NEWSPAPER PUBLICATIONS:

Florida state requires every intent to register a Fictitious Name / DBA be published with the county where the business resides, prior to registration. Publication service is included in our charge of $220. Our legal publisher will provide proof of publication free of charge.

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ADVANTAGES OF DBA:

You can use your DBA name instead of your personal name to conduct business, collect payments and open bank accounts.

It allows a single legal entity (corporation, LLC, etc.) to operate multiple businesses without creating a new legal entity for each business.

Cost-effective and simple way to start doing business, without ongoing maintenance or the costs associated with forming a Corporation or LLC

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DBA MAKES IT EASY TO...

• Open a bank account and collect checks and payments under your business name
• Start publishing and advertising on business cards, signs and your website
• Look more professional and discourage others from using your name

Fortunately, FloridaRegistrations.org makes the process easy. Simply answer a few questions online, and we will prepare the application for you, and file it with the proper state agency.

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RESTRICTIONS TO DBA NAMES:

There are restrictions on the words that a DBA can contain. However, most of the restrictions are in place to ensure that your DBA name does not mislead the general public or imply that the business is a different type of entity than it actually is. For example, you cannot make your DBA name "Acme Incorporated" if you have not filed the necessary documents to legally form a Corporation. Likewise, you cannot include "LLC" in your DBA name if you haven't yet filed the documents to legally form an LLC, also you cannot use Ltd., LP, LLP, etc.

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WHAT IS A DBA / FICTITIOUS NAME:

A fictitious name means any name under which a person transacts business in this state, other than his legal name. Business means any enterprise or venture in which a person sells, buys, exchanges, barters, deals, or represents the dealing in any thing or article of value, or renders services for compensation. Legal name means a person's given name, or an entity that has been properly registered. Examples: trademarks, service marks, corporations, limited partnerships.

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WORKERS COMP EXEMPT REQUIREMENTS:

The registration of a Fictitious Name does not satisfy the Workers Comp Exemption requirements. Corporations satisfy the Wrokers comp requirements for both construction and non-construction industries, LLCs only satisfy the requirements for construction industry.

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WILL I RECEIVE ANYTHING IN THE MAIL:

Upon finalizing your DBA registration, Florida Registrations will email you your approved by the state paperwork. That will be sent as a pdf attachment, to the email address you listed on the online application, and will also be available for download, in the Florida state business database. We can also email you a link to your DBA / Fictitious Name listing in the state database, upon request. You can use those documents for any legal reason, to prove the status of your DBA, open a business bank account for your company, or apply for licenses and permits.

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HOW LONG IS THE DBA REGISTRATION VALID FOR:

The fictitious name registration is valid for a period of 5 years and expires on December 31 of the 5th year. The Division of Corporations will mail a renewal application to the last reported mailing address at least 3 months prior to its expiration. All fictitious names registered must maintain a current mailing address with the Division. Address changes must be made by letter or other written communication to the Division of Corporations.

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FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME / DBA / TRADE NAME:

A fictitious business name and DBA or "doing business as" name are one and the same. There is no difference between the two. A fictitious business name is, in fact, frequently referred to as DBA and vice versa. It is also often called an assumed business name or a trade name, the latter because it is the name you are using to engage in your chosen trade, occupation or business.

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WHEN IS A REGISTRATION NECESSARY:
DBA registration is necessary if your company conducts any business and/or collects money under a name other than your own name. "Conducting business" can include marketing, advertising, letterhead, business cards, etc., in addition to actual business transactions. Also, banks generally require a DBA registration in order to open a business bank account 

Just as important is your ability to open a bank account with your business name. However, over 70% of people make mistakes while trying to file legal documents, so doing a DBA without help can be challenging.

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CORP ADVANTAGES:

There are many advantages to incorporating your business.  Liability protection of your personal assets is one of the primary reasons why a small business will form a corporation.  Incorporating helps to separate your personal assets from that of your business.   A corporation is a legal entity that exists separately from its owners or shareholders. Typically, shareholders are not liable for the debts and obligations of the corporation or from any litigation where the corporation is the defendant.  In a partnership or sole proprietorship, the creditors can go after the owner's personal assets if the company assets are not enough to settle a claim.

1) A Florida corporation will have an unlimited life.

2) Incorporations have limited liability protection for shareholders.

3) Shares are transferable.

4) Check with a CPA in Florida, because you may be able to reduce taxes.

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WHAT IS A CORPORATION / CORP. / INC. :

The corporation is a separate and distinct legal entity apart from the owners of the business. A corporation can own property, enter into contracts, and conduct business under its own name.

Management decisions must often be made by formal vote and recorded in corporate minutes. Director and shareholder meetings must be properly noticed and documented.

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RESTRICTIONS TO A CORPORATE NAME:

There are restrictions on the words that a Corporation can contain. However, most of the restrictions are in place to ensure that your Corporation name does not mislead the general public or imply that the business is a different type of entity than it actually is. For example, you cannot make your Corp. name "Acme LLC" if you have not filed the necessary documents with your Secretary of State to legally form an LLC. Likewise, you cannot include "DBA" in your Corp. name if you haven't yet filed the documents to legally form a DBA.

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