Volusia County Business Records Search

Business Records Search lets you pinpoint active companies in seconds, turning a vague inquiry into a clear answer. By entering a legal business name, assumed name, DBA, or even a filing number, you can verify a company’s registration status, formation date, and entity type without sifting through endless pages. The system pulls data from corporate records, business registration records, and public filing documents, so you instantly see whether a corporation, LLC, partnership, or nonprofit is still operating, suspended, or dissolved. Need to know who owns the firm or who serves as the registered agent? The search returns business owners, corporate officers, and authorized representatives, helping you confirm ownership changes or management information. Whether you’re checking a business’s address, locating a principal office, or confirming a foreign entity’s registration, the platform consolidates business entity records, filing history, and registration numbers into one easy‑to‑read view.

Business Records Search also supports detailed lookups by address, owner name, or registration number, making it ideal for due‑diligence, compliance checks, or simple curiosity. Type a business search by name or business search by address to discover filing documents, annual reports, and amendment histories that reveal a company’s compliance health. If you wonder how to find a business by name, how to locate a registered agent, or how to verify business registration information, the tool answers each query with precise, up‑to‑date results, eliminating the frustration of “business not found” messages and ensuring you get reliable business information fast.

How to Search Business Records

You can search business records through the official Florida online portal run by the Division of Corporations. The system lets you look up companies by name, owner, address, or filing number. Each search pulls live data from the state database, such as checking the volusia county fl, so you see current formation dates, status codes, and ownership details. The portal works as the main public source for checking any company registered in Florida.

Official Search Portal: https://search.sunbiz.org

Steps to Search:

1. Open the official search portal at https://search.sunbiz.org in your web browser.
2. Pick a search method from the menu. You can search by name, officer, registered agent, or document number.
3. Type your search term in the input field. Use exact spellings for the closest matches.
4. Click the “Search” button to load matching business records.
5. Review returned entries for legal name, status, filing number, and entity type.
6. Click a specific record to view full filing history, registered agent, and address details.

Search by Business Name

Searching by business name returns any company whose legal name, assumed name, or trade name matches your entry. The system checks for partial matches, so a few letters can bring up related companies. This method works well when you know a company name but lack other data. Results show the legal name, current status, and filing number for each match.

The name search also flags duplicate records filed under similar spellings. If two businesses share a common word, both appear in your list. You can narrow results by adding filters for state or date range. This keeps the list short when you search a popular term across many records.

Search by Business Owner

You can search business records by owner name to find every company tied to a specific person. The system covers sole proprietors, partners, members, corporate officers, and directors. Results show the person’s name as it appears on official filings. Each entry lists the role the person holds in each company.

Owner searches help with due diligence, vendor checks, and background research. The data shows whether an individual serves as a member, manager, officer, or registered agent. You can spot ownership changes by comparing current results with past filings. This method also reveals connections between related entities sharing a common owner.

Search by Address

You can search business records by street address to find companies registered at that location. The address search matches against principal offices, mailing addresses, and registered agent locations. This helps when you see a business sign and want to confirm the registered name. Results return the legal entity tied to that address.

Address lookups also help verify whether a company truly operates from the listed location. Some entities list a registered office separate from their actual place of business. The search shows all registered addresses tied to one filing number. You can then check filing history to see address changes over time.

Search by Business ID or Filing Number

Searching by business ID or filing number gives you the exact record on file. The filing number, also called a document number, appears on every official filing for a business. Typing this number in the search field returns one specific record. This method removes any guesswork from the lookup process.

The filing number stays the same across name changes, address updates, and amendments. You can use it to pull every filing a company has ever submitted. The system then shows the full filing history from formation to the latest annual report. This makes the filing number the fastest path to a complete record.

Search by Registered Agent

You can search business records by registered agent name to find every company that agent represents. A registered agent accepts legal papers on behalf of a business. Many companies use the same registered agent service, so one search can return dozens of related entities.

This search helps when you need to serve legal papers or confirm who represents a specific company. Results list each entity with the agent’s name and the agent’s address. You can click each entry to view the full filing record. The data confirms the current agent and any past agent changes for each entity.

