How much does a DBA cost in Florida?

In Florida, the term DBA is legally referred to as a fictitious name. When an individual or a company operates under any name other than their official registered name, they must file this fictitious name with the Division of Corporations. This registration does not create a separate legal entity, but it allows the business to legally operate under the chosen trade name for public and marketing purposes.

The DBA registration is vital for transparency and consumer protection. It helps create a public record of who is behind the business name, which protects customers, banks, and vendors from fraud. Florida law requires this step as a matter of good faith business practice and legal compliance. Even online businesses operating under a different brand name must file a DBA.

The most straightforward cost associated with getting a DBA in Florida is the state filing fee. As of 2025, the Florida Department of State charges a seventy-dollar fee to register a fictitious name. This cost includes both the registration process and the issuance of a certificate of status. The fee remains the same whether the applicant is an individual, a partnership, a limited liability company, or a corporation.

The filing process can be completed online through the official Sunbiz portal, or you may choose to file using a paper application, though the latter may result in processing delays. So the fee must be paid at the time of submission, and failure to submit the correct payment will result in rejection. This seventy-dollar investment gives your business the legal right to use your chosen name for a full five-year term.

Once your DBA is registered in Florida, it remains active for five years. It must be renewed every five years to remain in compliance with state law. The renewal fee is seventy dollars, the same as the original registration. The Florida Division of Corporations sends reminders in advance of the expiration date, but ultimately, it is the responsibility of the business owner to ensure timely renewal.

Missing the renewal deadline means your DBA becomes inactive. If the name expires and is not renewed in time, the business can no longer legally operate under that name. At that point, you would have to submit a new registration and pay the full fee again. Maintaining a calendar of important compliance dates is a smart way to avoid unnecessary disruptions and additional costs.

While the official fee is seventy dollars, business owners should be aware that there may be additional costs depending on their situation. For example, some businesses choose to hire third-party filing services to help manage the process, and those services can charge anywhere from forty to one hundred dollars in service fees. These services may include name search, paperwork preparation, and timely filing.

In some Florida counties or cities, there may also be local business tax receipt requirements that apply to fictitious names. Although these taxes are not specifically tied to the DBA registration, operating under a new name might trigger local licensing rules. Checking with your local tax collector’s office ensures that you comply with all municipal regulations that could affect your cost.

Florida law does not require business owners to publish a notice of their DBA in a local newspaper. This is different from states like New York or Pennsylvania, where legal publication is a mandatory and costly part of the process. In Florida, the process is streamlined to make it easier and more affordable for entrepreneurs to register their business names.

However, while not required, some businesses still choose to publish their fictitious name as part of their marketing or public awareness strategy. A one-time publication in a local newspaper may cost between thirty to one hundred dollars depending on the publication, but it is purely optional and not regulated by the Florida Department of State.

When registering a DBA, some business owners opt to add on other services for convenience and protection. These can include getting a business domain name, filing for a trademark, or obtaining an EIN from the IRS. While these are not direct requirements of the DBA process, they are often completed simultaneously to protect the new name and ensure smooth operations.

Securing a domain name that matches your DBA can cost anywhere from ten to fifteen dollars per year. A federal trademark, while more expensive, provides nationwide legal protection and can cost several hundred dollars including legal fees. These additional steps are strategic investments for long-term brand security and should be factored into your total cost estimate.

In Florida, a DBA registration is tied to the specific business entity that filed it. If two different business entities want to use the same name, they must each file separately, assuming the name is not already in use. The Florida Division of Corporations allows name availability searches through its website to confirm if your desired name is already registered.

Registering the same DBA under multiple businesses is not advisable without checking for legal conflicts. Doing so could lead to confusion in the marketplace and potential legal issues. Ensuring your name is unique, distinctive, and legally clear avoids the risk of infringing on someone else’s rights or being forced to change your name later.

Operating without a DBA when required by Florida law can lead to serious consequences. If you are conducting business under a name that is not your legal name and you have not registered it, you are violating the Florida Fictitious Name Act. This can result in fines, rejection of contracts, and the inability to bring legal action on behalf of your business.

Additionally, many banks will not allow you to open a business account under your fictitious name without a certificate of status. Vendors, clients, and legal partners may also demand proof of your name registration before entering into agreements. To avoid these issues, it is always best to file your DBA before you begin using the name in commerce.

One of the most frequent errors made by business owners is assuming that registering a DBA provides trademark protection. A Florida DBA only grants the right to use the name within the state and does not prevent others from using the same name elsewhere. If brand protection is important to your business, you must consider federal trademark registration.

Another common mistake is forgetting to renew your DBA on time. While the Florida Department of State sends notices, they are not legally obligated to ensure you receive them. Business owners should keep accurate records and mark renewal dates on their calendars. Avoiding these errors ensures compliance and uninterrupted use of your business name.

A DBA can be a smart move for businesses that want flexibility. It allows you to operate multiple brands under one legal entity, which saves money and simplifies taxes. For example, an LLC can own three different DBAs for three different product lines without having to form three separate companies. This is particularly beneficial for businesses that want to explore different markets or services.

Using a DBA also enhances marketing potential. A catchy or industry-specific name can attract more attention than a generic LLC name. With a modest cost and relatively simple process, registering a DBA is an accessible way for entrepreneurs to improve brand visibility and remain legally compliant at the same time.

The base cost to register a DBA in Florida is seventy dollars, which includes state filing and certification. Renewals also cost seventy dollars every five years. While this may seem inexpensive, entrepreneurs should budget for potential add-ons such as legal services, domain registration, or local business licensing. These additional expenses vary but contribute to the full picture of DBA ownership.

In total, a DBA in Florida remains one of the most affordable and practical tools for business branding. With minimal fees and straightforward procedures, it is a highly effective way to grow, diversify, or simplify business operations. Understanding all aspects of the cost and process ensures you make the best decision for your business’s future in Florida.