Discover the key to transforming your business’s identity in the vibrant state of Florida! Embark on a journey to legally redefine your company’s name, unlocking a world of opportunities and ensuring compliance with Florida’s state laws. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of filing Articles of Amendment with the Florida Department of State Division of Corporations. Stay with us to uncover the significance of this transformation and set your business on a path to success!
Starts at $0 + Florida state fees and only takes 5-10 minutes
For whatever reason, there may come a time when your business’s name needs a change. To do this, you need to file Articles of Amendment with the Florida Department of State Division of Corporations and pay a fee. Submitting this document is necessary to remain legally compliant with state law.
We can take care of filing the paperwork with our Amendment Filing Service. We’ll deal with the administrative side of changing your business name so you can get back to work. But if you’re still wondering how to change a business name in Florida, let’s walk through the process.
There are three simple steps to change a business name in Florida. It’s important to carefully follow and complete each one.
As you run through ideas for a new business name, remember that there are specific state naming rules to follow. In Florida, your new company name must:
To see if the name you want is distinguishable and available, use our Business Name Checker. You can also reserve your name; this gives you time to get your paperwork together while prohibiting others from using the name you want. Keep in mind that you can reserve a business name for only 120 days.
To make a business name change in Florida, you need to provide lots of information about your company. You can find what you need on either the Articles of Amendment to Articles of Organization form (for LLCs) or the Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation form (for corporations). However, in general, you’ll need the following information:
Your Articles of Amendment must include a cover letter, which you can find with the form, and a filing fee that is listed on the Department of State’s website.
The Division of Corporations accepts Articles of Amendment by mail, in person, or electronically. You can pay the filing fee with a check, money order, or credit card. Don’t forget that we can change your business name for you with our Amendment Filing Service. Amendment filing is also included in our Worry-Free Compliance Service, which offers more comprehensive legal compliance coverage.
Once you have your new business name, be sure to update any legal and financial documents, your website, and marketing materials to reflect the change. You should also check your employment contracts and update them to reflect the new name. Having an inconsistent business name can cause confusion and make your company appear disorganized.
Choosing a different business name can give your company a fresh start. The process is simple, but we make it even easier with our Amendment Filing Service. Our goal is to take on some of the more time-consuming filing tasks so that you can focus on what’s important to you, namely, running your company to achieve success.
If you haven’t created your LLC or corporation yet, we can help with that too! We offer both Florida LLC and Florida Corporation Formation Services.
Once your business is up and running, please take advantage of our Worry-Free Compliance Service. We’ll help keep your business legally compliant by reminding you of upcoming filing deadlines and other state requirements. This service also includes up to two amendments filings each year. Get started on your dream business today!
Florida Business Name Change FAQs
What’s the difference between a doing-business-as (DBA) name and business name?
Your company’s legal name is its business name. A DBA name (also known as a trade name or fictitious name) is like an alias for your business. It’s not the official business name but rather an alternative name. Business owners often use a DBA name for marketing purposes.
Do I have to change my business name if I have a DBA name?
No. The whole point of having a DBA name is so you can keep your legal business name while using an alternative name for your company. In Florida, you must register a DBA (or fictitious) name with the Division of Corporations.
How do I register my business name in Florida?
If you’re just starting your business, you will register the name when you file the formation documents (either Articles of Organization or Articles of Incorporation) with the Division of Corporations. If you already have an LLC or corporation in place, then you must file Articles of Amendment to make a business name change in Florida.
How many amendments can I make to my business?
There’s no limit on the number of amendments you can make to your business. On the Articles of Amendment paperwork for both LLCs and corporations, you can make multiple amendments on the same document.
Disclaimer: The content on this page is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. If you have specific questions about any of these topics, seek the counsel of a licensed professional.
Written by Team ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness has helped people start, run, and grow over 700,000 dream companies. The editorial team at ZenBusiness has over 20 years of collective small business publishing experience and is composed of business formation experts who are dedicated to empowering and educating entrepreneurs about owning a company.
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