Florida Fictitious Name (DBA) Registration

2. Florida Legal Context

Florida fictitious names are regulated by Chapter 865.09, Florida Statutes.

Key requirements include:

• File online with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz)
• Publish a legal notice in a local newspaper prior to filing (required by statute)
• Fictitious name registration is valid for 5 years and must be renewed
• Does not create a separate legal entity

Note: A DBA is required if you are conducting business under a name other than your personal legal name or your entity’s registered name.

3. Real-World Application

Examples of when to register a DBA in Florida:

• A sole proprietor named Maria Sanchez wants to run her business as “Gulf Coast Bookkeeping”
• An LLC named “Tampa Ventures, LLC” opens a bakery and wants to operate as “Sunshine Bakeshop”
• A corporation launches a new product line and markets it under a unique brand

All of these require fictitious name registration to comply with Florida law and secure the brand.

4. Why It Matters for Business Owners

Key benefits of registering a fictitious name:

• Legally operate under a trade name
• Comply with state regulations and avoid fines
• Advertise, brand, and build trust using a public-facing business name
• Open bank accounts in the DBA name
• Maintain a separate identity for product lines or divisions under the same company

Risks of skipping this step:

• Legal penalties for noncompliance
• Inability to enforce contracts under unregistered names
• Banks may deny account opening

5. How Our Law Firm Can Help

We make DBA registration simple, legal, and compliant:

• Conduct a fictitious name search for availability
• Prepare and file your Fictitious Name Registration with Sunbiz
• Ensure you meet the legal notice publication requirement
• Help align your DBA with your contracts, licenses, and tax records
• Bundle fictitious name filings with your LLC or corporate formation

Flat-Fee Retainers – Includes filing and legal notice compliance. 1-Hour Strategy Consultations – Determine if a DBA is needed or if full entity formation is a better fit. 3-Hour Master Strategy Sessions – For multi-brand planning and DBA use within larger entity structures. BELAW Membership – Ongoing support for renewals, compliance, and name protection.

6. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Is a DBA required in Florida? A: Yes, if you’re doing business under any name other than your personal name or your entity’s registered name.

Q: Can two businesses have the same DBA in Florida? A: Possibly. Florida does not prevent duplicate fictitious names, so trademark protection is separate and recommended.

Q: Do I need to register a DBA if I already have an LLC? A: Only if you are operating under a name different from the official LLC name.

Q: How long does a Florida fictitious name registration last? A: Five (5) years. You must renew before expiration to remain compliant.

Q: Do I need to publish a notice in a newspaper? A: Yes. Florida law requires that you publish a legal notice prior to registering the fictitious 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.