Business Name Reservation in Florida

2. Florida Legal Context

Florida does not allow you to reserve a business name in advance without forming a business entity. However, you can:

• Search name availability using the Sunbiz Name Search Tool
• Register your entity (LLC, Corporation, Nonprofit) with your chosen name before someone else does
• Register a Fictitious Name (DBA) to operate under a different business name

Legal Requirements for Business Names in Florida:

• Must be distinguishable from existing registered entities in Sunbiz
• Must include appropriate suffixes: “LLC,” “Inc.,” “Corp.,” or “P.A.” depending on entity type
• Must not contain misleading words (e.g., “bank,” “insurance,” unless appropriately licensed)

3. Real-World Application

Here’s how Florida business owners typically approach name selection:

• A Fort Lauderdale entrepreneur checks Sunbiz to confirm her LLC name is available before filing Articles of Organization
• A Miami accountant starts a new professional association and chooses a name ending in “P.A.” to comply with Florida licensing rules
• A St. Petersburg-based brand wants to secure a trade name and files a Fictitious Name registration to operate under a unique brand identity

Because names are approved on a first-come, first-served basis, quick action is essential.

4. Why It Matters for Business Owners

Selecting and securing your business name is essential for:

• Brand identity – It’s how your clients, partners, and vendors know you
• Legal compliance – Avoids conflicts with other entities and ensures you meet state requirements
• Avoiding costly rebranding – Filing under an unavailable or improper name could lead to rejection or legal challenges

Risks of skipping the name check or filing too late:

• Someone else registers the name while you’re preparing documents
• Your filing is rejected by Sunbiz for name conflict
• You receive a cease-and-desist letter from a company with similar branding

5. How Our Law Firm Can Help

We help Florida entrepreneurs avoid naming pitfalls and lock in the right identity from the start:

• Perform detailed business name availability searches in Sunbiz
• Recommend alternative names if conflicts exist
• Draft and file Articles of Organization or Incorporation immediately upon confirmation
• Register Fictitious Names (DBAs) for brand flexibility
• Provide legal guidance on name protection and trademark issues

Flat-Fee Retainers – One simple fee for full entity setup and name clearance. 1-Hour Strategy Consultations – Review your proposed business name and legal fit. 3-Hour Master Strategy Sessions – For entrepreneurs creating multi-brand structures or planning IP protection. BELAW Membership – Includes year-round compliance support and name/brand expansion guidance.

6. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I reserve a business name in Florida without forming an entity? A: No. Florida does not offer formal name reservations. You must register the business or file a fictitious name to secure it.

Q: How do I know if my business name is available in Florida? A: Use the Sunbiz Name Search Tool. We can perform a full availability review for legal and brand safety.

Q: Can two businesses in Florida have the same name? A: No. Names must be distinguishable on the Sunbiz registry, even if in different industries.

Q: What is a fictitious name and how does it relate? A: A fictitious name (DBA) is a secondary name your business can operate under. It does not create a new legal entity but does offer branding flexibility.

Q: What if I’m not ready to file yet—can I still protect the name? A: Not formally in Florida. However, we recommend quick filing of your entity or DBA to secure the name.

7. How to Retain Our Law Firm

We offer multiple access points tailored to your needs:

• Flat-Fee Retainers: Set pricing based on project scope (quoted after your consultation)
• 1-Hour Strategy Consultations: A high-impact session to assess your issues, answer questions, and develop a legal roadmap. Pricing starts at $500.00.
• 3-Hour Master Strategy Sessions: A deep dive analysis with detailed, actionable solutions tailored to your business challenges
• Flagship Product: BELAW – Business + Entrepreneurship Law Advisor Program (Read below)

All services are available in-person, by phone, or virtually.

8. Flagship Product: BELAW – Business + Entrepreneurship Law Advisor Program

Our flagship service is the BELAW Membership – Business & Entrepreneurship Law Advisor Program. This is an exclusive, members-only, 12-month ON-DEMAND legal and business support program at a predictable flat monthly fee, tailored to each business client—regardless of company size.

BELAW is open to business owners, entrepreneurs, for-profit companies, non-profits, and foreign investors. Our members range from startups and nonprofits to established businesses.

At the core of BELAW is our P.O.N.C.E. methodology, developed by Attorney Gil Sanchez, to help businesses not just stay protected—but grow strategically.

What you get with BELAW:

• On demand strategic legal consultations with Attorney Gil Sanchez
• Document review and compliance audits
• Guidance on contracts, leasing, employment, and liability
• Drafting Collection Notices, Cease & Desist Letters and Confidentiality Agreements
• Proactive legal support to mitigate lawsuits and reduce risk exposure
• Strategic input on revenue-generating decisions like expansion, licensing, and joint ventures
• Entrepreneur coaching and a growing library of business education resources
• Litigation retainer and hourly rate discounts

We’re available when you need us—on demand, without hourly billing.

We make it easy to get started:

• Call or text us at (813) 254-1777
• Or fill out the secure contact form below

A member of our team will respond promptly to schedule your consultation.

9. How to Contact Our Law Firm to Retain

We make it easy for you to retain us:

• Call or text: (813) 254-1777
• Email: info@blackrocklaw.com
• Or submit your request using the form below

Our team will promptly follow up to confirm availability and next steps.

10. Who You Are Hiring

When you hire our firm, you’re not just hiring a lawyer — you’re securing the insight, grit, and expertise of Attorney Gil Sanchez.

A proud double Gator, Gil earned both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Florida — one of the top public universities in the country. Since 2004, he has built a reputation as a formidable business and trial attorney, successfully trying cases before juries in both Florida state and federal courts.

Gil’s legal practice is deeply informed by real-life experience. He launched his first business at age 13 and has continued to build, lead, and advise companies ever since. He’s a licensed business broker (since 2007), an adjunct professor of entrepreneurship at St. Petersburg College, and a trusted advisor to entrepreneurs, professionals, and business owners across Florida.

He’s also an inventor, author, and public speaker — holding a U.S. utility patent and federal trademark. His invention was featured in TIME Magazine’s Best Inventions of 2023, and his legal insights have appeared on CNN, ABC’s 20/20, and other national platforms. Raised by Colombian parents in West Virginia and fluent in Spanish, Gil brings cultural fluency, resilience, and a fighter’s mindset to every client matter.

Above all, Gil is a devoted family man — happily married and the proud father of three beautiful children. His commitment to family shapes the way he practices law: with empathy, integrity, and a relentless drive to protect what matters most.

At Black Rock Trial Lawyers, you’re not just getting a legal technician — you’re hiring a battle-tested strategist who understands both the courtroom and the real world. That’s who’s fighting for you.

11. The Law Firm’s Geographical Reach

We proudly represent businesses across all counties in Florida. With the power of virtual consultations, online filings, and remote court access, we can support your legal needs anywhere in Florida—without compromising service quality.

Our main office is in South Tampa, Florida, with a satellite office in South Florida – Miramar, Florida.

From Miami to Jacksonville, Pensacola to Key West—Black Rock Trial Lawyers is here to help Florida businesses thrive.

12. Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as legal advice. Every individual and business matter involves unique facts and circumstances that must be carefully evaluated. Additionally, Florida laws, including statutes and case law, are subject to frequent changes, and the information presented here may not reflect the most current legal developments. For a formal legal opinion or advice specific to your situation, you must consult directly with an attorney at our firm. No attorney-client relationship is formed by viewing this site or by contacting our office through this website.