If you’re starting a new business in Florida and planning to register it as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), the first legal step is ensuring that your desired business name is available. Florida, like all U.S. states, has specific rules and tools to help entrepreneurs verify and reserve business names. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of checking LLC name availability in Florida, the legal requirements you must follow, and how to reserve or register your name correctly.
Why LLC Name Availability Matters in Florida
Your LLC’s name will become your business’s legal identity, used in contracts, tax filings, licenses, and public records. Choosing a name that’s already taken or too similar to another registered name can lead to legal complications and rejected applications. That’s why verifying name availability is essential before you file your Articles of Organization.
How to Check LLC Name Availability in Florida
Florida offers an official, free-to-use online tool through the Division of Corporations to check whether your chosen name is already in use.
To get started:
Go to the Florida Division of Corporations’ Business Entity Search Tool
Type your proposed LLC name into the search field
Review existing business names to determine if your name is available or too similar to another
If the exact name or something confusingly similar already exists, you’ll need to come up with an alternative
Make sure to search using both full words and abbreviations, as the system doesn’t always recognize variations
LLC Naming Rules in Florida
Florida law requires your LLC name to follow specific rules. Here are the key requirements:
The name must include the words “Limited Liability Company” or the abbreviation “L.L.C.” or “LLC”
The name must be distinguishable from all other entities registered in the state
Your name cannot contain words that suggest it is a government agency, such as “FBI,” “Treasury,” or “State Department”
Words like “Bank,” “University,” or “Attorney” may require additional documentation or licensing
You cannot use language that implies an unlawful purpose or a purpose not outlined in your Articles of Organization
How to Reserve an LLC Name in Florida
Florida does not require you to reserve your name before forming your LLC, but if you’re not ready to register your business yet, you can still hold a name for future use. Unfortunately, unlike some other states, Florida does not offer a formal name reservation system for LLCs. Therefore, the best way to secure your name is to register your LLC as soon as possible after confirming availability.
What to Do If Your Desired Name Is Taken
If the name you want is already registered, try these options:
Add a unique descriptive term (e.g., “Consulting,” “Group,” “Enterprises”)
Use a geographic location (e.g., “Orlando,” “South Florida”)
Change the order of words or use synonyms
Create a completely new, brandable name that reflects your mission
Final Step: Registering Your Florida LLC Name
Once you’ve confirmed your name is available, include it when filing your Articles of Organization with the Florida Division of Corporations.
To register:
Go to the Sunbiz LLC Formation Page
Fill out the form and provide your selected business name
Pay the $125 filing fee (as of 2025)
After approval, your name becomes officially registered with the state and can be used in all legal and business matters
Conclusion
Checking LLC name availability in Florida is a vital step for any entrepreneur starting a new business. By using the official state search tool and following the naming rules, you can avoid unnecessary delays and rejections. While Florida doesn’t allow name reservations, registering your LLC promptly is the best way to lock in your desired name.
Start your search now at the Florida Division of Corporations Business Search and take the first step toward building your business on a solid foundation.