The Ultimate Guide to Naming an LLC in Florida

Registering your freelance business as an LLC (Limited Liability Company) comes all sorts of perks.  But before you can reap the benefits of operating as an LLC, you need to complete your registration. And the first step involves coming up with a unique name. 

Also referred to as a “trade name,” you’ll use this name for everything from setting up your business’s bank account and signing contracts, to representing yourself in legal cases. 

The good news is that you get to choose your LLC’s name, so get as creative as you want. The bad news is that your choice might be limited by some confusing legal rules and regulations. And, to make things even more complicated, every state has its own detailed rules about how you can name your LLC. 

Since you’re planning on registering your LLC in Florida, having an understanding of the state’s naming requirements is key. After all, if you don’t know the rules, you might end up wasting time coming up with a name that ends up getting rejected, or violates an existing trademark. And no one likes rejection…or lawsuits! 

So, if you’re a freelancer in Florida, check out the information below to learn a bit about what it takes to name your business right.  

Florida LLC Name Requirements

Your business’s name must end with one of the following:

•     Limited Liability Company
•     Limited Company
•     LLC
•     L.L.C

You can even opt to abbreviate the words “Limited” and “Company” as “Ltd.” and “Co.” 

Most people just stick with “LLC”. 

As an example, let’s say you want to call your business the ABC limited liability company. You can write it out as: 

•     ABC Limited Liability Company
•     ABC Limited Liability Co.
•     ABC Ltd. Liability Co.
•     ABC L.L.C.
•     ABC LLC

Whatever name you choose shouldn’t be misleading to the public. 

For example, your LLC’s name shouldn’t imply a false government affiliation.  

This is why using words like the following would be a big no-no: 

•     Agency
•     Commission
•     Department
•     Bureau
•     Division
•     Municipal
•     Board

Your LLC’s Name Can’t Be Similar to Existing Florida LLCs

Florida law specifies that your LLC’s name needs to be unique in several ways, so you can’t just use any name you want and add “LLC” to the end of it. 

Here’s what you should keep in mind as you brainstorm the perfect name for your business:

The name can’t be the same as, or even just too similar to, the name of an existing LLC that’s on file with the Florida Division of Corporations.

Expect that, when you file your LLC articles of organization with the Division of Corporations, they’ll check to ensure that your proposed name isn’t already used.  

If that name is registered by someone else, your articles will be rejected and you’ll need to refile using a new name. 

There is an exception, though: 

If the other LLC agrees to let you use the name, you might be good to go. Unfortunately, it’s usually either impossible or too expensive to get this consent. 

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How can you be sure that your name won’t end up rejected? 

Before filing your articles, check if the name that you want to use is actually available in Florida.  You can’t reserve an LLC name in Florida, so file your articles of organization soon after you find a name that you want. 

If you’re using an attorney, they can help you check for the name’s availability. Just keep in mind that attorney fees could quickly add up, and those costs burn when you’re first starting off.  

If you’re filing all the paperwork yourself, it’s up to you to check the availability of the name you want. You can perform a search for the name in the online Florida Division of Corporations Records Database.  

But you should be aware that this database only shows you the names of other LLCs that are registered with the Florida Division of Corporations. If you want to be sure that your name doesn’t match the names of registered businesses in other states, this isn’t a good tool to use.  

Businesses with Similar Names in Other States

What if another business is using a similar name in another state? It still might not be a good idea to use it, even if you’d be able to register it with ease in Florida.

Tips:

1. You shouldn’t use a name similar to that of a well-known business.

We’re talking about names like Amazon, Tesla, or McDonald’s. 

Did you know that these companies will sue other businesses that use similar names? McDonald’s regularly sues companies that use the “Mc” prefix. Pretty extreme, but true. 

So, to avoid problems, it’s best to steer clear of similar business names.

2. You shouldn’t use a name that’s similar to another company that provides goods and services like yours.

If the other business finds out, it might sue you for unfair competition. 

If you’re only planning on doing business locally, you can search for the names of local businesses within your niche. 

