Ever thought about running your business under a catchy trade name without forming a brand-new legal entity? That’s where a DBA (Doing Business As) comes in. For many entrepreneurs in Florida, whether you’re a sole proprietor, freelancer, or running an LLC, filing a DBA is a simple way to expand your brand while keeping your existing structure.
In Florida, DBAs (also called Fictitious Names) are required if you’re operating under any name different from your legal one. This ensures transparency with customers, banks, and state agencies while protecting your professional credibility.
In this guide, we’ll break down the steps, costs, and requirements for filing a DBA in Florida so you can avoid costly mistakes and confidently operate under the business name you choose.
What Is a DBA in Florida?
A DBA (Doing Business As), known in Florida as a Fictitious Name, allows a business to operate under a name different from its legal one. For example, if Sarah Johnson runs a sole proprietorship but wants to sell handmade candles under the name Coastal Glow Creations, she must file a DBA.
It’s important to note that a DBA is not the same as forming an LLC or corporation. Unlike those structures, a DBA doesn’t create a separate legal entity or provide liability protection. It’s simply about registering the business name you want to use.
You might need a DBA in Florida if you:
- Want to operate under a brand name that’s different from your personal or company’s legal name.
- Plan to run multiple businesses under a single LLC or sole proprietorship.
- Need to open a business bank account under your trade name.
In short, a DBA in Florida is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to give your business a professional identity without restructuring your entire company.
Who Needs to File a DBA in Florida?
Not every business in Florida needs a DBA, but many do once they want to operate under a name that’s different from their legal one. Filing a DBA ensures transparency with the public and makes your business name official for banking, contracts, and marketing purposes.
You need to file a DBA in Florida if you are:
- Sole Proprietors – If you’re running a business under anything other than your legal first and last name. For example, David Martinez, selling surf gear as WaveRider Supplies, would need a DBA.
- LLCs or Corporations – Even if your company is legally registered, you’ll need a DBA if you want to operate under a different brand or division name.
- Freelancers and Small Businesses – If you’re expanding services or managing multiple projects, a DBA lets you use distinct names without forming separate entities.
In short, if your customer-facing name doesn’t match your legal or registered entity name, Florida law requires you to file a DBA.
Step-by-Step Process to File a DBA in Florida
Filing a DBA (also called a Fictitious Name in Florida) may sound complicated, but the process is pretty straightforward once you know the steps. Unlike states such as California, Florida handles DBAs at the state level through the Division of Corporations.
1. Check Name Availability
Search the Florida Division of Corporations Fictitious Name Registry to make sure your desired name isn’t already taken or too similar to another business name. Also, check trademark databases if you want exclusive brand protection.
2. Publish a Notice of Intent
Florida requires you to publish a “Notice of Intent to Register a Fictitious Name” in a newspaper where your business is located at least once before filing. Keep proof of publication. You’ll need to confirm it when submitting your DBA application.
3. File with the Florida Division of Corporations
Submit your Fictitious Name Registration online.
Filing fee: $50 (plus $30 optional certified copy, and $10 optional certificate of status).
You’ll need to include:
- Your chosen business name
- Owner’s name(s) and address
- FEIN (if applicable)
Statement confirming you published the required notice
4. Receive Your Confirmation
Once approved, the Division of Corporations will send you confirmation. At this point, you can legally start doing business under your new trade name.
5. Use Your DBA for Business Activities
Open a business bank account under your DBA. Use your registered name for contracts, marketing, and invoices.
Pro Tip: All Florida DBAs are valid for 5 years and expire on December 31 of the fifth year, regardless of when they were filed during that year. For example, a DBA filed in July 2025 will still expire on December 31, 2030.
Costs & Timeline of Filing a DBA in Florida
When filing a DBA (Fictitious Name) in Florida, costs and processing times are fairly standardized across the state. Here’s what you can expect:
1. Filing Fees
- Standard registration fee: $50
- Optional certified copy: $30
- Optional certificate of status: $10
2. Publication Costs
- Florida law requires publishing a notice in a local newspaper before filing.
- Costs vary by county and newspaper, typically ranging from $30 to over $100 depending on the publication and its pricing policies.
- Some newspapers even provide affidavits or sample wording to make compliance easier.
