Florida - fictitious name registration

[oceanlovin'ea]

This question is mainly for people in Florida since probably most states have different laws.

When I set up a new business or new corporation, I have always did the fictitious name registration. But I printed off the information about this and now I am wondering why we do this. It says "The Division of corporations will not deny a registration for a duplicate name.". It says this is for public notice only and does not reserve a ficititious name against any future use.

So why do we do it? Is this a MUST for every business?

Thanks

Linda F

[Chief]

Name in Florida

Linda, the only reason I did it was that I could not open a bank account for my business name without it. This practice is another way for Florida to get fees paid into its coffers.

[WhiteOleander]

This question is mainly for people in Florida since probably most states have different laws.

When I set up a new business or new corporation, I have always did the fictitious name registration. But I printed off the information about this and now I am wondering why we do this. It says "The Division of corporations will not deny a registration for a duplicate name.". It says this is for public notice only and does not reserve a ficititious name against any future use.

So why do we do it? Is this a MUST for every business?

Thanks

Linda F

I have always understood that registering the name was for the protection of the public.

That way if you hire "Zippity Do Dah" cleaning company, and they steal you blind, you can find out who exactly is behind the company. If you only had the company name, it might be very hard to hold someone accountable.

I guess you could also check before you do business with someone to see if they have a bad reputation.

[Chief]

Florida

It used to be that you checked with the state consumer affairs about a company. Now all that has been taken over by the State Attorney's office. I see this registration as a purely money revenue for the state.

[Davc]

In OR if you inform the Sec of States office that business information is incorrect, they tell you they can't change it. The leach I spoke with was unable to explain the utility of their database given that premise.