Search by Entity Type

You can search business records by entity type to filter results to a specific business structure. Common types include corporation, LLC, partnership, and nonprofit. Picking a type narrows your search to companies sharing that legal structure.

This method works well for market research or industry studies. You can see how many LLCs operate in a certain field, or how many nonprofits are active in a county. The system lists each entity with its type, status, and filing number. You can sort or filter further by location or registration date.

Search by Business Status

You can search business records by status to see companies in a specific standing. Status options include active, inactive, dissolved, revoked, forfeited, and reinstated. Filtering by status helps you find companies that meet a certain compliance level.

Status searches work for compliance audits, debt collection, and partnership screening. You can confirm a vendor is still active before signing a contract. The system also shows the date the current status took effect. This date helps you calculate how long a company has held its current standing.

Business Record Information

Business records hold key data points about every registered company in Florida. Each record lists the legal name, entity type, formation date, and current status. You can use this data to verify a company’s standing or research its history. The record also shows addresses, registered agents, and ownership roles.

Legal Business Name

The legal business name is the official name on file with the Division of Corporations. This name appears on every filing, tax form, and legal document for the company. It may differ from the brand name shown on signs or websites. The legal name is what the public record displays as the primary entry.

You can search the legal name to confirm a company’s true registration. Many businesses operate under assumed names while keeping a different legal name on record. The legal name also appears on court filings and debt records. Knowing this name helps you track a company across multiple data sources.

Assumed or Trade Name

An assumed or trade name is a name a business uses that differs from its legal name. This is also called a DBA (“doing business as”) or fictitious name. Companies register assumed names when they want to operate under a brand separate from their legal entity. The assumed name filing stays on the public record.

You can search assumed name records to find businesses that operate under a brand name. The record shows the legal entity behind the assumed name, plus the registration date. If the assumed name is no longer in use, the record reflects that status. This helps you verify whether a brand is tied to a specific legal company.

Business Entity Type

The business entity type describes the legal structure of the company. Common types include corporation, LLC, partnership, and nonprofit. Each type carries different rules for taxation, ownership, and liability. The entity type stays on the public record from formation through dissolution.

Knowing the entity type tells you how a company is owned and taxed. An LLC passes profits to its members, while a corporation pays its own taxes. The entity type also affects the paperwork needed for amendments or mergers. You can see the type listed at the top of every filing record.

Business Identification Number

The business identification number is a unique code the state assigns to each registered entity. In Florida, this number appears as a “Document Number” on the Sunbiz portal. The number stays with the entity for its entire life, even after name or address changes. No two registered businesses share the same number.

You can use this number to pull the full record for any entity. The number also appears on annual reports, amendments, and dissolution filings. Tax authorities and banks often ask for this number during compliance checks. Keeping a record of the number helps you track a company across years of filings.

Formation Date

The formation date marks the day a company officially registered with the state. In Florida, the formation date appears on every public record for the entity. This date starts the legal life of the company under state law. The same date appears on the company’s formation documents, also called articles of incorporation or articles of organization.

The formation date helps you calculate a company’s age for due diligence or credit checks. Lenders and partners often want to know how long a business has been operating. A longer history can signal stability, while a recent date can suggest a new venture. The date also anchors the timeline for annual report filings.

Business Status

The business status shows whether a company is currently authorized to operate in Florida. Common status codes include active, inactive, dissolved, revoked, forfeited, and reinstated. Each status carries different legal effects for the entity and its owners.

You can check the status to confirm a company is in good standing before signing a contract. An active status means the company has filed all required reports and paid all fees. A revoked or forfeited status means the state has pulled the company’s authority. A reinstated status means the company has returned to active standing after a lapse.

Principal Business Address

The principal business address is the main location where a company conducts its operations. This address appears on the formation documents and on annual reports. It differs from the mailing address or registered agent address in some cases. The principal address serves as the official headquarters for the business.

You can search the principal address to confirm where a company is based. The address appears on public filings and legal notices. Many companies update this address when they move offices. The record also lists the date of the most recent address change.

Registered Agent Information

The registered agent is the person or company that accepts legal papers on behalf of a business. Florida requires every registered entity to maintain a registered agent with a Florida street address. The agent’s name and address appear on every public filing for the company. This ensures someone is always available to receive service of process.

