Changing your Florida LLC’s name requires filing Articles of Amendment with the Florida Division of Corporations. The process is straightforward, but you’ll need to update multiple records after the official name change.
This guide walks you through the complete process, from checking name availability to updating all your business accounts.
Quick Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Filing fee | $25 |
| Processing time | 2-3 business days |
| Form | Articles of Amendment |
| Where to file | Sunbiz.org |
| Certified copy | $8.75 (optional) |
Step 1: Check Name Availability
Before filing, confirm your new name is available.
Name Requirements
Your new LLC name must:
- Include “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” or “Limited Liability Company”
- Be distinguishable from existing Florida business names
- Not imply activities requiring licensure you don’t have (banking, insurance)
- Not contain restricted words without proper authorization
Search for Availability
- Go to Sunbiz.org
- Click “Search Records”
- Select “Entity Name Search”
- Enter your proposed new name
- Review results for conflicts
Important: Names don’t need to be completely unique—just “distinguishable.” However, choosing a very similar name to an existing business could cause confusion and potential legal issues.
Reserve Your Name (Optional)
If you’re not ready to file immediately:
- File a Name Reservation ($25)
- Reserves name for 120 days
- Gives you time to prepare other changes
Step 2: File Articles of Amendment
Online Filing (Recommended)
Process:
- Go to Sunbiz.org
- Click “Start an E-Filing”
- Select “Florida Limited Liability Company”
- Choose “Amendment”
- Enter your document number (found on your original Articles of Organization)
- Select “Name Change” as amendment type
- Enter your new LLC name
- Pay the $25 filing fee
Information Needed
- Current LLC name
- Document number
- New LLC name
- Credit card for payment
Processing Time
- Standard: 2-3 business days
- Expedited (24-hour): +$50
- Same-day: +$100
Step 3: Update Your Operating Agreement
After the state approves your name change, update your operating agreement:
- Draft an amendment to the operating agreement reflecting the new name
- Have all members sign the amendment
- Attach to original operating agreement
- Keep records of the amendment date and approval
Sample language:
“Effective [Date], the name of the Company shall be changed from ‘[Old Name]’ to ‘[New Name].’ All other terms of the Operating Agreement remain in full force and effect.”
Step 4: Update Your EIN
The IRS needs to know about your name change.
For LLCs Taxed as Partnerships or Disregarded Entities
Option 1: Letter notification
- Write a letter to the IRS explaining the name change
- Include your EIN, old name, new name, and signature
- Mail to: Internal Revenue Service, Cincinnati, OH 45999
Option 2: Update on next tax return
- Check the “name change” box on your next Form 1065 or Schedule C
For LLCs Taxed as S Corps or C Corps
- Check the “name change” box on your next corporate tax return (Form 1120-S or 1120)
Note: You do NOT need a new EIN. The same EIN follows your LLC regardless of name changes.
Step 5: Update Business Accounts and Registrations
Priority Updates
| Account/Registration | How to Update |
|---|---|
| Business bank accounts | Contact bank with certified copy of amendment |
| Credit cards | Contact issuer with documentation |
| Sales tax registration | Update through Florida DOR |
| Local business tax receipt | Contact county/city |
| Professional licenses | Contact licensing board |
Additional Updates
Online presence:
- Domain name
- Website
- Social media accounts
- Email addresses
- Google Business Profile
- Online directories
Business materials:
- Business cards
- Letterhead
- Invoices
- Contracts and agreements
- Signage
- Marketing materials
Third parties:
- Clients and customers
- Vendors and suppliers
- Insurance policies
- Lease agreements
- Utility accounts
Get Certified Copies
Many institutions require certified copies of your amendment. Order these from Sunbiz.org:
| Document | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of amendment | $8.75 |
| Certificate of Status | $8.75 |
Recommendation: Order 2-3 certified copies. Banks and other institutions often require originals.
Timeline Summary
| Task | Time Frame |
|---|---|
| Name availability search | Immediate |
| File Articles of Amendment | 2-3 business days |
| Update operating agreement | Same day as approval |
| Notify IRS | Within 30 days |
| Update bank accounts | 1-2 weeks |
| Update other registrations | Ongoing |
Costs Summary
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Articles of Amendment | $25 |
| Certified copies (2-3) | $17.50-$26.25 |
| New business cards/materials | Varies |
| Minimum total | $42.50 |
Common Reasons for Name Changes
- Rebranding – New direction for the business
- Expansion – Name no longer reflects expanded services
- Merger/acquisition – Combining with another business
- Legal issues – Conflict with existing trademark
- Simplification – Shortening a complicated name
- Removing a partner – Former partner’s name in LLC name
DBA vs Name Change
If you just want to operate under a different name (without legally changing your LLC’s name), consider filing a fictitious name (DBA) instead:
| Option | When to Use | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Name change (Amendment) | Permanently change legal name | $25 |
| Fictitious name (DBA) | Operate under additional name | $50 + newspaper publication |
Example: “Smith Consulting LLC” could file a DBA to also operate as “Smith & Associates” without changing the legal LLC name.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Not Checking Availability First
Filing an amendment with an unavailable name wastes $25 and time. Always search first.
2. Forgetting to Update the Operating Agreement
The state filing changes your legal name, but your internal documents need updating too.
3. Not Notifying the Bank Promptly
Banks may freeze accounts if they see a name discrepancy. Update them immediately with certified copies.
4. Missing the IRS Notification
While not immediately urgent, failing to notify the IRS can cause issues when filing taxes.
5. Using the Old Name on Legal Documents
Once the name change is approved, use only the new name on contracts and legal documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Florida LLC name change take?
Standard processing is 2-3 business days. Expedited processing (24-hour) is available for an additional $50.
Can I change my LLC name to anything?
The new name must meet Florida requirements: include “LLC” or equivalent, be distinguishable from other Florida business names, and not imply unauthorized activities.
Do I need member approval to change the name?
Check your operating agreement. Most require member approval (often majority or unanimous) for name changes.
Will changing my name affect my EIN?
No. Your EIN remains the same. You just need to notify the IRS of the name change.
Can I change my name back later?
Yes. You can file another Articles of Amendment ($25) to change the name again.
What if I want to operate under multiple names?
File fictitious names (DBAs) for additional business names while keeping your legal LLC name.
Let IncCraft Handle Your Amendment
IncCraft can file your Articles of Amendment and guide you through the name change process. We’ll ensure your filing is correct and provide reminders for follow-up tasks.
Start your Florida LLC name change today.