How long does it take to register a business in Florida?

Processing times vary: 5-7 business days. Online filings are typically faster than mail submissions. Expedited processing may be available for an additional fee.

Do I need a business license in Florida?

Yes, most cities in Florida require a general business license. Requirements vary by location and industry. Contact your local city or county clerk's office for specific requirements.

Can I use my personal name as my business name?

Yes, you can use your personal name as your business name. For an LLC, you'll need to add "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company" to the end. However, using a unique business name often provides better branding opportunities and legal protection.

What if my desired business name is already taken?

If your preferred name is unavailable, you have several options: 1) Choose a different name, 2) Add descriptive words to make it unique, 3) Use a different LLC suffix (LLC, L.L.C., etc.), or 4) Consider filing a "Doing Business As" (DBA) name while keeping a different legal name.

How much does it cost to start a business in Florida?

The LLC filing fee is $125. Annual fees are $138.75. Additional costs include business licenses ($50-500), registered agent fees ($50-300/year if using a service), and other startup expenses. Total first-year costs typically range from $400.

Do I need a trademark for my business name?

While not required, trademark registration provides nationwide protection for your business name. Registering your LLC with the state only protects your name within Florida. If you plan to expand beyond the state or want stronger legal protection, consider applying for a federal trademark with the USPTO.

Can I change my business name later?

Yes, you can change your LLC name by filing an amendment with the Florida Secretary of State. This typically costs $20-100 and takes a few weeks to process. However, changing your name can be expensive when you consider updating all your marketing materials, domain, signage, and legal documents.

Florida Business Name Generator

Generate unique business names for your Florida LLC or startup. Get AI-powered suggestions tailored to Florida businesses and local market.

Generate Business Names for Florida

Describe your business idea

Choose naming style

Professional & corporate

Why Start a Business in Florida?

$125

Filing Fee

5-7

Processing (days)

2.9M

Total Businesses

280K/yr

New Businesses

No state income tax for individuals

Strategic location for Latin American trade

Strong tourism and real estate markets

Fourth largest state economy in the US

Starting a Business in Florida

Top Cities for Business

Miami449,000
Tampa398,000
Orlando307,000
Jacksonville971,000
Fort Lauderdale183,000

Popular Industries

Tourism
Real Estate
Healthcare
Technology
Agriculture

Cost to Start a Business in Florida

LLC Filing Fee$125

Annual Report Fee$138.75/year

Name Reservation (optional)$25 for 120 days

Business License (varies by city)$50-500

Estimated Total First Year$400

Processing time: 5-7 business days

Florida Tax Overview

Florida has no state income tax. Corporate income tax is 5.5%. Sales tax is 6% state plus up to 2.5% local.

Florida Business Name Requirements

Must include "LLC", "L.L.C.", or "Limited Liability Company"
Must be distinguishable from existing entities

Restricted Words: The following words cannot be used without special approval:

Bank, Trust, Insurance, University

Business Name Ideas for Florida

Explore 30 pre-generated business name ideas across popular industries. Use these as inspiration or starting points for your own unique name.

restaurant

Sunshine Table
Fresh Florida Cuisine
Miami Eats Co.
Coastal Dining
The Florida Kitchen
Local Flavors

barbershop

Florida Barber Co.
Premium Grooming
Miami Cuts
Expert Styling
Sunshine Barbers
Classic Service

construction

Florida Build Group
Quality Construction
Sunshine Contractors
Building Florida
Tampa Builders LLC
Trusted Partners

consulting

Florida Strategy Group
Business Growth
Miami Advisors
Strategic Solutions
Sunshine Consulting
Expert Guidance

retail

Florida Mercantile
Local Goods
Sunshine Market
Quality Products
Miami Supply Co.
Premium Retail

Home Services

Florida Home Care
Complete Solutions
Sunshine Services
Expert Maintenance
Miami Home Pros
Professional Care

technology

Florida Tech Labs
Innovation
Miami Digital
Custom Development
Sunshine Software
Tech Solutions

healthcare

Florida Wellness
Quality Healthcare
Miami Medical
Patient Care
Sunshine Health
Trusted Providers

Real Estate

Florida Properties
Dream Homes
Miami Realty
Expert Service
Sunshine Living
Premium Properties

fitness

Florida Fitness
Health & Wellness
Miami Athletics
Peak Performance
Sunshine Strong
Community Fitness

Official Florida Business Resources

Florida Division of Corporations

Official business registration portal

Florida Department of Revenue

Tax registration and compliance

Florida SBDC

Small business resources and support

How to Register a Business in Florida

Annual Compliance Requirements

After forming your Florida LLC, you'll need to maintain compliance with these ongoing requirements:

File Annual Report by May 1 each year ($138.75)
Maintain registered agent in Florida
Pay federal taxes as required
Renew local business licenses annually

Check Domain Availability

Enter your business name to search for available domains

Business name

Opens GoDaddy search in a new tab

Frequently Asked Questions

Useful Tools for Florida Business Owners

Self-Employment Tax

Calculate SE tax liability

Profit Margin Calculator

Calculate your profit margins

S-Corp Salary

Optimize salary vs distribution

Generate Names for Nearby States

Ready to Launch Your Florida Business?

Jupid AI Accountant handles everything from LLC formation to ongoing tax compliance. Focus on growing your business while we handle the paperwork.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Information is accurate as of 2026-01. Always verify current requirements with the Florida Secretary of State and consult with qualified professionals before making business decisions.