A practical guide to searching Florida’s official business records on Sunbiz, and what the results tell you.
Quick answer: Sunbiz is the official website of the Florida Division of Corporations. To run a Sunbiz business search, go to search.sunbiz.org and choose a search type: entity name, officer or registered agent name, registered agent name, trademark name, trademark owner, FEI/EIN number or document number. Click a result to see the company’s status, filing date, registered agent, officers and its last three annual reports. Searching is free.
Whether you are checking a new supplier, choosing a name for your own LLC, or confirming who runs a company, Florida’s business records are public and easy to search online.
This guide walks you through each Sunbiz search option, explains what the results mean, and shows how to use them to check a business or plan your own. If you are starting a company, our guide on how to start a small business in Florida covers the full process.
Searching takes only a minute or two once you know where to click, and the same records are used by banks, lenders and lawyers when they check a Florida company.
In this article
- What is Sunbiz?
- What search options does Sunbiz offer?
- How do you search for a business on Sunbiz?
- What are tips for better Sunbiz searches?
- How do you read the results?
- What do the different statuses mean?
- Why would you use a Sunbiz search?
- What can Sunbiz not tell you?
- Frequently asked questions
- Final thoughts
What is Sunbiz?
Sunbiz is the online home of the Florida Division of Corporations, part of the Florida Department of State. It holds records for corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, fictitious names (DBAs) and state trademarks registered in Florida. Businesses also use Sunbiz to file new companies and their annual reports.
What search options does Sunbiz offer?
The official search guide lists these options:
| Search by | What you get |
|---|---|
| Entity name | Matching companies with document numbers and status |
| Officer/registered agent name | Companies linked to that person or agent |
| Registered agent name | Companies using that registered agent |
| Trademark name or owner | State trademark records |
| FEI/EIN number | The entity name and document number; one number can list several entities |
| Document number | Full details for one specific company |
Fictitious names have their own search on Sunbiz. Use it to check DBA registrations. Read our guide to what a DBA is for background.
How do you search for a business on Sunbiz?
- Go to search.sunbiz.org and open Search Records.
- Choose Search by Entity Name for most lookups.
- Type the start of the business name and select Search Now. Results appear in alphabetical order near your search term.
- Click the company name in the list to open its detail page.
- Review the status, filing details, registered agent and officers.
Lina wanted to hire a Florida roofing company she found online. A Sunbiz search showed the company was “Active”, had filed its latest annual report, and listed the same owner named on its website. That gave her more confidence before signing a contract.
What are tips for better Sunbiz searches?
- Start with fewer words: Type the first word or two of the name. Sunbiz lists names alphabetically near your search term, so shorter searches catch more variations.
- Leave out endings: Skip “LLC”, “Inc” or “Corp” at first, then narrow down.
- Try spelling variations: Companies sometimes register with abbreviations or different spacing.
- Use the document number: Once you find the right company, note its document number for quick future lookups.
- Check fictitious names separately: A business may trade under a DBA that differs from its legal name.
How do you read the results?
- Status: Active means the company is in good standing. Inactive may mean it was dissolved or failed to file its annual report.
- Document number: The unique ID the state assigns to the company.
- Filing date: When the company was formed or registered in Florida.
- State: Whether it is a Florida company or a foreign company registered to do business in Florida.
- Registered agent: The person or company that accepts legal papers.
- Officers or managers: The people listed as running the business.
- Annual reports: The last three annual reports, with links to filed documents.
Look at the annual reports, not just the status. A company that has filed every year on time is usually better organised than one that files late or has gaps, which is useful when choosing a supplier or partner.
What do the different statuses mean?
| Status | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| Active | Registered and in good standing |
| Inactive | No longer active, often after failing to file an annual report or being dissolved |
| Inactive / Admin dissolution | The state dissolved it, often for missing reports or fees |
| Inactive / Voluntary dissolution | The owners chose to close the company |
An inactive company can sometimes be reinstated by filing missing reports and paying fees. If you rely on a business for important work, an Active status and up-to-date annual reports are good signs.
Why would you use a Sunbiz search?
- Choosing your own business name: Check that your preferred LLC name is available before filing.
- Checking a supplier or contractor: Confirm the company exists and is active.
- Finding who to contact: See the registered agent and officers.
- Due diligence: Review filing history before investing or partnering.
- Serving legal papers: Find the registered agent’s address.
If you are forming a company, see our guides on how to register an LLC and how to start a small business in Florida.
What can Sunbiz not tell you?
- Financial health: Records do not show revenue, profits or debts.
- Licensing: Professional licences are held by other agencies, such as Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
- Reviews or reputation: Use other sources, such as customer reviews, for that.
- Federal trademarks: State trademarks only; check the USPTO for federal marks.
A Sunbiz search confirmed a contractor’s LLC was active, but it did not show whether he held a contractor’s licence. A separate check with the state licensing agency answered that question.
Search Sunbiz for your favourite Florida business or for the name you plan to use. Practise reading the detail page so you know what to look for when it really matters.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sunbiz search free?
Yes. Searching Florida business records on Sunbiz is free.
What does Active mean on Sunbiz?
It means the company is in good standing with the Florida Division of Corporations.
Can I search Sunbiz by owner name?
You can search by officer or registered agent name, which often includes owners.
Can I find a company by its EIN on Sunbiz?
Yes, using the FEI/EIN number search, which returns the entity name and document number.
How do I check if a business name is available in Florida?
Search the name on Sunbiz. If no identical active company appears, it may be available.
Does Sunbiz show annual reports?
Yes. The detail page lists the last three annual reports and links to filed documents.
Final Thoughts
- Sunbiz is Florida’s official, free business records search.
- Search by name, officer, registered agent, FEI/EIN or document number.
- Check status, officers and annual reports on the detail page.
- Use other sources for licences, finances and reputation.