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Florida . Business search

Search Florida business records like a pro.

Florida businesses are recorded publicly through Sunbiz. This guide explains how to search by name, document number, registered agent, or officer; what each status means; and how to avoid the most common search mistakes.

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Search techniques

Four ways to find a Florida entity

1. By entity name

Type the name without the LLC/Inc/Corp designation. "Acme Holdings" returns more than "Acme Holdings LLC". For exact match, include the designation.

2. By document number

The unique identifier Sunbiz assigns. Best for unambiguous lookup. Document numbers do not change over the entity's lifetime.

3. By registered agent

Useful for due-diligence: see every entity using a specific registered agent. Helps identify related-party structures.

4. By officer or director name

Find every entity where a specific person is listed. Common in litigation prep, background checks, and investor due diligence.

Status meanings

What entity status really means in Florida

Status What it means
Active / Good StandingEntity exists, current on filings and franchise tax. Can transact business and qualify for loans.
Active (not in good standing)Entity exists but missed something. Cannot get a Certificate of Good Standing. Banks may decline transactions.
Administratively DissolvedFlorida dissolved for failure to file or pay. Can be reinstated by filing back reports and paying penalties.
Voluntarily DissolvedMembers or shareholders filed Articles of Dissolution. Cannot be reinstated without forming a new entity.
Merged / ConvertedEntity merged into another or converted to a different form. The surviving entity holds all rights.
Search mistakes

The five most common Sunbiz search mistakes

  • 1. Including the entity designation. Drop the LLC/Inc/Corp suffix to widen results.
  • 2. Assuming Active means current on filings. Active confirms existence only. Check the specific filing fields.
  • 3. Confusing Administratively Dissolved with Voluntarily Dissolved. Only Administratively Dissolved can be reinstated.
  • 4. Checking only the entity name. The same name can appear under different document numbers. Use the document number for unambiguous identification.
  • 5. Trusting the search for good standing certification. Banks and other states require an actual Certificate of Good Standing.
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How do I do a Florida business search?
Use the Sunbiz system or run a search through File.Business. Search by entity name, document number, registered agent, or officer. The results show entity status, registered agent, last filing date, and key dates.
What does Active mean in a Florida business search?
Active means the entity legally exists. It does NOT necessarily mean current on filings. Cross-check the specific filing fields.
What does Administratively Dissolved mean in Florida?
Florida dissolved the entity for failure to file or pay. Reinstatement is available by filing back reports and paying penalties.
Can I search by registered agent in Florida?
Yes. Useful for due diligence and identifying related-party structures.
Is the Florida business search free?
Yes. Sunbiz provides free entity searches. Certified copies and Certificates of Good Standing have separate fees.
How current is the Florida business search data?
Sunbiz updates within 1 to 3 business days. File.Business updates within minutes of state confirmation.
Can I get a Certificate of Good Standing through the search?
A search shows status. The certificate must be ordered separately. Florida charges $8.75. File.Business orders it for you.

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Disclosure. File.Business is a private business filing and compliance service. We are not a government agency and are not affiliated with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations or any Secretary of State office. You may file directly with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations. Information on this page is for general guidance only and is not legal, tax, or accounting advice. Fees and deadlines verified against the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations as of June 2026 and may change. For entity-specific guidance, consult a licensed Florida attorney or CPA.

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File.Business is a private business filing and compliance service. We are not a government agency and are not affiliated with any Secretary of State office. You may file directly with the appropriate state agency. SOC 2 Type II audited. 220,000+ businesses formed since 2017.