{"id":5224,"date":"2024-07-09T13:08:09","date_gmt":"2024-07-09T18:08:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/how-to-file-a-dba-in-florida-in-4-steps.html"},"modified":"2025-05-01T17:09:00","modified_gmt":"2025-05-01T22:09:00","slug":"how-to-file-a-dba-in-florida-in-4-steps","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/how-to-file-a-dba-in-florida-in-4-steps.html","title":{"rendered":"How To File a DBA in Florida in 4 Steps"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<section data-testid=\"fl-simple-hero\"  class=\"fl-simple-hero\">\n    <div class=\"fl-simple-hero-container fl-container fl-flex fl-items-center\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"fl-simple-hero-image\" src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1746129600\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/voting-states-maps-Florida\/voting-states-maps-Florida.png?_i=AA\" alt=\"\" data-testid=\"fl-simple-hero-image\">\n                <div class=\"fl-simple-hero-title\" data-testid=\"fl-simple-hero-title\">How To File a DBA in Florida in 7 Steps<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/section>\n    <div class=\"fl-container\">\n        <div class=\"updated-breadcrumb-list\">\n            <ol>\n                        <li>\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\">FindLaw <\/a>\n                <span class=\"breadcrumb-separator\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\/<\/span>\n            <\/li>\n                                <li aria-current=\"page\">How To File a DBA in Florida in 4 Steps<\/li>\n            <\/ol>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30  wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-section-main fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">How To File a DBA in Florida in 7 Steps<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/amber-sheppard-esq\/\">Amber Sheppard, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/bridget-molitor-jd\/\">Bridget Molitor, JD<\/a>\n                | Last reviewed\n        <time>\n                            May 01, 2025\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-editorial-note fl-text-sm\">\n            <p>Editorial Note: We earn a commission from affiliate partner links on FindLaw. Commissions do not affect the editorial integrity of our legal content.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n    <div class=\"fl-callout-text article-blockquote\">\n        <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">To register a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">DBA<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> (<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">doing business as<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">) or fictitious name in <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Florida<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> you must choose a name, publish your intent to register the fictitious name, and register the name with the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Florida Department of State<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> along with the registration fee.<\/span><\/p>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><b><i><a href=\"https:\/\/legalzoomcominc.pxf.io\/c\/4851649\/2115292\/26746?subId1=how-to-file-a-dba-in-florida-in-4-steps-in-content\" class=\"diy-biz-affiliate\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\" data-cta=\"Biz LZ - LATL Callout\" data-cta-url=\"legalzoom.com\" target=\"_blank\">Register your DBA with confidence<\/a>\u202fthrough our trusted partner LegalZoom.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"tableOfContent\">\n    <div class=\"table-of-contents\">\n        <span role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\" class=\"table-of-contents__title\">Table of Contents<\/span>\n                <ul class=\"table-of-contents__list\">\n                        <li><a href=\"#Steps\" title=\"7 Steps To Get a Florida DBA\">7 Steps To Get a Florida DBA<\/a><\/li>\n                        <li><a href=\"#summary\" title=\"Summary\">Summary<\/a><\/li>\n                        <li><a href=\"#Interested\" title=\"Interested in Filing a DBA in Florida?\">Interested in Filing a DBA in Florida?<\/a><\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-legal-zoom-cta fl-flex fl-items-center\">\n    <div class=\"fl-legal-zoom-cta-icons fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\"\n            src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745900043\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-legal-zoom-legal_zoom_129163c1e\/general-components-legal-zoom-legal_zoom_129163c1e.png?_i=AA\"\n            alt=\"\"\n            loading=\"lazy\"\n            class=\"fl-legal-zoom-cta-icon-main\"\n        \/>\n        <img decoding=\"async\"\n            src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745857465\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-legal-zoom-legal_zoom_text_1294fc38a\/general-components-legal-zoom-legal_zoom_text_1294fc38a.png?