What the name must include
The name must contain "Limited Liability Company", "LLC" or "L.L.C." The designator tells the public that the owners have limited liability.
It must be distinguishable
Florida rejects names that are not distinguishable from an entity already on its records. Under s. 605.0112, these differences don't make a name distinguishable: a different suffix (Inc. versus LLC), an article such as "the", "and" versus "&", singular, plural or possessive forms, and punctuation or symbols. "Sunrise Cleaning LLC" and "The Sunrise Cleaning, L.L.C." would be treated as the same name.
Words that may need extra approval
The statute says an LLC name may not state or imply a connection with a government agency, or a purpose other than the ones your Articles allow. Other Florida laws and regulators may also restrict words that imply a regulated activity. Common examples:
- Bank, banking, trust, credit union
- Insurance
- Words that suggest a licensed profession, such as attorney or engineering
- Words that suggest a connection to a government agency
If your name contains one of these words, check with the regulator or the Division of Corporations before you file.
How to check availability
- Search the Sunbiz database by entity name.
- Search variations: singular and plural, with and without spaces.
- Check the federal trademark database so you don't build a brand you can't keep.
- Check that a matching domain name is available.
The name search on Sunbiz is a preliminary check. The final decision is made by the Division of Corporations when it reviews your filing.
Reserving a name
Florida's fee schedule lists a $25 LLC name reservation, but the Division of Corporations' current filing forms say name reservations are no longer available. Check with the Division before counting on one. Most founders file the Articles directly, which locks in the name once approved.
Doing business under another name
If your LLC will operate under a name that is different from its legal name, register that name as a fictitious name (DBA).
Forming in another state
These rules are Florida's. If you form in another state, that state's records and rules apply. We form LLCs in other states too: see our LLC cost by state table.
Frequently asked questions
Can two Florida LLCs have the same name?
No. Each name must be distinguishable on the Florida records. Different endings or punctuation alone do not make it different.
Can I write my LLC name in Spanish?
Yes. A Spanish name works if it includes an LLC designator and is written in English (Latin) letters, since Sunbiz requires the filing to be in English. If your name has accents or an ñ, check with the Division of Corporations first.
Does registering an LLC name protect it as a trademark?
No. It only stops another Florida entity from registering the same name. Trademark rights come from use and from federal or state trademark registration.
This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. For your specific situation, talk to a licensed attorney or CPA.