Florida Fictitious Name Renewal Statute: Fictitious Name Act, s. 865.09(5)(a) Term
In accordance with Florida Statute: Fictitious Name Act, s. 865.09(5)(a) A fictitious name registered under this section shall be valid for a period beginning on the date of registration or reregistration and expiring on December 31 of the 5th calendar year thereafter, counting the period from registration or reregistration through December 31 of the year of registration or reregistration as the first calendar year.
Florida Statute: Fictitious Name Act, s. 865.09(6) Renewal
Furthermore under s. 865.09(6)(a) Renewal of a fictitious name registration shall occur on or after January 1 and on or before December 31 of the expiration year. Upon timely filing of a renewal statement, the effectiveness of the name registration is continued for 5 years as provided in subsection (5).
Failing to Renew your Florida Fictitious Name on time: Fictitious Name Act, s. 865.09(6)(c)
Under 865.09(6)(c) If a registrant of the fictitious name registration fails to timely file a renewal and pay the appropriate processing fees on or before December 31 of the year of expiration, the fictitious name registration expires. Furthermore, under s. 865.09(9)(c) Any person who fails to comply with this section commits a noncriminal violation as defined in s. 775.08, punishable as provided in s. 775.083.
If you fail to file the renewal, your registration will expire. An expired fictitious name cannot be renewed or reinstated. You must file for a new fictitious name.
Click the following link to read the statute: Florida Statute 865.09
Why Renewing Your Florida Fictitious Name Can Be Confusing
Complex Renewal Periods
Florida’s Fictitious Name Act requires renewal every five years, with specific deadlines for filing. If renewal isn’t completed by December 31 of the expiration year, the registration is permanently expired and must be re-registered.
Strict Compliance Requirements
The Florida Fictitious Name Act mandates compliance with several rules, including maintaining an up-to-date record for mailing addresses, FEI/EIN numbers, and ownership information. Any oversight in meeting these requirements can delay renewal or lead to expiration.
Restrictions on Name Changes
When renewing, you are allowed to update certain business details but not the fictitious name itself. Understanding which details can and cannot be changed adds another layer of complexity, especially for businesses going through changes or rebranding.
Entity Suffix Limitations
As of July 1, 2017, Florida law prohibits renewing fictitious names that include business entity suffixes (such as “LLC” or “Corp.”) unless the owner is a business of that same type. This change has added new restrictions and can necessitate a cancellation and reregistration for affected business names.
Potential Legal Penalties
Missing the renewal deadline means your business could face noncriminal violations under Florida law. Without timely renewal, the fictitious name expires, and the business owner must restart the registration process, risking fines and additional fees.
Risk of Business Interruptions
Failing to maintain an active fictitious name registration can disrupt business operations. Without a valid registration, businesses may find it challenging to open accounts, enter contracts, or conduct transactions under the fictitious name.
Navigating these rules and restrictions can be overwhelming for busy business owners, which is why many choose our service to manage the process from start to finish, ensuring compliance and providing peace of mind.
Why Choose Us for Your Florida Fictitious Name Renewal
Navigating the requirements for renewing a fictitious name registration in Florida can be complex. Florida Fictitious Name Renewal makes this process seamless, handling the renewal on your behalf in compliance with the Fictitious Name Act, s. 865.09. Here’s why our service stands out:
Statute Compliance
We ensure your fictitious name renewal is processed accurately and in full compliance with Florida law, specifically s. 865.09(5)(a) and (6). This means your name remains valid and active for another five years, preventing expiration that would require re-registration.
Avoid Penalties and Lapses
Missing the December 31 renewal deadline leads to expiration, after which a new registration would be required, along with potential penalties. Our reminders and proactive service help you avoid this costly oversight.
Customized Information Updates
With each renewal, you are able to update key business information like the mailing address, FEI/EIN number, county, and owner details—everything except the fictitious name itself.
Updated Compliance for Business Entities
Since July 1, 2017, Florida law prevents renewal of fictitious names containing business entity indicators (like “Corp.” or “LLC”) unless a similarly organized business is listed as an owner. Our experts ensure these legal nuances are correctly applied to your registration, minimizing any risk of cancellation.
Trust us to manage your fictitious name renewal efficiently and accurately, saving you time and helping you stay compliant with Florida’s statutory requirements.
Our Fictitious Name Renewal Process and Timeline
1. Submit Your Order
Begin by filling out our order form with your business information and any updates you’d like applied to the registration, such as changes to the mailing address, county, or FEI/EIN number.
2. Review and Processing
After receiving your information, our team carefully reviews the details, submits your renewal with Sunbiz, and monitors the process. Completion typically takes 1–2 weeks.
3. Confirmation and Proof of Renewal
Once your renewal is processed, we’ll send you a confirmation email with proof of renewal for your records, ensuring your fictitious name remains active for the next five years.
Florida Fictitious Name Renewal Pricing
Our pricing includes the Sunbiz renewal cost plus our service fee for managing the renewal process. The price listed in the order form is all-inclusive with no additional or hidden fees.