_i=AA\"\n            alt=\"\"\n            loading=\"lazy\"\n            class=\"fl-legal-zoom-cta-icon-bottom\"\n        \/>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"fl-legal-zoom-cta-text\">\n        <div class=\"fl-legal-zoom-cta-subtitle\"><p>Meet FindLaw&#8217;s <b>trusted partner LegalZoom<\/b>, an industry leader in online business formations<\/p>\n<\/div>\n        <div class=\"fl-legal-zoom-cta-content fl-flex fl-items-center\">\n            <div>\n                <h2 class=\"fl-title-H2 fl-legal-zoom-cta-title\">Let&#8217;s file your DBA!<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-legal-zoom-cta-description\"><p>Join the millions who launched their businesses with LegalZoom. <b>DBA registration starts at $99 + filing fees.<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <a class=\"fl-button fl-link-button primary fl-legal-zoom-cta-button diy-biz-affiliate\" data-cta-url=\"legalzoom.com\" data-cta=\"Biz LZ - StateLaws Banner\" aria-disabled=\"false\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/legalzoomcominc.pxf.io\/c\/4851649\/2115292\/26746?subId1=how-to-file-a-dba-in-florida-in-4-steps-mcta\" target=\"_blank\">\n                <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Get Started<\/span>\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            <\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2><a id=\"Steps\"><\/a>7 Steps To Get a Florida DBA<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"general-step-component\">\n    <div class=\"steps-container\">\n                    <div class=\"steps-container-item\">\n                <div class=\"category-overview category-overview-item-steps\">\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-heading category-overview-heading-steps\">\n                        <div class=\"category-overview-steps\">\n                            1\n                        <\/div>\n                        <h2 class=\"category-overview-steps-title\" id=\"\">Decide If You Need a Florida DBA Name<\/h2>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-content-steps\">\n                        <p>It&#8217;s essential to understand the requirements in your state if you&#8217;d like to use a name other than your business&#8217;s legal name.<\/p>\n<p>In Florida, under <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/fl\/title-xlvi-crimes\/fl-st-sect-865-09\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a7 865.09, <\/a>any company that operates under a different name must complete the DBA registration process. The process isn&#8217;t very complicated, but it could take some time. If you don&#8217;t have much time to spare, you could hire a <a href=\"https:\/\/legalzoomcominc.pxf.io\/c\/4851649\/2115292\/26746?subId1=how-to-file-a-dba-in-florida-in-4-steps&amp;auto-aff-dba\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">professional DBA service<\/a> to complete the process.<\/p>\n<p>Fictitious name registration could serve many purposes in your small business. Registering a fictitious business name or DBA (&#8220;doing business as&#8221;) can open up branding and marketing opportunities. You might also need to register a\u00a0<a title=\"Trade Name\" href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/trade-name.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">trade name<\/a>\u00a0to get a business bank account or credit card using the name you&#8217;d like to use to conduct business.<\/p>\n<p>Suppose you plan to use a fictitious name for your business activities in Florida. In that case, you must <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalzoom.com\/business\/business-formation\/dba-overview.html?irgwc=1&amp;irclickid=T89T1WxAzxycTtu24zQbt0aFUksRqswdMUy3Uc0&amp;sharedid=&amp;irpid=4851649&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_campaign=FindLaw&amp;ir_partnerid=4851649&amp;ir_adid=2115292&amp;ir_campaignid=26746\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">register the fictitious name<\/a> with the\u00a0Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State.<\/p>\n<p>You could face legal penalties if you&#8217;re using a name other than your business&#8217;s legal name without registering it. You could be fined up to $500 as a noncriminal violation under <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/fl\/title-xlvi-crimes\/fl-st-sect-865-09\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span aria-current=\"page\" data-testid=\"fl-breadcrumb-link-current-page\">\u00a7865.09<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>Business Types<\/h3>\n<p>If you have a\u00a0<a title=\"Sole Proprietorships\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/sole-proprietorships.html\">sole proprietorship<\/a>, your business&#8217;s legal name is yours. You might not want to conduct business under your first and last name. Using a business name rather than your name could appear more professional. You also should protect your privacy.<\/p>\n<p>If you have an\u00a0<a title=\"LLC\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/llcs.html\">LLC<\/a>\u00a0(limited liability company) or\u00a0<a title=\"Corporation\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/corporations.html\">corporation<\/a>, the legal name for your business entity is the one registered with the state. Owners of LLCs and corporations often choose to use an assumed name or trade name to launch a new line of products or services.