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Wanting to add a DBA To Your Existing LLC in Florida?
An LLC is a limited liability company, which is a business structure that offers personal liability protection and flexibility when it comes to how the company is taxed. An LLC in Florida can be formed by filing Articles of Incorporation with the Florida Department of State.
When doing business as an LLC, you may want to also do business as a DBA, or “doing business as.” A DBA allows you to operate your business under a different name. For example, if your LLC is called XYZ LLC, but you want to do business as ABC Company, you would file a DBA.
The benefits to this are that it can help you brand your business and make it more recognizable to customers. It can also be helpful if you have multiple businesses operating under the same LLC.
What is a DBA?
A dba, or “doing business as,” is a name that a company uses for business purposes that is different from its legal, registered name. A dba allows a company to conduct business under a name that is different from its legal name for branding purposes or to more easily identify the company’s products or services.
Think about it as a brand name for your company.
For example, if your LLC’s legal name is XYZ LLC, but you want to do business as ABC Company, you would file a DBA. This would allow you to operate your business under the name ABC Company, which may be more recognizable to customers than XYZ LLC.
It’s important to note that a DBA is not a separate legal entity from your LLC– it is simply an alias for your company.
These are the steps to add a DBA TO AN LLC in Florida
STEP 1.
Choose The DBA Name and research if it’s available
The first step is to come up with the name you want to use for your DBA. Once you have a few ideas, you’ll need to do a little research to see if the name is available. You can do this by searching online business databases or checking with your local county clerk’s office.
If the name is available, you can move on to the next step. If not, you’ll need to choose another name and start the research process over again.
STEP 2.
Once you see that your DBA is available you must use your name in a local search newspaper. The publication of the DBA notice is how the state learns of your new business venture and how the public becomes aware that you will be “doing business as” a different name.
How to publish a fictitious business name in a newspaper in Florida
The process for publishing a DBA in a local newspaper may vary slightly from county to county, but there are some general steps you can follow.
First, find a local newspaper that accepts legal notices. You can usually find this information on the newspaper’s website.
Once you’ve found a newspaper, you’ll need to prepare your notice. This should include the DBA name, the names of all LLC members who are authorizing the use of the DBA, and the address of the LLC’s principal place of business.
You may also be required to include a statement that says how long you plan on using the DBA name.
Once your notice is prepared, you can contact the newspaper to find out how to submit it. Some newspapers may require that you submit your notice in person, while others may allow you to submit it online or by mail.
When submitting your notice, you will likely be required to pay a publication fee.
After your DBA has been published in the newspaper, you should receive a copy of the publication from the newspaper. This is typically called an “affidavit of publication.” Keep this in a safe place– you’ll need it as proof that you’ve met the publication requirements when you file for your DBA.
STEP 3.
Get the proper forms
The next step is to get the forms you’ll need to file for your DBA.
In Florida, companies can register their DBA with the state Division of Corporations. The process for doing so is relatively simple and can be completed online.
1. Go to the Florida Division of Corporations website (click here)
2. Click on the link labeled “Apply for a DBA.”
3. Enter the legal name of your LLC, as well as the dba you would like to use.
4. Click on the “Submit” button.
5. Enter your payment information. The fee for filing a dba in Florida is $50.
6. Click on the “Submit” button to complete the process.
Your LLC will now be able to conduct business under the dba you have chosen. You may need to update your LLC’s articles of incorporation or operating agreement to reflect the new name. You will also need to use the dba when opening a business bank account and applying for any business licenses or permits you may need.
There is another important additional requirement for LLCs that have more than one owner: you must file a Certificate of Authority with the Florida Division of Corporations before you can begin doing business under your dba. The Certificate of Authority is also known as a foreign qualification certificate.
The process for filing a Certificate of Authority is similar to the process for registering a dba. You will need to provide the legal name and address of your LLC, as well as the names and addresses of all LLC owners. You will also need to provide the name and address of your LLC’s registered agent in Florida.
Once you have filed your Certificate of Authority, you will be able to use your dba when conducting business in Florida.
You will also need to renew your dba every five years in order to keep it active.
STEP 4.
Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for your DBA- if you do not already have one for your LLC
The next step is to get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for your DBA. This is a unique nine-digit number that is assigned by the IRS and used to identify your business for tax purposes.
You can apply for an EIN online, by mail, or by fax.
You’ll need to provide some basic information about your business, such as the business name and address, the names of the LLC members, and the type of business activity you’ll be engaged in.
Once you have your EIN, you can use it to open a bank account in the name of your DBA.
STEP 5.
Open a bank account for your DBA
The final step is to open a bank account in the name of your DBA. This will allow you to keep your personal finances separate from your business finances and will make it easier to track your business expenses.
When opening a bank account, you’ll need to provide your EIN, as well as some other basic information about your business.
You should now have everything you need to get started using your DBA.
Adding a dba to your LLC can be a simple and effective way to brand your business or more easily identify your products or services. The process for doing so in Florida is relatively straightforward, but there are a few important steps that you will need to take in order to ensure compliance with state law.
Alternatively, you can use a professional service to help you with this process.
People Also Ask:
Does a DBA expire in Florida?
A DBA will expire in Florida every five years. You will need to renew your DBA in order to keep it active. The renewal fee is $50.
Do I need a DBA for my LLC in Florida?
You do not need a DBA for your LLC in Florida if you are conducting business under your LLC’s legal, registered name. However, if you would like to conduct business under a different name, you will need to file a DBA.
Can I have more than one DBA for my LLC in Florida?
Yes, you can have more than one DBA for your LLC in Florida. You will need to file a separate DBA application for each name you would like to use.
What is the difference between a DBA and a trade name?
A DBA is a trade name that is registered with the state. A trade name is not necessarily registered with the state and can be used without formally registering it.
Do I need to publish my DBA in Florida?
Yes, you will need to publish your DBA in a local newspaper in Florida. This is how the state becomes aware of your new business venture and how the public becomes aware that you will be “doing business as” a different name.
Can I file my DBA online in Florida?
Yes, you can file your DBA online through the Florida Division of Corporations website.
How much does it cost to file a DBA in Florida?
The fee for filing a DBA in Florida is $50.
When should I file my DBA in Florida?
You should file your DBA as soon as you decide on the name you would like to use for your business. This will ensure that no one else can register the same name and that you can begin using the name for your business immediately.
