Purpose

A fictitious name certificate allows the business owner to advertise a business in a name other than his legal personal name or registered corporate name. In addition, the business owner can have one corporate name, or "umbrella," while having multiple DBAs protected and reported under that one corporate entity.

Where to Apply

You can apply for your DBA through the state agency you used to file your corporate entity. Some states have a Division of Corporations with online access to the forms necessary to legally file your company. Alternately, you can use online legal services such as Legal Zoom to file your fictitious business name.

Duration

Fictitious name certificates last five years, expiring on December 31st of the fifth year.

Consequences for Not Filing

If you do business under a fictitious name and fail to file with the appropriate state agency, you may be subject to criminal misdemeanor penalties.

Additional Requirements

The intentions to register a DBA must be advertised in the county paper where the principal business is located at least once before registering. This is intended to inform others and protect against name infringement.

Source:

National Corporation Search

FL Div Corporations: Fictitious Names