If you’re looking to start a business, verify a company, or conduct due diligence in Florida, the Florida Secretary of State (SOS) Business Search is an essential tool. Operated by the Florida Division of Corporations, this online database allows users to search for registered businesses, check their legal status, and access essential company details.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur verifying a business name, an investor researching a company, or an individual conducting background checks, understanding how to use the Florida SOS Business Search can save time and provide critical insights.
This article will explore:
What the Florida SOS Business Search is
Why it’s important
How to conduct a business search in Florida
Key information you can find
Common use cases and legal considerations
What Is the Florida SOS Business Search?
The Florida SOS Business Search is an online database maintained by the Florida Division of Corporations, also known as Sunbiz. It provides access to public records of businesses registered in the state, including:
- Corporations (Inc.)
- Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)
- Limited Partnerships (LPs & LLPs)
- Fictitious Business Names (DBAs)
- Non-Profit Organizations
This tool is vital for business owners, investors, legal professionals, and consumers who need to verify business legitimacy or check corporate filings.
Why Use the Florida SOS Business Search?
There are several reasons why individuals and businesses use the Florida SOS Business Search:
1. Verify a Business’s Legal Status
Before engaging in contracts, partnerships, or investments, it’s crucial to confirm if a business is legally registered and in good standing.
2. Check Business Name Availability
Entrepreneurs looking to register a new business can search for existing company names to ensure their chosen name is available.
3. Research Business Owners & Officers
Investors and business partners can look up a company’s owners, officers, and registered agents for due diligence.
Review Company Filings & Compliance
Businesses in Florida must file annual reports and other documents. The database provides access to these records to check if a company is compliant.
5. Protect Against Fraud & Scams
Consumers can verify if a business is legitimately registered before making transactions or signing contracts.
6. Retrieve Business Documents
Legal professionals and company owners can download official articles of incorporation, annual reports, and dissolution notices.
How to Conduct a Florida SOS Business Search
The Florida SOS Business Search is accessible through the Florida Division of Corporations’ website (Sunbiz.org). Follow these steps to perform a search:
Step 1: Visit the Sunbiz Website
Go to the official Florida Division of Corporations website.
Step 2: Choose Your Search Criteria
On the homepage, click on “Search Records” under the “Corporations” section. You can search using various filters:
- Entity Name – Search by the full or partial business name.
- Owner Name – Look up businesses associated with an individual’s name.
- Registered Agent – Find businesses based on the agent handling their legal documents.
- EIN (Employer Identification Number) – Search using the company’s tax ID.
- Document Number – Use the unique filing number for a precise search.
Step 3: Enter Your Search Query
Type in the business name, owner’s name, or registered agent, and click “Search”.
Step 4: Review Business Information
The search results will display businesses matching your query. Click on the business name to view:
- Company Status (Active, Inactive, Dissolved)
- Business Type (LLC, Corporation, Non-Profit, etc.)
- Date of Incorporation
- Principal Address & Mailing Address
- Registered Agent Name & Address
- Officer & Director Information
- Filing History (Annual Reports, Amendments, Dissolutions)
Step 5: Download Business Documents
Users can download and print official documents such as:
- Articles of Incorporation
- Annual Reports
- Certificate of Status
- Amendments and Dissolutions
Understanding the Search Results
When you search for a business on Sunbiz, you may come across different status types:
- Active – The company is legally registered and up to date with filings.
- Inactive – The business has failed to file required reports but may still be revived.
- Dissolved – The company is no longer in operation.
- Revoked – The state has revoked the business’s registration due to non-compliance.
Common Use Cases for Florida SOS Business Search
For Entrepreneurs & Startups
- Check if a business name is available before registering a new LLC or Corporation.
- Verify potential partners or competitors before starting a venture.
For Investors & Business Buyers
- Conduct due diligence before investing in or acquiring a Florida-based business.
- Check if a company has any pending lawsuits or compliance issues.
For Consumers & Clients
- Verify if a business is legitimate before making a large purchase or signing a contract.
- Confirm that a company is not involved in fraudulent activities.
For Legal & Financial Professionals
- Retrieve corporate records for legal cases or financial audits.
- Assist clients with business formation, mergers, or dissolutions.
Legal Considerations & Compliance
When using the Florida SOS Business Search, keep in mind:
1. Public vs. Private Information
Most business information is publicly available, but sensitive details like bank account information and tax returns are not included.
2. Annual Report Requirements
Businesses must file annual reports to maintain active status. Failure to do so can lead to administrative dissolution.
3. Fraud Prevention
Always verify registered agents and officers to avoid scams and identity theft.
4. Legal Name Restrictions
The state enforces naming guidelines, ensuring businesses do not duplicate existing names.
Conclusion
The Florida SOS Business Search (Sunbiz.org) is an invaluable tool for entrepreneurs, investors, legal professionals, and consumers. Whether you’re verifying a business, checking compliance, or researching ownership details, this platform provides transparent and easily accessible corporate records.
By understanding how to use the Florida business search effectively, you can make informed decisions, protect yourself from fraud, and ensure legal compliance in business transactions.
Need to register a business in Florida? Start by searching for your desired business name today on Sunbiz.org!