<\/p>\n<p>Consider, for example, the owner of a sandwich restaurant who wants to open a sushi restaurant. The owner might not want to use the same name for the new restaurant because they don&#8217;t want to confuse customers. The owner also doesn&#8217;t want to pay to run and organize a new\u00a0<a title=\"Business Entity\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/what-is-a-business-entity-.html\">business entity<\/a>\u00a0either. The owner can file a DBA and use a new name for the new venture without forming another entity.<\/p>\n<h3>Personal Asset Protection<\/h3>\n<p>Business owners who operate sole proprietorships or\u00a0<a title=\"Partnerships\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/partnerships.html\">partnerships<\/a>\u00a0benefit from using a name other than their personal name for their business when they get a DBA. Still, a DBA can&#8217;t give personal asset protection. You likely already have personal asset protection if you own an LLC or corporation. If someone sues the business over a debt or obligation, this protects your assets, such as houses and cars. But, if you&#8217;re a sole proprietor, you risk losing your personal assets in a lawsuit or claim against your business.<\/p>\n<p>Getting a DBA does not protect sole proprietors from liability. If you&#8217;re a sole proprietor looking for personal asset protection, consider forming a business entity rather than getting a DBA.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"steps-container-item\">\n                <div class=\"category-overview category-overview-item-steps\">\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-heading category-overview-heading-steps\">\n                        <div class=\"category-overview-steps\">\n                            2\n                        <\/div>\n                        <h2 class=\"category-overview-steps-title\" id=\"\">Conduct a Name Search<\/h2>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-content-steps\">\n                        <p>There&#8217;s no limit to the number of DBAs that you can have. Although you can have many Florida fictitious names, ensuring you have a legitimate business reason for getting each one is a good idea. You&#8217;ll have to be able to afford and manage each one.<\/p>\n<p>You must conduct a name search before registering a fictitious name with the Florida Department of State. You want to ensure that another company hasn&#8217;t already taken the name under which you choose to do business. To search state business records, use the <a title=\"Fictitious Name Search\" href=\"http:\/\/dos.sunbiz.org\/ficinam.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Fictitious Name Search tool on the Sunbiz website<\/a>. The tool allows you to search by owner name or fictitious name. If you have trouble using the tool, consult the\u00a0<a title=\"Fictitious Name Guide\" href=\"https:\/\/dos.myflorida.com\/sunbiz\/search\/guides\/fictitious-name\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">guide<\/a>\u00a0for detailed instructions.<\/p>\n<p>Next, you must check the trademark database for federally trademarked names. Use the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uspto.gov\/trademarks\/search\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Trademark Electronic Search System<\/a> to search the national trademark database. You should consider hiring a <a title=\"Trademark Attorney\" href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/trademarks\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">trademark attorney<\/a> to conduct an extensive trademark search.<\/p>\n<p>Finally, consider the name restrictions for Florida DBA names. For example, you can&#8217;t include a business entity designator, such as &#8220;LLC,&#8221; &#8220;Inc.,&#8221; or &#8220;Corp.&#8221; in your DBA name unless you have that type of entity. Also, you can&#8217;t use terms such as &#8220;bank,&#8221; &#8220;banker,&#8221; &#8220;credit union,&#8221; &#8220;trust company,&#8221; or &#8220;savings bank&#8221; unless you&#8217;re operating a financial institution.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"steps-container-item\">\n                <div class=\"category-overview category-overview-item-steps\">\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-heading category-overview-heading-steps\">\n                        <div class=\"category-overview-steps\">\n                            3\n                        <\/div>\n                        <h2 class=\"category-overview-steps-title\" id=\"\">Publish Legal Notice in the Newspaper<\/h2>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-content-steps\">\n                        <p>In Florida, you must publish a legal notice of your intent to register a DBA before registering a fictitious name. You must publish the notice at least once. To meet this rule, contact the newspaper in the county where your principal business is. Be prepared to spend at least $30 to publish your notice.