How to Conduct a Florida Secretary of State Business Search: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you are looking to start a business in Florida, it’s important to make sure that the name you’ve chosen for your company is not already in use. This process involves conducting a Florida Secretary of State business search to ensure that there are no existing entities using the same name or similar name. In this article, we’ll guide you on how to conduct a Florida Secretary of State business search step-by-step.

Step 1: Visit the Florida Department of State Website

The first step in conducting a Florida Secretary of State business search is to visit the Florida Department of State website. On their homepage, you will find a tab for “Divisions”, which you should click on. Next, select “Division of Corporations” to access the Florida Secretary of State business search page.

Step 2: Use the Sunbiz Business Search Tool

Once you are on the Florida Secretary of State business search page, use the Sunbiz Business Search tool. Enter the desired name for your corporation, and select “Search”. It is important to note that the search function is case-insensitive, and will also search for similar names.

Step 3: Review Search Results

After entering your desired name, review the search results to ensure that there are no existing entities using the same name or a similar name. If there are no results, you are free to use the name for your corporation. If there are results, review each entry carefully to see if they are using the same name or similar name.

Step 4: Access Entity Details

If you find an entity with a similar name or the same name as your desired corporation name, click on the entity to view its details. This will provide you with information on the entity’s name, registration number, and status.

Step 5: Consider Alternative Corporation Names

If the name you’ve chosen is already in use, consider alternative corporation names. It’s important to choose a name that is unique and distinguishable from other Florida businesses.

Conclusion

Conducting a Florida Secretary of State business search is an essential step in starting a business in Florida. By following the step-by-step guide provided in this article, you can ensure that the name you choose is legally available for use. Remember to review search results carefully and consider alternative names if necessary. We hope that this guide has been helpful in conducting your Florida Secretary of State business search.