Fictitious Name Registration In Florida

If you own a small business in Florida, it’s likely that you are operating your business under a catchy name which describes the nature of your business, such as "Larry’s Low-Cost Landscaping" or "A-1 Affordable Auto Parts." Even if you structure your business as a corporation or partnership, chances are good that you still advertise or promote your business under a different name. Any time you operate a business in Florida under a name which is different than your individual or company name, you are doing business under a fictitious name.

In order to ensure that consumers of business products and services know whom they’re dealing with, Florida law requires that each business operating under a fictitious name register that name with the Florida Department of State. The only exceptions are businesses operated in the practice of their profession by attorneys licensed by the Florida Bar and by professionals licensed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.