CHECKING NAME AVAILABILITY FOR A CORPORATION IN FLORIDA

The State of Florida maintains a web site where you can check to determine whether the corporate name that you desire is available.

To search for name availibility online in Florida, CLICK HERE. This link will take you directly to the name inquiring portion of the Florida Web Site. This search will give you a list of names organized alphabetically that are close to the name that you desire.

It is suggested that you search in a few different ways depending upon what name you select. You should search for the entire name that you wish to secure. Print out the results of this search and keep it for your records. You should also do a partial name search to determine what names may be close, but not exactly like the name you wish to obtain.

For example, if the name that you have chosen is ABC Vending Supplies, Inc., you should search ABC Vending Supplies, ABC Vending, and perhaps ABC Ven so you will get a picture of what names may be similar to the one you have selected.

Florida also maintains a telephone service where you can call to get information on what names are available. The telephone number is 850-488-900.

Checking the corporate name in advance is necessary and will save you a lot of time. If you do not check first, your incorporation papers will be returned to you if there is a conflicting name and you will need to start over again from scratch.

FLORIDA'S RULES ON SELECTING A CORPORATE NAME

607.0401 Corporate name.--A corporate name:

(1) Must contain the word "corporation," "company," or "incorporated" or the abbreviation "corp.," "Inc.," or "Co.," or words or abbreviations of like import in language, as will clearly indicate that it is a corporation instead of a natural person or partnership;

(2) May not contain language stating or implying that the corporation is organized for a purpose other than that permitted in this act and its articles of incorporation;

(3) May not contain language stating or implying that the corporation is connected with a state or federal government agency or a corporation chartered under the laws of the United States; and

(4) Must be distinguishable from the names of all other entities or filings, except fictitious name registrations pursuant to s. 865.09, organized, registered, or reserved under the laws of this state, which names are on file with the Division of Corporations.