You can look up the registered agent to find out who handles legal papers for a company. The record shows the agent’s name, address, and the date of appointment. If the agent changes, the record reflects the new agent and the date of change. This data helps you serve legal papers or send official notices to the right party.

Business Entity Types

Florida recognizes several business entity types, each with its own rules for ownership, liability, and taxation. Picking the right entity type shapes how a company operates, how it pays taxes, and how it raises money. The entity type stays on the public record from formation through dissolution. You can search by entity type to filter records to a specific legal structure.

Corporations

A corporation is a legal entity separate from its owners, called shareholders. Corporations can issue stock, raise capital, and operate across state lines. Florida recognizes both for-profit and nonprofit corporations in the public record. The corporation’s structure makes it a common choice for larger companies planning to grow.

You can search corporate records by filing number or name. Each corporation shows its articles, bylaws, and current officers on file. The record also lists the company’s principal address and registered agent. Corporations must file annual reports to keep their active status with the state.

Limited Liability Companies

A limited liability company, or LLC, blends the liability protection of a corporation with the tax flexibility of a partnership. LLC owners are called members. Some LLCs have managers who run daily operations while members hold ownership stakes. Florida law allows single-member LLCs and multi-member LLCs.

You can search LLC records the same way you search corporate records. The record lists members, managers, and the registered agent. LLCs file annual reports and amendments as their ownership or structure changes. The LLC’s status on the public record shows whether it is active, inactive, or dissolved.

Partnerships

A partnership is a business owned by two or more people who share profits and losses. Florida recognizes general partnerships, limited partnerships, and limited liability partnerships. Each type has different rules for liability and management. Partnerships often serve professional groups like law firms and medical practices.

You can search partnership records by name or by partner name. The record shows the partners and the type of partnership on file. Some partnerships register as foreign entities when they operate in multiple states. The public record lists the partnership’s principal address and any operating agreements filed with the state.

Sole Proprietorships

A sole proprietorship is a business owned by one person. Florida does not require sole proprietors to register with the Division of Corporations, but they may file assumed name records if they operate under a name other than their own. Many sole proprietors also hold an EIN for tax purposes.

You can search sole proprietorship records through the assumed name database. The record shows the owner’s legal name and the assumed business name. The owner’s address appears as the principal place of business. If the owner closes the business, the assumed name filing reflects that change.

Nonprofit Organizations

A nonprofit organization operates for charitable, educational, or social purposes rather than for profit. Florida nonprofits register as corporations and apply for tax-exempt status with the IRS. Nonprofits must follow specific rules for governance and reporting. The public record shows the nonprofit’s status and its corporate officers.

You can search nonprofit records by name or filing number. The record lists the board of directors, registered agent, and principal office. The nonprofit’s status must remain active to keep its state authority. Donors and grantmakers often check this status before releasing funds.

Professional Entities

A professional entity is a business formed to provide licensed professional services. Common fields include medicine, law, accounting, and engineering. Florida allows these entities to form as via the official white pages legal records records professional corporations (PC) or professional LLCs (PLLC). Professional entities must follow extra rules set by their licensing boards.

You can search professional entity records by name. The record shows the licensed professionals who own and operate the entity. Each owner must hold an active license in their field. The record also lists the entity type as “PC” or “PLLC” to set it apart from other business types.

Foreign Business Entities

A foreign business entity is a company registered in another state that wants to operate in Florida. These entities must file an application for authority with the Division of Corporations before doing business in the state. The filing shows the company’s home state and its Florida registered agent.

You can search foreign entity records by name or filing number. The record lists the company’s home state, formation date, and Florida registration date. Foreign entities must file annual reports in both their home state and Florida. The status reflects whether the company is still authorized to operate in both states.

Business Ownership and Management

Business records show who owns and manages each registered entity. Ownership and management data changes over time as companies add partners, replace officers, or update members. The public record keeps a history of these changes through filings like amendments and annual reports. You can search by owner name to find every entity tied to a specific individual.

