Jake Lawson here. Florida keeps LLC name changes affordable at $25, but their 6-page Articles of Amendment form looks more intimidating than it actually is. Here’s how to navigate Florida’s paperwork and manage the follow-up work without missing critical updates.
Florida’s Business-Friendly but Paperwork-Heavy Approach
The good news: $25 filing fee, unlimited name changes allowed, reasonable processing times.
The challenge: 6-page amendment form, mail-only filing, 12+ business day processing.
The reality: The form looks complex but most of it is optional or instructional.
My take: Florida doesn’t make name changes expensive, but they do make you work through more paperwork than most states. Don’t let the form length intimidate you—most sections are straightforward.
Smart Reasons vs. Poor Reasons for Name Changes
Strategic Name Changes:
- Business evolution (outgrowing your original scope)
- Professional rebranding (consultant becomes agency)
- Market positioning (better reflecting current services)
- Partnership changes (removing/adding partner names)
- Trademark issues (avoiding conflicts with existing marks)
Questionable Name Changes:
- Impulse decisions (without considering implementation work)
- Minor partner disagreements (expensive way to make a point)
- Trend chasing (names become dated quickly)
- Avoiding problems (creditors can track name changes)
Jake’s decision framework: Will this name change genuinely improve your business operations, marketing, or legal position? If not, the time and effort might be better spent elsewhere.
Step 1: Verify Name Availability in Florida
Florida’s Sunbiz Search Process
Before investing $25 and 2-3 weeks in processing, confirm your desired name is available using Florida’s Sunbiz Corporation Search.
Search strategy:
- Enter exact desired name
- Try variations without “LLC” designator
- Check for confusingly similar existing names
- Verify proper designator requirements
Required Designators for Florida LLCs
Your new name must end with one of these:
- Limited Liability Company
- LLC (most common and professional)
- L.L.C.
My recommendation: Use “LLC” unless you have specific branding reasons for alternatives. It’s universally recognized and looks professional on all business documents.
Step 2: Gathering Required Information
Before Starting the Form
Collect these details from your Florida business records:
- Current LLC name (exactly as filed)
- Document number (from original Articles of Organization)
- Original filing date (from Sunbiz search)
- Desired new name (with proper designator)
Finding Your Document Number and Filing Date
- Go to Sunbiz Corporation Search
- Enter your current LLC name
- Click on your business in results
- Note the “Document Number” and “Date Filed”
Jake’s prep tip: Having this information ready before starting the form saves time and reduces errors.
Step 3: Completing Florida’s Articles of Amendment
Understanding the 6-Page Form
Pages 1-2: Instructions and legal text (informational only)
Page 3: Cover letter with contact information
Pages 4-6: Actual amendment content
Don’t panic about the length—most sections are optional.
Cover Letter (Page 3) – Critical Section
Subject: Enter your current LLC name
Contact information: Where to send approval (your address)
Email: Optional, but useful for annual report reminders
Phone: For questions about your filing
Filing fee: Check “$25 Articles of Amendment Fee” box
Skip the extra services unless you specifically need certified copies with official seals.
Articles of Amendment Pages (4-6)
Page 4 – Name and Address Changes
Current LLC name: Enter at the top
Date Filed and Document Number: From your Sunbiz research
New name: Include full name with “LLC” designator
Address changes: Only fill if you’re also changing addresses
Registered agent: Only complete if changing registered agent
Page 5 – Authorized Persons (Optional)
Leave blank unless you need to add/remove managers or members. Most name-only changes skip this section.
Page 6 – Final Details
Other amendments: Leave blank unless instructed by attorney
Effective date: Leave blank for immediate effect upon approval
Signature: Any authorized LLC representative can sign
Step 4: Filing by Mail (Currently the Only Option)
Required Documents
- Completed Articles of Amendment (signed original)
- Check or money order for $25 payable to “Florida Department of State”
Mailing Address
Registration Section
Division of Corporations
PO Box 6327
Tallahassee FL 32314
Processing Timeline
Mail delivery: 2-3 days to Tallahassee
State processing: 12 business days average
Return mail: 2-3 days back to you
Total timeline: 3-4 weeks from mailing to approval
Jake’s mailing strategy: Use certified mail with tracking. Florida processes thousands of documents, and you want proof of delivery.