<\/p>\n<p>Under <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/fl\/title-vi-civil-practice-and-procedure\/fl-st-sect-50-021\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Florida statute <\/a><span aria-current=\"page\" data-testid=\"fl-breadcrumb-link-current-page\">\u00a7 50.021, i<\/span>f you&#8217;re publishing in a county without a newspaper, you can:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Publish your notice online on a\u00a0<a title=\"Florida Statutes: Public Website\" href=\"http:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/Statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;Search_String=&amp;URL=0000-0099\/0050\/Sections\/0050.0311.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">public website<\/a>\u00a0or<\/li>\n<li>Publish the notice in a nearby county&#8217;s newspaper, physically post the notice in a courthouse, and physically post the notice in two other places in the county.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>When the notice has run, you should be able to get a certification from the newspaper to show that you have met the publication rule. If you physically posted the notices, take photographs and execute a sworn and notarized statement detailing the date of these postings. While not required by law, it would help you prove if asked about it later by someone claiming rights to your DBA name.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"steps-container-item\">\n                <div class=\"category-overview category-overview-item-steps\">\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-heading category-overview-heading-steps\">\n                        <div class=\"category-overview-steps\">\n                            4\n                        <\/div>\n                        <h2 class=\"category-overview-steps-title\" id=\"\">Own Your Florida Fictitious Name<\/h2>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-content-steps\">\n                        <p>Under the <a title=\"Fictitious Name Act (Florida Statutes)\" href=\"http:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?mode=View%20Statutes&amp;SubMenu=1&amp;App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;Search_String=Fictitious+name+act&amp;URL=0800-0899\/0865\/Sections\/0865.09.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Fictitious Name Act<\/a>, you don&#8217;t gain exclusive rights to your fictitious name by registering it. DBA registration doesn&#8217;t reserve your name, either. Someone else could use your name even after you&#8217;ve registered it. You should consider trademarking if you&#8217;d like more robust protection for your fictitious business name.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"steps-container-item\">\n                <div class=\"category-overview category-overview-item-steps\">\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-heading category-overview-heading-steps\">\n                        <div class=\"category-overview-steps\">\n                            5\n                        <\/div>\n                        <h2 class=\"category-overview-steps-title\" id=\"\">Register a Florida Fictitious Name for Your Business<\/h2>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-content-steps\">\n                        <p>Once you&#8217;ve picked a name and run the notice, you can register your fictitious name with the Florida Department of State. You can mail trade name registration or submit it online.<\/p>\n<p>To register online, use the\u00a0<a title=\"Florida Fictitious Name Registration Porta\" href=\"https:\/\/efile.sunbiz.org\/ficregintro.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Florida Fictitious Name Registration portal<\/a>. You&#8217;ll need to provide the following information:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Fictitious name<\/li>\n<li>Owner&#8217;s name<\/li>\n<li>Mailing address for business<\/li>\n<li>Location of principal place of business<\/li>\n<li>Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>To register by mail, complete the\u00a0<a title=\" Application for Registration of Fictitious Name Form\" href=\"http:\/\/form.sunbiz.org\/pdf\/CR4E001.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Application for Registration of Fictitious Name form<\/a>\u00a0and mail it to:<\/p>\n<p>Fictitious Name Registration<br \/>\nPO Box 6327<br \/>\nTallahassee, FL 32314-1300<\/p>\n<p>Note that you can only register one fictitious name at a time. Ensure you check the spelling of your fictitious name.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"steps-container-item\">\n                <div class=\"category-overview category-overview-item-steps\">\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-heading category-overview-heading-steps\">\n                        <div class=\"category-overview-steps\">\n                            6\n                        <\/div>\n                        <h2 class=\"category-overview-steps-title\" id=\"\">Pay Fictitious Name Registration Fees<\/h2>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-content-steps\">\n                        <p>You&#8217;ll also need to provide the appropriate payment for your DBA registration. The fee for Florida fictitious name registration is $50. You can request a certificate of status. A certificate of status shows that you registered your fictitious name and paid all fees due as of a specific date. The cost for a certificate of status is $10. You also have the option to request a certified copy of your registration document. The fee for a certified copy is $30.