Business Owners

Business owners are the people who hold a financial stake in a company. The exact title depends on the entity type: shareholders for corporations, members for LLCs, partners for partnerships. The public record lists each owner with the share or percentage they hold when reported. This data helps verify who controls a company.

Members and Managers

Members are the owners of an LLC. Managers are the people who run the LLC’s daily operations, which may or may not be the same as the members. The public record lists both members and managers for each LLC. This distinction matters for LLCs with passive investors who do not run the business.

Corporate Officers

Corporate officers hold titles like president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. The public record lists the officers on file for each corporation. Officers may or may not be owners of the company. The record also shows the date each officer took their position.

Directors

Directors are the people elected to oversee a corporation’s major decisions. The board of directors sets company policy and hires officers. The public record lists each director with the date of appointment. If a director resigns or is replaced, the next annual report or amendment shows the change.

Partners

Partners are the co-owners of a partnership. Each partner shares in the profits and losses based on the partnership agreement. The public record lists each partner by name. Some partnerships also list managing partners who run daily operations separate from the other partners.

Registered Agents

Registered agents accept legal papers on behalf of a company. The public record lists the agent’s name and Florida street address. Companies can change their registered agent by filing an amendment or statement of change. The record reflects each change with the date the new agent took over.

Ownership and Management Changes

Ownership and management changes happen when owners sell their stake, partners retire, or officers step down. The public record keeps a filing history that tracks each change. You can see who served in each role at different points in time. This helps with due diligence, lawsuits, and credit checks on a company.

Business Registration Information

Business registration data confirms a company’s legal standing in Florida. Each registration creates a record with a unique filing number, formation date, and entity type. Registration records also show updates over time as companies file amendments or annual reports. You can search this data to verify a company’s status and history.

Formation Records

Formation records are the original filings that created a company. For corporations, this is the articles of incorporation. For LLCs, this is the articles of organization. The record shows the legal name, purpose, and initial registered agent at the time of formation. You can view formation records through the Division of Corporations portal.

Registration Date

The registration date is the day the state accepted the formation filing. This date marks the legal start of the company. The registration date appears on every public record for the entity. It also serves as the anchor for annual report deadlines.

Entity Status

Entity status reflects whether a company is currently authorized to operate. Status codes include active, inactive, dissolved, revoked, forfeited, and reinstated. The status updates as companies file paperwork or miss deadlines. You can check the status before signing contracts or extending credit.

State of Formation

The state of formation is the state where a company originally registered. Florida companies show Florida as the state of formation. Companies formed elsewhere that operate in Florida list their home state as the state of formation. The record also shows the Florida registration date for foreign entities.

Registration Number

The registration number is a unique code assigned to each company. In Florida, this appears as a document number on the public record. The number stays with the entity for life, even after name or address changes. You can use this number to pull every filing on record for the company.

Foreign Entity Registration

Foreign entity registration is the process by which an out-of-state company gains authority to operate in Florida. The record shows the company’s home state and its Florida registered agent. Foreign entities must file annual reports in both their home state and Florida to stay in good standing.

Business Registration Updates

Business registration updates include name changes, address changes, agent changes, and ownership shifts. Each update creates a new filing on the public record. You can view the full history of updates through the filing history tab on each entity record. This data shows how a company has evolved since formation.

Assumed Name and DBA Records

Assumed name records, also called DBA records, let businesses operate under a name other than their legal name. Florida requires businesses to file an assumed name registration if they use a name that differs from their legal entity name. These records are public and searchable through the Division of Corporations portal. The record shows the legal entity behind the assumed name, plus the registration and expiration dates.

Assumed Business Names

An assumed business name is any name a company uses that differs from its registered legal name. Florida requires registration of this name with the Division of Corporations. The filing protects the public by showing who actually owns a business operating under a specific name. The record lists the legal entity, the assumed name, and the county where the business operates.

DBA Records

DBA stands for “doing business as.” A DBA record is the same as an assumed name record. The DBA filing shows the legal owner’s name and the name they use in public. Sole proprietors, partnerships, corporations, and LLCs can all file DBAs. The record expires after five years in Florida and must be renewed to stay active.

Trade Names

A trade name is a name a business uses to identify its goods or services. Trade names often serve as brand names separate from the legal entity name. Companies register trade names through the assumed name process in Florida. The record gives the holder exclusive use of the name within the county of registration.

