Florida Business Helper

Doing business as (DBA)

Florida Fictitious Name (DBA)

A fictitious name, or DBA, lets you do business under a name that isn't your legal name. In Florida it costs $50, lasts 5 years, and you register it on sunbiz.org.

Register$50.00
Renew$50.00
Lasts5 years
EndsDec 31 of the final year

Register at sunbiz.org How to register a DBA, step by step

Independent guide. Not affiliated with the Florida Department of State or Sunbiz.org. You can file directly at sunbiz.org.

How to register a DBA, step by step

  1. Search Sunbiz to see if the name is already in use.
  2. Run an ad with the name at least once in a newspaper in your county.
  3. Open the fictitious name registration page on sunbiz.org.
  4. Fill in the form and type your name to sign. Signing confirms you ran the ad.
  5. Pay $50. Your confirmation is emailed to you.

Register at sunbiz.org

The details, in plain words

Fees
ItemFee
Register a fictitious name$50.00
Renew a fictitious name$50.00
Cancel and re-register$50.00
Certificate of status$10.00
Certified copy$30.00
How to renew

Registrations and renewals are good for 5 years and end on December 31 of the final year. Renew on the state's renewal page with your registration number. You can change the owner when you renew, but not the name.

If it expires, it can't be renewed or reinstated. You have to file a new one.

Who doesn't need one
  • You, if you do business under your own legal name.
  • An LLC or corporation using its exact legal name.

You also don't need a DBA to form an LLC or corporation.

What a DBA doesn't do

It doesn't give you ownership of the name, and it doesn't stop someone else from using or registering the same name. It's also not a business structure, so it doesn't file an annual report.

If you don't register

Florida law requires registration before doing business under a fictitious name. Not registering is a second-degree misdemeanor. You may also need proof of registration for a local business tax license.

Common questions

How much is a DBA in Florida?

$50.00 to register and $50.00 to renew. It lasts 5 years.

Do I have to run a newspaper ad?

Yes. The name must be advertised at least once in a newspaper in the county of your principal place of business. You don't send proof. You confirm it when you sign.

What if my fictitious name expired?

An expired fictitious name can't be renewed or reinstated. You have to file a new one.

Does a DBA protect my name?

No. It doesn't give you ownership of the name or stop someone else from using it.

Checked against the state's pages on November 3, 2026.

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He'll fly you a letter when 2027 filing opens and again before the late fee. That's it.