If you’re planning on doing business around the country, search for businesses on a national level.

How to search for business names that might be too similar to yours:

1. Perform an online search for the business name that you’re hoping to use. See if anyone else, anywhere, is already using it or something similar. Also look into what goods and services they provide.
2. Check out SuperPages or the Thomas Register of Products and Services to search for trade and corporate names online. It’s free!

What About Trademarks?

Trademarks are different from business names. We know, it gets confusing. Hold tight, we’re about to explain.

First off, when the Florida Division of Corporations registers your LLC name, it merely establishes that name as your LLC’s formal legal name. It doesn’t necessarily mean that you actually have the legal right to use that name, or any form of it, to sell your products or services.

Secondly, there are both federal and state trademark laws designed to protect the names that are used to market products and services. Companies often use a shorter version of their business name as a trademark. 

Example: Apple Computer Corporation becomes Apple, which is the trademark for all of those computers and devices everyone loves.

Okay, but what does this all mean for you, the freelancer who just wants to register their LLC and get started making money? 

Well, if you choose a name that’s the same or similar to a registered trademark for another business you might get sued for trademark infringement when you try to market your products or services. Yikes!

So, in addition to checking if your preferred business name is already registered by another company, you also need to check that you won’t be competing with an existing trademark.

For details on how to search for registered trademarks, check out our article, Guide to Trademark Research.

What if your LLC’s name is registered as a trademark by someone else?

You’ll need to limit the use of that name to your bank account and legal documents. And that could leave you walking on eggshells. 

But, here’s the thing: you don’t have to use your official legal business name to market your goods or services!

Here’s an example of what we mean:

If you registered your LLC as “AAA Web Design, LLC,” you can operate under a fictitious name, like “Gorgeous Websites for Cheap.” 

Use that name on your website, business cards, promotional materials, advertising, etc. by filing a fictitious name registration, which is also known as DBA (“doing business as”). 

You file this online with the Florida Division of Corporations, pay a $50 fee, and your registration is good throughout the state. 

Note:

Your fictitious name can’t be the same or similar to another fictitious name that’s already on file with the Florida Division of Corporations. 

And it can’t be a name that might violate a trademark. 

So, before you file the registration application, you’ll need to do more searching in the online Florida Division of Corporations Records Database.   

Tips for Naming Your LLC in Florida

Wow, this information is a lot to take in. Take a breath, and know that you can definitely get it all done and have the perfect LLC name. But, before we send you on your way, we have a few other tips for you. 

1. Check if your LLC’s name can be used as your domain name for your website.

Search through domain name registration websites like Register and Network Solutions, or browse the hosting service that you plan on using, like WordPress.  

You might need to purchase a domain name that’s owned by someone else, or tweak your domain name to find one that’s available.  

This link has a list of resources that could help you generate a domain name if you’re having trouble. 

2. Come up with a distinctive business name that stands out, especially if you plan to use a version of your name as a trademark or service mark.

Think about it: you know exactly what Exxon and Häagen-Dazs are because they’re such original names.  

Plus, the more distinctive a business name is, the more protection it receives as a trademark.  

A name that’s not distinctive, or even considered weak, might not get as much, if any, legal protection. 

3. Choose a name that’s appealing, memorable, easy to use, easy to pronounce, and easy to spell.  

Keeping your name short is also recommended. 

4. Avoid the use of personal names (first names, surnames, nicknames, and initials) in your company name.

Also, avoid names that describe your geographic location, like “Florida Marketing Research, LLC”.  

And avoid names that describe the attributes of your products or services, like “Original Web Design, LLC”. Come on, you can do better than that! 

Ready to Come Up with the Perfect Name for Your LLC? 

When you’re ready to launch your business, start by getting creative and coming up with a list of potential LLC names that you’d be happy using. 

Then, keep things simple by contacting us. Collective performs all of the appropriate searches to find out if any potential names don’t make the cut. And we’ll even guide you through the process of registering your business.  

Before you know it, you’ll be one step closer to operating like a pro!