Assumed Name Registration

Assumed name registration is the filing that places a DBA on the public record. The registration includes the legal name of the owner, the assumed name, and the business address. The filing also names the county where the business operates. The registration expires after five years and must be renewed before expiration to stay valid.

Assumed Name Owners

The assumed name owner is the legal entity or person behind the DBA filing. The record shows the owner’s full legal name and address. For corporations and LLCs, the record also lists the filing number of the parent entity. This data helps you trace a brand name back to its legal owner.

Assumed Name Status

Assumed name status shows whether a DBA filing is currently active, expired, or cancelled. The record reflects the status and the expiration date. An expired status means the owner must renew the filing to keep using the name. A cancelled status means the owner filed to end the registration early.

Business Filing Records

Business filing records include every document a company submits to the Division of Corporations. These filings cover formation, amendments, annual reports, mergers, and dissolutions. Each filing carries its own document number and date. You can view filing records through the Sunbiz portal to see a company’s full history with the state.

Formation Documents

Formation documents are the original filings that create a company. For corporations, this is the articles of incorporation. For LLCs, this is the articles of organization. The document names the legal entity, its purpose, and its initial registered agent. You can view these documents in PDF format through the public record.

Amendments

Amendments are filings that change existing details about a company. Common amendments cover name changes, address updates, and changes to the registered agent. The amendment record shows the old data and the new data side by side. Each amendment carries its own document number and filing date.

Annual Reports

Annual reports are yearly filings that update a company’s basic data with the state. The report covers the current officers, directors, registered agent, and principal address. Florida requires corporations and LLCs to file these reports each year to keep their active status. Missing a report can lead to a forfeited or revoked status.

Statements of Information

Statements of information serve as the official disclosure of a company’s current officers and addresses. Some states call these annual reports. In Florida, this document is filed as part of the annual report. The record keeps the public up to date on who runs the company each year.

Mergers and Conversions

Merger and conversion filings happen when two companies combine or when a company changes its entity type. A merger filing shows both companies involved and the surviving entity. A conversion filing shows the old entity type and the new entity type. Both filings appear in the company’s filing history.

Dissolution Records

Dissolution records mark the end of a company’s legal life. The filing is submitted by the company when it decides to close. A voluntary dissolution shows the company chose to end its registration. An administrative dissolution shows the state ended the company for missing filings or fees.

Reinstatement Records

Reinstatement records restore a company to active status after a dissolution, revocation, or forfeiture. The filing shows the reason for the lapse and the steps taken to fix it. Reinstatement often requires payment of back taxes and penalties. The record also shows the date the company returned to active standing.

Business Status and History

Business status reflects whether a company is currently authorized to operate in Florida. The status changes as companies file paperwork, miss deadlines, or close their doors. Status history shows each status change in chronological order. You can use this data to assess a company’s compliance and longevity.

Active Businesses

An active business is a company that has filed all required paperwork and paid all fees to the state. Active companies show up in searches as currently authorized to operate. This status means the company can legally do business in Florida. Lenders and partners prefer working with active companies for this reason.

Inactive Businesses

An inactive business is a company that has stopped operations but has not formally dissolved. The company may still owe annual reports to stay in good standing. Inactive status often signals that a company plans to close or has simply stopped filing. The record shows the date the status changed to inactive.

Dissolved Businesses

A dissolved business has formally ended its registration with the state. The company may have filed for voluntary dissolution, or the state may have dissolved it for noncompliance. Dissolved companies cannot legally operate in Florida. The record shows the date and reason for the dissolution.

Revoked or Forfeited Entities

A revoked entity has had its authority to operate pulled by the state. A forfeited entity has lost good standing for missing reports or fees. Both statuses mean the company cannot legally do business in Florida. The record shows the date and reason for the action.

Reinstated Businesses

A reinstated business has returned to active status after a revocation, forfeiture, or dissolution. The owner filed the right paperwork and paid the right fees to restore the company. The record shows the reinstatement date. You can confirm the current status by checking the public record after reinstatement.

