Short answer. The Department of State, Division of Corporations. The law covers any person, which includes individuals and business entities. Valid for five years and expires on December 31 of the fifth year. Renew between July 1 and December 31 of the expiration year; the Division mails a reminder at least three months ahead.
At a glance
- Called
- fictitious name
- Where to file
- State office
- Filing fee
- $50 to register.
- Local fees vary
- No local filing
- How long it lasts
- 5 years, to December 31
- Newspaper notice
- Yes
- Online filing
- Register or renew online on Sunbiz; a change of ownership or cancellation can't be filed online.
Renewal, with dates
Valid for five years and expires on December 31 of the fifth year. Renew between July 1 and December 31 of the expiration year; the Division mails a reminder at least three months ahead.
For a registration filed on Saturday, November 7, 2026:
- Sole proprietor or partnership: expires Wednesday, December 31, 2031; renewal window opens Tuesday, July 1, 2031
The newspaper notice
Advertise the name at least once in a newspaper in the county of the principal place of business before registering. No proof of the ad is required; you certify it when you sign.
Filed on Saturday, November 7, 2026, the dates work out as:
- Notice must run on or before: Saturday, November 7, 2026
Your own date: open the calculator set to Florida.
Official sources
- Florida Division of Corporations: Fictitious name registration (checked November 2026)
- Florida Division of Corporations: Fictitious name general information (checked November 2026)
General information, not legal advice; we are not lawyers. Checked November 2026 against the pages above. Fees and forms change, and a county or town office can add its own steps, so confirm with the filing office before you file. We don't file DBAs or trade names for anyone.
Questions people ask
Where is a DBA filed in Florida?
It's called a fictitious name. The Department of State, Division of Corporations. The law covers any person, which includes individuals and business entities.
What does it cost to register a business name in Florida?
$50 to register.
How long does a Florida fictitious name last?
Valid for five years and expires on December 31 of the fifth year. Renew between July 1 and December 31 of the expiration year; the Division mails a reminder at least three months ahead.
Does Florida require a newspaper notice?
Yes. Advertise the name at least once in a newspaper in the county of the principal place of business before registering. No proof of the ad is required; you certify it when you sign.
Can the filing be done online in Florida?
Register or renew online on Sunbiz; a change of ownership or cancellation can't be filed online.
All states: DBA registration by state · California · Georgia