How to Change a Business Name in Florida

A: The state will process your LLC`s change of address in about a week. However, this period may vary depending on the time of year, ministry usage and other factors. While changing your business name can be a minor setback, it`s not entirely impossible. If you are faced with the difficult task of having to change your business name, it is advisable to contact an experienced lawyer who will guide you and guide you through the process. Contact ASR Law Firm to learn more about how to change your business name. Once all official notifications have been sent, it`s important to update your company`s branding, including business forms and letterheads, window displays, and existing websites. This informs your valued customers of your name change instead of making them believe you`ve gone bankrupt. It is also common to give a brief explanation of why your name has changed in order to maintain customer trust and establish your new name and brand in the marketplace. In Florida, a company name is registered with the Division of Corporations. Generally, any name that meets government requirements and is not already in use by another company is allowed. However, if you ever need to change your company name, you can`t just work under the new name without registering it first. Here`s an overview of what to do if you need to change your business name: Before you request to change your business name, you must first confirm that the new name is free to use.

You can check the list of names on the Florida Corporate Division website to check. The name you choose must be different from any other name that appears on it. They run the risk that the state will reject any name that is too similar to a name currently in use. It is also recommended by the Small Business Administration that you consider whether the name infringes a domain name or trademark that has already been established. If you`ve already filed taxes for the year (or if you`re a sole proprietor filing your business on your personal tax return), you`ll need to write to the IRS to inform them of your name change using the address where you filed your tax return. Once you submit the change, the Florida Department of State will issue an official confirmation letter. This serves as proof of your Florida LLC name change, so be sure to keep it for your records. A: Your confirmation letter serves as proof of your LLC`s change of address, just like other changes. You can also download or print a copy of the change by searching your company`s records on Sunbiz.

There is nothing worse than investing time and effort to change your LLC name, only to find that the same name has already been assigned. So, before you go too far, it`s important to check the availability of the new LLC name you`re proposing. Sometimes the name of a company is not enough. Either the spiritual nickname doesn`t resonate with customers, or the brand has evolved from a grassroots company to a national one, justifying a name that appeals to a wider audience. Whatever the reason, ensuring that the name change is done correctly is critical to the continued success of the business. And remember, your new LLC name must end with the words “Limited Liability Company,” the abbreviation “L.L.C.” or the designation “LLC.” All LLCs in the State of Florida must comply with this naming requirement. Therefore, be sure to include one of them in the name on the item edit form. In addition to informing key agencies, you may need to apply for a new EIN. It is important to determine if this applies to your situation as soon as possible after you change your business name. To file an LLC name change, you must file a change with an LLC. To do this, you use the change of limited liability company form. You must provide the original name currently on file with the state, the Florida document number, the date the bylaws or incorporation were originally filed, the new name you wish to use, and the signature of a representative or authorized member.

Knowing how to change the name of a business in Florida is important if you decide to run your business as a business.3 min read b. On the first page of the application, in section A, you will see a line that says, “If you change the name, enter the new name of the limited liability company here.” Here you enter the new name of your LLC and it must include the words LLC or Limited Liability Company at the end of your name. Make sure Sunbiz is checked to make sure the name is available. If you need help changing your LLC name in Florida or need help with other business-related legal requirements, our experienced business attorneys are here to help. When choosing a new name for your business, it`s best to do a thorough search of the Florida Division of Corporations` online database, which you can find under www.sunbiz.org, to make sure your selection isn`t already in use. The new name must be different from any other company name on this list, as it can be rejected if your new name is too similar to an already registered name. It is also wise to ensure that your new name does not violate an established trademark by browsing the USPTO website and confirming that the domain name of your choice remains available. A company can have both an official name and a fictitious name. Florida defines it as anything but the owner`s personal name.

If you decide to change the name in the future, you can use a registration form to have the original name removed and the desired name saved. If you are starting a sole proprietorship or small business in Florida under a name that is not your own, you must register that name with the Florida Division of Corporations so that it is protected against counterfeiting. The State of Florida uses a specific form for LLC name changes. Therefore, you must use this form to change the name of your LLC in Florida. Sometimes you might discover another company with a similar name and decide to change your business name to better stand out. In other situations, you may simply decide that your current name no longer reflects your company`s brand. Once you`ve made a decision about your new LLC name, you`re ready to move on to the next steps. Instead of changing the official name of the LLC, it may be preferable to register a new fictitious name or a new fictitious name “doing business as” (DBA). This is especially the case if your main concern is finding the right name for advertising purposes, as most customers only know you through your DBA.

Better yet, an LLC can have multiple database administrators. A: Certified true copies are copies of documents submitted to the State of Florida that are verifiable authentic reproductions of the originals. Legally, they are considered primary documents. A certificate of status, on the other hand, is a document stating that the LLC is licensed to do business in Florida and has met all state regulatory requirements. Each comes with an additional fee of $8.75. Yes. While you don`t need to apply for a new EIN for your business, you must notify the IRS that the name of the business filed with your EIN has changed.