Business Status History

Business status history tracks each status change over the life of a company. The history shows dates for formation, changes to inactive, dissolutions, revocations, and reinstatements. This data helps you see how a company has handled its compliance over time. It also helps lenders and partners assess risk.

Business Address and Contact Information

Business address records show where a company operates, where it receives mail, and where it accepts legal papers. Companies may list different addresses for each purpose. Address changes appear in the filing history as amendments or annual reports. You can search by address to find companies registered at a specific place.

Principal Office Address

The principal office address is the main location where a company conducts its operations. This address appears on the formation documents and on each annual report. It differs from the mailing address or registered agent address in some cases. The principal address serves as the official headquarters for the business.

Mailing Address

The mailing address is where a company receives regular correspondence, tax notices, and official mail. The mailing address may differ from the principal office if the company uses a PO box or a separate mail handler. The record shows the current mailing address on file with the

state.

Registered Office

The registered office is the Florida street address where the registered agent accepts legal papers. Florida law requires every registered entity to maintain a registered office. The address cannot be a PO box. The record shows the registered office address and the name of the agent at that location.

Business Location

The business location is the physical place where customers can find the company. This address may match the principal office or differ if the company operates from multiple sites. The record shows the location on file with the state. Address changes appear in the filing history.

Contact Information

Contact details on file with the state include the mailing address, registered agent address, and sometimes a phone number or email. Florida does not require companies to list phone or email on public filings, so contact details may be limited. You may need to contact the registered agent directly for additional data.

Address Changes

Address changes happen when a company moves offices, switches agents, or updates its mailing address. Each change creates a new filing in the public record. The filing history shows the old address, the new address, and the date of the change. You can review these filings to track a company’s location history.

Business Records and Public Access

Business records in Florida are public records under state law. Anyone can search the Division of Corporations portal to view these records at no cost. Some records are available instantly online, while others require a written request. The public access rules balance openness with privacy for sensitive data.

Publicly Available Business Information

Public business data includes legal names, entity type, status, formation date, registered agent, and principal address. The data also covers officers, directors, and members when reported on annual reports. The portal shows this data on every entity record. No login or fee is needed for basic searches.

Online Business Records

Online business records are available 24 hours a day through the Sunbiz portal. You can search by name, owner, agent, address, or filing number. Each record shows the current data and the filing history. You can also download copies of filed documents in PDF format for a small fee.

Public Filing Documents

Public filing documents include formation papers, amendments, annual reports, and dissolution filings. Each document carries a document number and a filing date. You can view and download these documents through the Sunbiz portal. Image copies of the original signed papers are available for most filings.

Records Available by Request

Some records are available only by written request to the Division of Corporations. These include older filings not yet imaged, certified copies, and bulk data extracts. You can submit a request by mail, fax, or in person. Processing times and fees vary based on the type of request.

Restricted Business Information

Restricted business data includes Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and personal data of officers reported on internal forms. The Division of Corporations removes or redacts these details before posting records online. Public filings show only the data needed for legal and compliance purposes.

Certified Business Records

Certified business records carry the official seal of the Division of Corporations. You can request certified copies of any filing for use in court, business transactions, or overseas filings. Certified copies cost more than regular copies. They include a stamped certificate showing the document is a true copy of the record on file.

Business Record Search Problems

Business record searches do not always return the results you expect. Names can be misspelled, records can be outdated, and new filings may not yet appear online. Knowing common search problems helps you adjust your queries. The tips below cover the most frequent issues users face when searching Florida business records.

Business Not Found

A “business not found” message can mean the company is not registered in Florida. It can also mean the search term does not match any record on file. Try broader search terms, partial names, or alternate spellings. You can also search by registered agent or filing number if you have that data.

Similar Business Names

Similar business names can clutter your search results when many entities share common words. Florida allows multiple businesses with similar names to register. The system returns all matches, leaving you to pick the right one. You can narrow the list by city, county, or entity type.

Incorrect Business Information

Incorrect data can appear on public records when companies fail to update their filings. The Division of Corporations shows what each company has reported. If the data looks wrong, contact the company directly or check the latest annual report. You can also file a correction request if the error is clear.

