So You Want a Fancy New Name for Your Florida Business: The DBA Debacle (and How Long It Actually Takes)
Let's face it, "John's Plumbing Emporium" isn't exactly setting the world on fire. But fret not, aspiring entrepreneur, for the magic of the DBA (Doing Business As) is here to whisk you away to a land of cooler business names! But before you go all Willy Wonka and christen your dog-walking service "Fido's Fantastic Footfalls," there's a tiny detail to consider: the wait time.
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| How Long Does It Take To Get A Dba In Florida |
The Great Fictitious Name Publication Quest: A Newspaper Adventure (or Not)
Florida, in its infinite wisdom, requires you to publish a notice of your intent to use a fancy new name in a local newspaper. Yes, you read that right, grab your rotary phone and head to the nearest newsstand (or, more realistically, find a newspaper that does online submissions). This bureaucratic hurdle adds some time to the process, but fear not, intrepid business owner! The publication itself usually only takes a week or two.
Pro Tip: While you're at it, maybe write a catchy classified ad for your new business venture. "Slightly-used tuba for sale, perfect for enthusiastic beginners (neighbors beware)" - you never know what gold you might unearth!
The State Says: We See You (and Maybe Approve You Soon-ish)
Once you've conquered the newspaper beast, it's time to file your official DBA application with the Florida Secretary of State. The good news? This part is speedy. Online submissions are processed in a flash - 2-3 business days. But if you're feeling particularly nostalgic for snail mail, expect it to take a leisurely 3-5 days.
Tip: Revisit challenging parts.
Side Note: Be sure to check for name availability before you get too attached to your new moniker. There's nothing worse than waiting for your DBA approval only to discover your dream name is already taken (by someone selling slightly-used tubas, perhaps?).
So, how long does the whole DBA rodeo actually take? Add the publication time (1-2 weeks) to the state processing time (2-5 days) and you're looking at roughly a month to transform your business from "John's Plumbing Emporium" to something a little more... pizzazz.
But wait! There's more!
Reminder: Take a short break if the post feels long.
This is all assuming everything goes smoothly, which, let's be honest, isn't always the case. Maybe you forget to include a crucial piece of information in your application, or perhaps a rogue squirrel decides to take a nap on your newspaper submission (hey, it's Florida). So, factor in a little buffer time for any unexpected hiccups.
Burning Questions Answered: Your DBA FAQ
How to check for name availability for my DBA?
The Florida Division of Corporations has a nifty online database where you can search for available business names https://dos.fl.gov/sunbiz/search/guides/fictitious-name/.
Tip: Don’t just scroll to the end — the middle counts too.
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How to file a DBA application in Florida?
You can file your DBA application online through the Sunbiz website https://dos.fl.gov/sunbiz/start-business/.
How much does it cost to get a DBA in Florida?
QuickTip: Let each idea sink in before moving on.
The filing fee for a DBA in Florida is a cool $50, with an additional $30 for a certified copy if you need one.
How long is a DBA valid for in Florida?
A DBA registration in Florida is valid for 5 years, after which you can renew it if you wish to continue using your fancy new business name.
How to celebrate getting my awesome new DBA?
This one's easy - throw a business launch party! Invite your friends, family, and maybe even that squirrel who (hopefully) didn't delay your application.
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