When it comes to verifying the legitimacy of a business in Florida or retrieving essential details about a corporate entity, the Florida Secretary of State (FL SOS) Business Search is your authoritative and most reliable tool. Whether you’re an entrepreneur doing due diligence, an investor verifying company records, or a curious citizen checking a company’s registration status, this guide offers a step-by-step and deeply informative overview to empower your search efforts.
What Is the FL SOS Business Search?
The Florida Department of State Division of Corporations offers a robust business search platform known as Sunbiz, where all records for business entities registered in the state of Florida are maintained. This free-to-use search portal allows users to locate information on corporations, LLCs, partnerships, trademarks, fictitious names, and more.
Why Use the FL SOS Business Search Tool?
Using the FL SOS business entity search gives you access to a wealth of public data that includes:
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Business status (active, inactive, dissolved)
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Registered agent name and contact information
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Filing history and document images
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Annual report filings
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Date of incorporation
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Principal office address
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Manager or officer details
This transparency helps protect consumers, facilitate business decisions, and ensure regulatory compliance.
How to Use the Florida Business Search Tool Effectively
To begin your search, go to the Sunbiz.org Search Page. Once there, you can perform several types of searches depending on the information you have:
1. Search by Entity Name
This is the most common search method. Simply type in the business name or a portion of it. The system will return a list of all matching entities.
Tips for best results:
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Avoid punctuation.
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Use keywords if the full name is unknown.
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Use partial matches to yield broader results.
2. Search by Officer or Registered Agent Name
If you know the name of a company’s principal, director, or registered agent, this option allows you to see all businesses associated with that individual.
This is particularly useful when tracking ownership or verifying involvement across multiple businesses.
3. Search by Document Number
Each Florida business is assigned a document number a unique identifier used for official records. If you have this number, it’s the quickest way to find precise information.
4. Search by EIN (Employer Identification Number)
Although not openly provided for privacy reasons, some business filings may include references to EINs. If accessible, this number also uniquely identifies an entity.
5. Search for Fictitious Names (DBA)
Businesses operating under a name other than their legal name must register a fictitious name, also known as a “Doing Business As” (DBA). You can search specifically for these names in the Fictitious Name Search section.
Understanding Business Search Results
When you click on a business name, the FL SOS business portal will display a detailed profile, which includes:
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FEI/EIN Number (if public)
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Status (Active, Inactive, Admin Dissolution)
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Last Filing Date
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Next Annual Report Due Date
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Registered Agent Details
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Certificate of Status Ordering Link
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Image Document Links (Articles of Incorporation, Amendments, Annual Reports, etc.)
How to Use FL Business Information for Due Diligence
The information available through the Florida business search portal is invaluable for:
Business Partnerships and Mergers
Before entering a business partnership or merger, verify that your potential partner is legally registered, in good standing, and compliant with all filing requirements.
Investor Verification
Cross-check the legitimacy of a company before investing funds by reviewing their formation documents and corporate history.
Legal and Compliance Checks
Ensure the business is not administratively dissolved or in violation of Florida corporate laws before proceeding with contracts or service agreements.
Consumer Safety
Protect yourself by verifying the authenticity of a business offering services or selling products online or offline.
How to File an Annual Report or Amend Entity Information
All business entities in Florida must file an annual report between January 1st and May 1st to maintain active status. This can also be done through Sunbiz:
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Navigate to “File Annual Report”
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Enter the document number
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Update details as necessary (addresses, officers, etc.)
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Pay the required filing fee
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Submit and receive confirmation
Missing the deadline incurs a $400 late fee, and failure to file may result in administrative dissolution.
How to Order Official Business Documents
You can order official business documents directly from the Florida SOS:
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Certificate of Status
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Certified Copies of Filing
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Articles of Dissolution
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Amendments
These documents are often needed for legal proceedings, financing, or expanding operations into other states.
Sunbiz Tips: Maximize Your Search Efficiency
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Bookmark Entity Pages for quick future access
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Download Filing Images for your records
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Set Reminders for annual report deadlines
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Monitor Entity Status regularly for legal standing
Common Terms You Should Know
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Active: The entity is in good standing and compliant.
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Inactive: The entity may be dissolved, revoked, or delinquent.
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Fictitious Name: A registered alias under which a business operates.
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Registered Agent: The person or entity designated to receive legal documents on behalf of the business.
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Document Number: Unique ID assigned to every Florida business filing.
Need Help? Contact Florida Division of Corporations
If you need direct assistance, the Florida Division of Corporations can be contacted via:
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Phone: (850) 245-6000
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Email: corphelp@dos.myflorida.com
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Mailing Address:
Florida Department of State
Division of Corporations
P.O. Box 6327
Tallahassee, FL 32314
Final Thoughts on FL SOS Business Search
The FL SOS Business Search tool is an essential resource for anyone engaging with Florida-based businesses. It promotes transparency, fosters trust, and protects stakeholders from fraud or misinformation. Whether you are starting a business, investing in one, or ensuring legal compliance, mastering this tool is a powerful asset.