3. Processing Times
Online filings through Sunbiz.org are usually processed within 1–3 business days. Mailed applications may take 1–2 weeks, depending on workload.
4. Renewal Timeline
Florida DBAs are valid for 5 years. All DBAs expire on December 31 of the fifth year, regardless of the month you filed. Renewals must be submitted between January 1 and December 31 of the expiration year.
Quick Reminder: Missing your renewal deadline means your business name becomes inactive, and someone else could claim it.
Renewing or Canceling a DBA in Florida
In Florida, a DBA (Fictitious Name) is valid for five years and must be renewed to stay active. Unlike some states where renewal is tied to your original filing date, Florida sets a fixed expiration date: all DBAs expire on December 31 of the fifth year.
Renewing a DBA
- Renewal is done online at Sunbiz.org or by mailing the renewal form.
- The renewal fee is $50.
- You must renew between January 1 and December 31 of the expiration year to avoid losing rights to your name.
Updating Information
If your business details change (such as owner’s name, address, or entity type), you must file a new DBA registration instead of a renewal. Florida doesn’t allow amendments to existing DBA records.
Canceling a DBA
- To stop using a trade name, you can file a Cancellation of Fictitious Name with the Florida Division of Corporations. The filing fee is $50.
- The filing fee is $50.
- Publication of cancellation is not required in Florida (unlike California).
Officially canceling your DBA ensures your business name is released and prevents future liability or confusion in state records.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a DBA in Florida
Even though filing a DBA in Florida is pretty straightforward, many entrepreneurs make simple errors that can cause delays or unnecessary costs. Here are the most common ones to watch out for:
Skipping the Name Search
Failing to check Sunbiz.org for existing names can lead to rejection or, worse, legal disputes if your name is too similar to another registered business.
Not Publishing the Required Notice
Florida law requires you to publish a legal notice of intent to register your fictitious name in a newspaper within the county where your business is located before filing. Forgetting this step can make your registration invalid.
Using a DBA for Liability Protection
A DBA doesn’t provide personal liability protection. Many new business owners mistakenly believe registering a trade name is the same as forming an LLC or corporation; it’s not.
Missing the Renewal Deadline
All DBAs in Florida expire on December 31 of the fifth year. Forgetting to renew means your trade name becomes available for others to claim.
Incorrect or Incomplete Information
Small errors, like misspelling your business name, using the wrong owner information, or leaving sections blank, can delay approval or require you to refile.
Avoiding these mistakes ensures your DBA filing goes smoothly and protects your business identity in Florida.
FAQs About Florida DBA Filing
Filing a DBA in Florida comes with its own set of rules that differ from other states. Below are answers to some of the most common questions entrepreneurs have:
1. Do I Need a DBA If I Already Have an LLC or Corporation?
Yes, if you plan to operate under a name that’s different from your company’s legal name. For example, if “Sunrise Ventures LLC” wants to do business as “Coastal Marketing,” you’ll need to file a DBA.
2. Can I File a DBA Online in Florida?
Yes. You can file directly through the Florida Division of Corporations’ website (Sunbiz.org). It’s the fastest and most convenient way to register. To complete the legally required registration for a Fictitious Name (DBA), visit the official Florida Division of Corporations portal.
3. How Long Does DBA Approval Take?
Online filings are typically processed within 1–3 business days after you have fulfilled the mandatory newspaper publication requirement.
4. How Much Does It Cost to File a DBA in Florida?
The state filing fee is $50, plus an optional $30 for a certificate of status and $10 for a certified copy. Don’t forget the separate cost of publishing a notice in a local newspaper.
5. Can Multiple DBAs Be Linked to One Business?
Yes. A single LLC, corporation, or sole proprietor can register multiple DBAs as long as each name is filed and renewed separately.
6. How Often Do I Need to Renew My DBA?
Every five years, all Florida DBA registrations expiring on December 31 of the fifth year.
Final Takeaway
Filing a DBA in Florida is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to create a unique brand identity without forming a new legal entity. Whether you’re a sole proprietor looking to market under a trade name or an LLC expanding with multiple brands, a DBA keeps your business flexible and professional.
Just remember: you’ll need to publish your DBA notice in a local newspaper, renew it every five years, and stay on top of deadlines to avoid losing rights to your business name. With a small investment of time and money, you can confidently operate under the name that best represents your business vision.