<\/p>\n<p>You can pay Florida fictitious name registration fees by check, money order, or credit card. Note that if you plan to pay your fees by credit card, you must register online rather than by mail.<\/p>\n<p>While you don&#8217;t have to prove that you ran the notice of intent to register in the newspaper, you must certify that you ran the notice per Florida law. There&#8217;s a penalty for giving false information in your certification.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"steps-container-item\">\n                <div class=\"category-overview category-overview-item-steps\">\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-heading category-overview-heading-steps\">\n                        <div class=\"category-overview-steps\">\n                            7\n                        <\/div>\n                        <h2 class=\"category-overview-steps-title\" id=\"\">Manage Your Florida DBA<\/h2>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-content-steps\">\n                        <p>After you&#8217;ve completed the registration process, consider taking several actions with your DBA. An EIN is a number the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) assigns to a business entity. A DBA is not a legal entity. Since a DBA is a name only and not a legal entity, you don&#8217;t need to get your DBA&#8217;s EIN or Tax ID number.<\/p>\n<p>Another critical step is separating your business and personal funds. Many business owners seek out a DBA name to provide the paperwork they need to open a business bank account in a name other than their legal business name. If you haven&#8217;t already done so by getting a business bank account and business credit card, you should do so.<\/p>\n<p>You may decide to change your DBA registration. What happens if you don&#8217;t want the DBA name at all?<\/p>\n<p>Consider the following ways in which you can manage your fictitious name registration:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Renewal<\/li>\n<li>Withdrawal<\/li>\n<li>Change of name<\/li>\n<li>Change of ownership<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Florida fictitious names are valid for five years. If you&#8217;d like to continue using your trade name, you&#8217;ll need to renew it by December 31st of the fifth year after registration. To avoid losing your trade name, you&#8217;ll need to renew it every five years after that.<\/p>\n<p>You can renew by mail or online. If you decide to renew by mail, you can complete the\u00a0<a title=\" Application for Registration of Fictitious Name Form\" href=\"http:\/\/form.sunbiz.org\/pdf\/cr4e003.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Application for Renewal of Fictitious Name form<\/a>\u00a0and mail it to:<\/p>\n<p>Fictitious Name Renewal<br \/>\nPO Box 6327<br \/>\nTallahassee, FL 32314<\/p>\n<p>If you renew online, use the Sunbiz portal and have your registration number handy. It costs $50 to renew your Florida fictitious name. Note that your DBA name will expire if you don&#8217;t renew it on time. You cannot renew an expired fictitious name. If your fictitious name expires and you still want to use one, you must file a new DBA.<\/p>\n<p>Withdrawal is an option if you no longer wish to use your DBA. To cancel your DBA, use the\u00a0Application for Registration of Fictitious Name form\u00a0and complete Section 4 only. To change the name or ownership, use the Application for Registration of Fictitious Name form and complete Sections 1-4.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2><a id=\"summary\"><\/a>Summary<\/h2>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"6,1\">A Florida DBA (Doing Business As) name is a fictitious name registered with the Florida Department of State that allows a business to operate under a name other than its legal title. To successfully register, you must choose a unique name, publish a legal notice of intent in a local newspaper in the county of your principal business, file the Application for Registration with the Florida Department of State and pay a $50 registration fee.<\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"6,3\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"Interested\"><\/a>Interested in Filing a DBA in Florida?<\/h2>\n<p>When you&#8217;ve decided to pursue DBA registration, consider using\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/legalzoomcominc.pxf.io\/c\/4851649\/2115292\/26746?subId1=how-to-file-a-dba-in-florida-in-4-steps-custom-content\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">our trusted partner LegalZoom<\/a> to handle your name search, DBA application filing and publishing for $99 plus filing fees.<\/p>\n<p>If you still have questions about the process of DBA registration or want to speak with someone about your specific circumstances,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/business-organizations\/florida\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">speak with an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><i><b>Disclaimer:\u00a0<\/b>The information presented here does not constitute legal advice or representation. It is general and educational in nature, may not reflect all recent legal developments, and may not apply to your unique facts and circumstances. Consider consulting with a qualified business attorney if you have legal questions.