A fictitious business name, also known as a “DBA” (doing business as) is a name that is used to represent your business but is different from the legal name of the entity.
Why have a DBA?
A DBA can be beneficial if your business’s legal name is not advantageous for you to operate under. For example, if your entity’s name is your legal name, “Robert Green”, you might want to use a catchy phrase such as “Rob’s Gardening” to allow others to recognize your brand or business easier. Using this DBA may also provide you with an additional layer of privacy if you are a sole proprietor working under your legal name.
Furthermore, having a DBA can allow your entity to operate an additional business while having a different name. If your LLC owns a gardening business, for example, your LLC can also own a pool cleaning business under a different DBA. With this being said, you can also enter into contracts under your DBA, which could further allow you to expand your business by undertaking other ventures.
How can you register your DBA in Florida?
Another advantage of having a DBA is that registering your DBA in most states is relatively simple and inexpensive.
In Florida, a DBA may be registered either through the Florida Division of Corporation’s website, sunbiz.org, on their online registration portal, or via mail. The filing fee is $50.00 and the DBA is valid for 5 years and expires on December 31st of the final, fifth, year. The DBA can be renewed either online or via mail.
One thing that is particular in Florida when registering a DBA is that the name you register as your DBA should have been advertised at least once in a newspaper within the county of the principal place of business prior to applying for the DBA. While proof of advertisement is not required when registering your DBA, the applicant certifies that the advertisement has occurred when signing the application. Therefore, an individual applying for a DBA should ensure that the advertisement of the DBA has occurred at least once by the date of the application.
Applying for a DBA may be relatively simple, but to ensure all requirements are complied with, it would be best to consult with an experienced business attorney who can review your DBA applications or any other business applications being filed with the Florida Division of Corporations.
EPGD Business Law is located in beautiful Coral Gables, West Palm Beach and historic Washington D.C. Call us at (786) 837-6787, or contact us through the website to schedule a consultation.
