How to Do a Florida LLC Lookup
You can look up an existing Florida limited liability company (LLC) by performing a Florida LLC lookup search on the Florida Secretary of State Division of Corporations website, SunBiz.
This guide explains how to lookup a Florida LLC to see if your desired business name is available, or so you can learn more about a particular Florida business entity.
Need a business name? Use our free Business Name Generator.
How Do I Look Up an LLC in Florida?
To find an LLC in Florida, first go to the Florida Sunbiz website. The Division of Corporations divides its records into categories, including:
- Corporations, LLCs, Limited Partnerships (LPs), and Trademarks
- Fictitious Names (DBAs)
- General Partnerships (GPs) and Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)
To lookup a Florida LLC, you will need to use the “Corporations, LLCs, LPs, and Trademarks” category, which allows you to search based on the following:
- Name
- Officer or registered agent
- Trademark name or owner name
- FEI/EIN or Document number
- Zip code or street address
If you are looking to search for a name’s availability, you may need to do a broader entity search besides a Florida LLC name lookup. Searching partnership and other entities may net you more details and help you find the page on the SunBiz site that you intended searching for.
Using the Florida Business Search Tool
Florida’s business search returns searches in alphabetical order. If you want detailed information about a business, you can click on an entity name and find the following information about the company:
- Document Number
- FEI/EIN Number
- Date Filed
- Status (active or inactive)
- Principal Address and Mailing Address
- Registered Agent Name and Address
- Annual Reports
- Last Event Date (i.e., last known filing with the Division of Corporations)
- Member Information and Titles
Understanding Search Results
Florida’s business search returns searches in alphabetical order. If you want detailed information about a business, you can click on an entity name and find the following information about the company:
- Document Number
- FEI/EIN Number
- Date Filed
- Status (active or inactive)
- Principal Address and Mailing Address
- Registered Agent Name and Address
- Annual Reports
- Last Event Date (i.e., last known filing with the Division of Corporations)
- Member Information and Titles
Making a Public Records Request
If you require more information about an LLC, you can make a public records request with the Division of Corporations.
You can reach the Division of Corporations office by emailing DOS.GeneralCounsel@DOS.MyFlorida.com, calling (850) 245-6000, submitting a fax to (850) 245-6014, or by mailing a request to the address below:
P.O. Box 6327
Tallahassee, FL 32314
Note that email addresses are considered public record under Florida law. If you do not want your email address released, you should make your request by phone, by fax, or by mail.
Why Perform a Florida LLC Lookup?
A Florida Business Entity Search is important for a variety of reasons. First, it can help you determine if the business you are considering doing business with is properly registered with the state of Florida.
Secondly, it can help you verify that the business is in good standing with the state and has not been involved in any legal problems.
Next, a Business Entity Search can provide valuable information about the business, such as its financial history and customer reviews.
Finally, you can use Florida’s lookup tool to determine whether or not your desired entity name is available within the state. This can help when trying to form an LLC in Florida to avoid rejected filings.
Registering a Business Name In Florida
When starting a formal business in Florida, you must choose a business name and register it with the state. You can register your business name with the Florida Department of State by submitting a document called the Articles of Incorporation for an incorporated company or Articles of Organization for an LLC or Limited Partnership.
Your business name must be available and not already registered with the state. It is also important to check if the name is available as a domain name for your website.
After registering your business name, you will need to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This document number will be used to identify your company name when filing taxes. It is also used for hiring employees. It is a business’s equivalent to having a social security number.
Once your Florida business is registered with the Florida Secretary of State, your can start using your corporate name or fictitious name to conduct your Florida business legally.
Recommended: Read our How to Start an LLC in Florida guide to learn more detailed information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can search for partial names on the SunBiz website. If you enter a corporation’s name in the Florida Division of Corporations search box, similar names will populate. You can then select the corporation you’re looking for from the list.
Can you lookup a sole proprietorship business entity on the Florida Secretary of State Corporation Division website?
No, but you can lookup any Florida registered business. To search registered businesses in Florida, go to the SunBiz Secretary of State’s website. Once on the page, you can browse for companies by name, officers, registered agent, EIN, or document number.
You’ll be able to find a corporation, limited liability company, limited partnership, s-corporation, and get details about the business. The information provided includes filings, any fee paid, officer’s names, when a file was made, and the database has more information about the corporate entity.
No, but you can lookup any Florida registered business. To search registered businesses in Florida, go to the SunBiz Secretary of State’s website. Once on the page, you can browse for companies by name, officers, registered agent, EIN, or document number.
You’ll be able to find a corporation, limited liability company, limited partnership, s-corporation, and get details about the business. The information provided includes filings, any fee paid, officer’s names, when a file was made, and the database has more information about the corporate entity.
Information about any LLC in Florida can be found with the Florida Department of State Division of Corporations. Learn more by visiting the Florida Division of Corporations website. You can also check out our Florida LLC Search guide or Florida Business Search guide.
You will receive a letter from the Secretary of State’s office once your Florida LLC has been approved. You can also order a Certificate of Status (also known as a Certificate of Good Standing) by visiting the Florida Sunbiz website.
The Secretary of State is the person responsible for overseeing elections, businesses, and other state affairs. In Florida, the current Secretary of State is Laurel M. Lee.
The current address for the Florida Department of State is:
R.A. Gray Building
500 South Bronough St.
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0250
An entity type is a type of business or organization.
For example, a limited liability company (LLC) is an entity type, which includes single-member LLCs and multi-member LLCs.
Many entrepreneurs start an LLC because it’s simple and it can protect their personal assets in case of a lawsuit or when the business can’t pay its debts. For more information, check our five reasons to start an LLC.