<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        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                  <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"No\"\n                value=\"no\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">No<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-down\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3423)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M16 0.999995H18.67C19.236 0.989986 19.7859 1.18813 20.2154 1.55681C20.645 1.9255 20.9242 2.43905 21 3V10C20.9242 10.5609 20.645 11.0745 20.2154 11.4432C19.7859 11.8119 19.236 12.01 18.67 12H16M9.00003 14V18C9.00003 18.7956 9.3161 19.5587 9.87871 20.1213C10.4413 20.6839 11.2044 21 12 21L16 12V0.999995H4.72003C4.2377 0.994543 3.76965 1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\" fl-section-sidebar  \"><div class=\"generalCard\">\n            <div class=\"disclaimer--newLegalZoom general-card--newLegalZoom__disclaimer fl-text-sm\">\n            <p>FindLaw will earn a commission if you purchase business formation products through these affiliate links.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"general-card general-card--newLegalZoom\">\n        <div class=\"general-card__header\">\n            <div class=\"general-card__header-image-container\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"general-card__header-image--newLegalZoomText\"\n                     src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/ability-law\/resources\/\/images\/legal-zoom\/legal_zoom_text.png\"\n                     alt=\"\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"general-card__header-image--newLegalZoom\"\n                     src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/ability-law\/resources\/\/images\/legal-zoom\/legal_zoom.png\"\n                     alt=\"\">\n            <\/div>\n            <span class=\"general-card__header-title fl-text\"><p>Meet FindLaw&#8217;s <b>trusted partner LegalZoom<\/b>, an industry leader in online business formations<\/p>\n<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"general-card__body\">\n            <div class=\"text section\">\n                <div class=\"cmp-text\">\n                    <h2 class=\"general-card__h2--newLegalZoom fl-h3-landing\">Start your DBA registration in minutes!<\/h2>\n                    <div>\n                        <p>Establish a DBA for your business with LegalZoom\u2019s simplified registration process.\n<\/p>\n<p><b>DBA registration starts at $99 + filing fees.<\/b><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"general-card__footer\">\n            <a class=\"general-card__footer-link fl-text-lg diy-biz-affiliate\" data-cta-url=\"legalzoom.com\" data-cta=\"Biz LZ - StateLaws ESum\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/legalzoomcominc.pxf.io\/c\/4851649\/2115292\/26746?subId1=how-to-file-a-dba-in-florida-in-4-steps-es\">\n                <p class=\"general-card__footer-link-text fl-no-margin fl-text-lg-medium\">SELECT AND START DBA<\/p>\n                <i class=\"general-card__footer-link-icon fa fa-angle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            <\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"general-card--newLegalZoom__bottom\">\n        <p>Prefer to work with a lawyer?<\/p>\n<p><a>Find one right now.<\/a><\/p>\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"general-list\">\n    <h3>Helpful Links<\/h3>\n    <ul class=\"fl-list fl-no-margin\">\n                                    <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business.html\">\n                        Starting a Business\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-taxes.html\">\n                        Business Tax Law\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/closing-a-business.html\">\n                        Closing a Business\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                        <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"popularDirectory\">\n        <div class=\"general-popular-directory \">\n            <div class=\"general-popular-directory-title\">\n                <h3>Attorney Directory<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <ul>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/business-organizations\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Business Organization Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/mergers-acquisitions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Mergers &#038; Acquisitions Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/antitrust-trade-regulation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Antitrust Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/banking-finance-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Banking &#038; Finance Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/franchising\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Franchising Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/business-commercial-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Business &#038; Commercial Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/employment-law-employer\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Employment Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<section\n    