhelmed with too many results. To make searching easier, follow these tips:

• Use partial names to catch variations.
• Double-check spelling before assuming a name is available.
• Always use the number zero “0” for document numbers, not the letter “O.”
• Combine criteria if you want more accurate results.
• Check both name availability and status before making decisions.

These small habits can save time and avoid errors.

Why This Tool Matters to Everyday People

You might think this database only helps lawyers or accountants. But we can all benefit from it. A freelancer looking to file an LLC, a customer checking if a contractor is legitimate, or an investor reviewing company status all find value here.

By having free access to this data, Floridians gain transparency and security in business dealings.

Final Thoughts

I believe that using the Florida Secretary of State business search is one of the smartest steps for anyone dealing with businesses in Florida. The Sunbiz system gives easy access to accurate, official information at no cost.

We’ve seen how you can check name availability, learn about registered agents, explore company history, and even reserve a name for future use. With such a wide scope, this search helps entrepreneurs, professionals, and everyday citizens make informed decisions.

So next time you’re curious about a Florida company or ready to start your own head to Sunbiz and take advantage of this powerful public resource.

References:

Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz) – Official Florida Business Search: https://search.sunbiz.org

Information sourced from the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz) official website: https://dos.myflorida.com/sunbiz

FAQs

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not legal advice. Please consult official sources or a professional for guidance.