Outdated Business Records

Outdated records show old addresses, agents, or officers that no longer match the current company. Filings take time to process, so the most recent data may not yet be online. Check the filing date on each record to see how current it is. The latest annual report usually shows the most recent details.

Recently Formed Businesses

Recently formed businesses may take a few business days to appear in search results after filing. The Division of Corporations processes filings in the order received. If you filed recently and cannot find your record, wait and search again. You can also search by your filing number, which appears on your receipt.

Recently Dissolved Businesses

Recently dissolved businesses may still appear in online searches during the processing window. The status field will reflect the new status once the filing is complete. If you need to confirm the dissolution date, check the filing history tab on the record. The most recent filing shows the date and reason for the closure.

Missing Filing Records

Missing filing records can happen when older filings have not yet been imaged into the online system. You can request copies of older filings through the Division of Corporations. Some historical data is also available through the Florida State Archives. Bulk data requests can help with large research projects.

Business Records and Related Searches

Business records are one of several public data sources in Florida. Each source covers a different slice of company or property data. Knowing how these sources compare helps you pick the right record for your search. The table below shows common record types and their main differences.

Business Records vs. Business Search

Business records refer to the official filings stored by the Division of Corporations. Business search refers to the act of looking up those records through the Sunbiz portal. The records are the data; the search is the tool. You use a search to find and view specific records on file.

Business Records vs. Assumed Name Records

Business records cover the legal entity itself, including formation, status, and ownership. Assumed name records cover DBAs, trade names, and fictitious names used by a business. The two records can overlap when a company files an assumed name. The legal entity record and the assumed name record stay separate on the portal.

Business Records vs. UCC Records

Business records cover company formation and ownership. UCC records cover liens, secured transactions, and collateral statements. Lenders file UCC records when they secure a loan with company assets. You can search both sources to get a full picture of a company’s registration and debt position.

Business Records vs. Property Records

Business records cover companies. Property records cover real estate, including deeds, mortgages, and liens. A company may own real estate, so its name may appear in property records. The property records show the parcel; the business records show the owner. Both sources together paint a fuller picture.

Business Records vs. Public Records

Business records are a subset of public records in Florida. Public records also include court cases, criminal history, marriage records, and more. Business records focus on registered companies. Public records cover a wider range of official filings across multiple state and county offices.

Business Records vs. Background Checks

Business records show company data. Background checks show personal data on individuals. Lenders and partners often run both checks before signing deals. A business record search confirms the company is registered and active. A background check confirms the people behind the company are who they claim to be.

Contact Information

You can reach the Florida Division of Corporations by phone during regular business hours. The division handles questions about business records, assumed names, and filing procedures. Callers can also confirm receipt of recent filings or request status updates. The office is closed on state holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find quick answers on locating, verifying, and reviewing business records through Florida’s public portal.

How to search business records in Florida?

Start at the official portal https://search.sunbiz.org. Choose the search type—name, owner, address, or filing number. Enter the information and click search. The results show live data such as formation date, status code, and ownership details. You can view individual filings by selecting the entity link. The site updates daily, so the information reflects the current state of each business.

How can I find a business by name online?

Enter the exact legal name or a partial name in the name search field on the Sunbiz portal. The system returns all matching entities with their registration numbers and status. Click a result to see the full record, including the principal office address and filing history. If the name is similar to another, review the details to confirm you have the correct business.

How do I check if a business is active?

After locating the business record, look for the status code beside the entity name. Codes like “Active” or “In Good Standing” mean the business is currently operating. If the record shows “Inactive,” “Dissolved,” or “Revoked,” the entity is no longer authorized to conduct business in the state. The portal also lists the date of the most recent status change.

Where to locate a business’s registered agent?

The registered agent appears in the main details section of each record on the Sunbiz site. It lists the agent’s name and mailing address. This information is required for legal service of process, so it is always displayed publicly. If the agent changes, the updated address will appear in the latest filing.

How to view a company’s filing number and documents?

Open the business’s profile on the portal and scroll to the filing history table. Each entry includes a filing number, date, and type of document. Click the filing number to download a PDF of the original filing, such as articles of incorporation or annual reports. These documents provide official proof of the company’s formation and any subsequent changes.