So You Want a Fancy New Name for Your Florida Hustle? How to Get a DBA and Avoid Business Name Blunders
Ever dreamt of ditching the boring business name and rocking a cool, catchy moniker that screams success? Well, my friend, in Florida, that requires a little somethin' somethin' called a DBA (Doing Business As). But fear not, fellow entrepreneur extraordinaire! This guide will have you navigating the DBA maze like a champ, with a sprinkle of humor along the way.
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| How To Get A Dba In Florida |
Step 1: Brainstorm Like a Boss (But Not Too Bossy)
Think of your ideal business name. Remember, it should be catchy, memorable, and avoid sounding like a rejected superhero alias (Captain Cupcake just isn't intimidating). Make sure it reflects your brand and isn't already trademarked by some other big shot (unless you want a lawsuit that'll make your bank account cry).
Pro Tip: Dust off your childhood thesaurus and get creative!
Step 2: Publish and Be Heard (Except Maybe Not By Your Neighbors)
Florida law says you gotta shout your intentions from the rooftops (well, kinda). You need to publish a legal notice in a local newspaper announcing your plan to use this fancy new name. Don't worry, you don't have to rent a billboard, a one-time ad will do.
Sub-heading: The Great Newspaper Debate
QuickTip: Revisit posts more than once.
Now, some counties in Florida might be stuck in the dial-up era and not have a newspaper. But fear not, tech-savvy friend! The state allows you to publish the notice online on a government-approved website.
Step 3: Register, Register, Register! (It's Not That Scary)
Head on over to the Florida Department of State's SunBiz portal (don't worry, it's not a cult, just a fancy name for their online business filing system). Fill out the online form, pay a small fee (think movie ticket price, not private island price), and voila! You're officially registered with your new DBA.
Alternatively, you can file by mail, but who uses snail mail anymore, right? (Unless you're a snail, in which case, kudos for reading this far!)
Important Note: Make sure you have all your info handy before you register, like your business address, and any other relevant details.
Tip: Jot down one takeaway from this post.
You've Done It! Now Go Forth and Conquer (But Maybe Not Literally)
Congratulations, you've successfully obtained your Florida DBA! Now you can strut around town with your new business name, confusing everyone who knew you as "Bob's Widgets" (because let's face it, "Bob's Widgets" wasn't exactly winning any marketing awards).
FAQs for the Busy Bee Entrepreneur:
How to check if a DBA name is available?
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A quick Google search or a visit to the SunBiz website can help you see if your desired name is already registered by someone else.
How long does it take to get a DBA?
QuickTip: Compare this post with what you already know.
Filing online can get you your DBA in a matter of days, while mailing it in might take a bit longer.
How much does it cost to get a DBA?
The filing fee is a cool $50, with additional costs for certified copies or expedited processing.
Do I need a lawyer to get a DBA?
Reminder: Save this article to read offline later.
For a simple DBA filing, a lawyer isn't necessary. But if you have complex business structures or legal concerns, consulting one might be wise.
How long is a DBA valid?
There's no expiration on your DBA, but you need to renew the published notice every five years.
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