class=\"fl-next-steps\"\n    data-testid=\"fl-next-steps-legal-zoom\"\n>\n    <div class=\"fl-next-steps-content\" data-testid=\"fl-next-steps-content\">\n        <div class=\"fl-next-steps-column fl-next-steps-column-legal-zoom\" data-testid=\"fl-next-steps-column-left\">\n            <div\n                class=\"fl-legal-zoom-help fl-legal-zoom-help-with-icons\"\n                data-testid=\"fl-legal-zoom-help\"\n            >\n                <div\n                    class=\"fl-legal-zoom-help-icons fl-flex fl-flex-column fl-items-center fl-justify-center\"\n                >\n                    <img decoding=\"async\"\n                        src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745900043\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-legal-zoom-legal_zoom_129163c1e\/general-components-legal-zoom-legal_zoom_129163c1e.png?_i=AA\"\n                        alt=\"\"\n                        loading=\"lazy\"\n                        class=\"fl-legal-zoom-help-icon-main fl-desktop\"\n                    \/>\n                    <img decoding=\"async\"\n                        src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745857465\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-legal-zoom-legal_zoom_text_1294fc38a\/general-components-legal-zoom-legal_zoom_text_1294fc38a.png?_i=AA\"\n                        alt=\"\"\n                        loading=\"lazy\"\n                        class=\"fl-legal-zoom-help-icon-bottom\"\n                    \/>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"fl-legal-zoom-help-text\">\n                    <div class=\"fl-legal-zoom-help-subtitle\">\n                        <p>Meet FindLaw&#8217;s <b>trusted partner LegalZoom<\/b>, an industry leader in online business formations<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                    <h2 class=\"fl-legal-zoom-help-title fl-callout-md\">\n                        Need Help Registering Your DBA?\n                    <\/h2>\n                    <div class=\"fl-legal-zoom-help-description fl-text-lg-medium\">\n                        <p>FindLaw&#8217;s trusted partner, LegalZoom, provides a straightforward process to register your DBA. Join the millions who launched their businesses with\u00a0LegalZoom. <\/p>\n<p><b style=\"background-color: transparent\">DBA registration starts at $99 + filing fees.<\/b><\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/legalzoomcominc.pxf.io\/c\/4851649\/2115292\/26746?subId1=how-to-file-a-dba-in-florida-in-4-steps-footer\" class=\"fl-button fl-link-button primary fl-legal-zoom-help-button diy-biz-affiliate\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\" data-cta=\"Biz LZ - StateLaws Ft Banner\" data-cta-url=\"legalzoom.com\" aria-disabled=\"false\" target=\"_blank\">\n                        <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Start My LLC<\/span>\n                        <i\n                            class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                            aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                        ><\/i>\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"fl-next-steps-column\">\n            <div\n                class=\"fl-help-links\"\n                data-testid=\"fl-help-links\"\n            >\n                <h2 class=\"fl-help-links-title fl-callout-sm\">\n                    Related Resources\n                <\/h2>\n                <ul class=\"fl-list fl-no-margin fl-text-lg\">\n                                            <li class=\"fl-help-links-list-item\">\n                            <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                            ><\/i>\n                            <a title=\"Filing LLC Taxes\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/filing-llc-taxes.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\" data-testid=\"fl-list-item-link\">Filing LLC Taxes<\/a>\n                        <\/li>\n                                            <li class=\"fl-help-links-list-item\">\n                            <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                            ><\/i>\n                            <a title=\"LLC Member Tax FAQs\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/llc-member-tax-faqs.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\" data-testid=\"fl-list-item-link\">LLC Member Tax FAQs<\/a>\n                        <\/li>\n                                            <li class=\"fl-help-links-list-item\">\n                            <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                            ><\/i>\n                            <a title=\"Starting a Limited Liability Company Checklist\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/starting-a-limited-liability-company-llc-checklist.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\" data-testid=\"fl-list-item-link\">Starting a Limited Liability Company Checklist<\/a>\n                        <\/li>\n                                    <\/ul>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>FindLaw describes the DBA registration process in 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