Step 5: Post-Approval Update Strategy
Immediate Priority Updates (Week 1)
IRS Notification
Required documents:
- Letter explaining name change
- Copy of approved Florida amendment
- LLC’s EIN and old/new names
- Your signature and contact information
Mailing address varies by location (check IRS instructions for your state)
Florida Department of Revenue
Purpose: Update state tax registration
Contact methods: Online, phone, or mail
Timeline: Complete within 30 days of approval
Primary Business Bank Account
Required documents: Approved amendment, EIN letter, photo ID
Impact: Critical for check processing and daily operations
Timeline: Schedule immediately after receiving approval
Second-Wave Updates (Weeks 2-4)
Financial Institutions
- Business credit cards and loans
- Merchant payment processors (Square, Stripe, PayPal)
- Business lines of credit
- Investment/brokerage accounts
Professional Services
- Registered agent service (if applicable)
- Accountant and bookkeeper
- Business attorney
- Insurance providers
Government and Licensing
- Professional licenses (varies by industry)
- Local business permits
- Sales tax certificates
- Workers’ compensation (if applicable)
Step 6: Comprehensive Business Updates
Digital Presence Overhaul
Website and domains: Update registration and hosting accounts
Social media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram business profiles
Online marketplaces: Amazon, eBay, Etsy seller accounts
Google Business Profile: Critical for local search visibility
Marketing and Legal Materials
Business cards and letterhead: Order new materials
Contracts and proposals: Update templates
Operating Agreement: Revise with new name and re-sign
Email signatures: Update across all team members
Vendor and Customer Communications
Key customers: Notify of name change with effective date
Major vendors: Update accounts and payment information
Landlord: Notify if you have commercial leases
Utility companies: Update business account names
Timeline Management for Florida LLC Name Changes
Pre-Filing Phase (Week 1)
- Verify name availability
- Gather required documentation
- Complete Articles of Amendment
- Mail to Florida Department of State
Processing Phase (Weeks 2-4)
- Wait for state approval
- Prepare update checklists
- Line up required documents for notifications
Implementation Phase (Weeks 4-8)
- IRS and state tax updates
- Financial institution notifications
- Professional service updates
- Marketing material revisions
Final Cleanup (Weeks 8-12)
- Vendor and customer notifications
- Online presence updates
- Legal document revisions
- System and process updates
Common Florida Name Change Pitfalls
Pitfall #1: Form Intimidation
Problem: Getting overwhelmed by the 6-page form
Solution: Remember pages 1-2 are just instructions
Reality: Most sections are optional for name-only changes
Pitfall #2: Incomplete Contact Information
Problem: Missing or unclear return address
Solution: Double-check page 3 contact details
Impact: Approval documents can’t be returned
Pitfall #3: Missing Document Number
Problem: Not including original filing details
Solution: Always research your LLC on Sunbiz first
Impact: Potential filing rejection and delays
Pitfall #4: Rushed Follow-Up Work
Problem: Trying to update everything immediately
Solution: Prioritize critical updates first (IRS, banking, taxes)
Reality: You have time to complete non-critical updates systematically
Operating Agreement Updates
Why It Matters
Your Operating Agreement should reflect your current legal name for consistency and enforceability.
Update Approach Options
Simple method: Amendment page with new name
Comprehensive method: Complete Operating Agreement revision
Required Steps
- Update LLC name throughout document
- Have all members review changes
- Sign updated version with current date
- Distribute copies to all members
- Store with other corporate records
Jake’s opportunity tip: Use the name change as a chance to review other Operating Agreement provisions that might need updating.
Cost Analysis: DIY vs. Professional Services
DIY Approach ($30-50 total)
- Florida filing fee: $25
- Certified mail: $5-8
- Photocopies and supplies: $5-10
- Your time: 12-15 hours over 6-8 weeks
Professional Service ($150-300 total)
- Service fee: $119-250
- Florida filing fee: $25
- Expedited handling: $25-50
- Your time: 3-4 hours coordination
When Professional Help Makes Sense
- Multiple LLCs requiring updates
- Complex business relationships
- Limited time for paperwork management
- Unfamiliarity with government processes
My recommendation: The Florida form looks complicated but isn’t—most entrepreneurs can handle the filing themselves. Consider professional help for the post-approval coordination if your business has complex relationships.
Multi-State Business Considerations
If You’re Registered in Other States
Florida’s name change only affects your Florida registration. You’ll need separate filings for:
- Foreign LLC registrations in other states
- Professional licenses in other jurisdictions
- Multi-state tax registrations
- Federal contractor registrations
Coordination Strategy
- Complete Florida change first
- Use Florida approval for other state filings
- Budget additional time and fees for each jurisdiction
- Consider professional help for complex multi-state situations
Frequently Asked Questions
“Can I file my Florida LLC name change online?”
Not yet. Florida requires mail filing for Articles of Amendment, though online filing may be available in the future.
“Can I operate under my new name before approval?”
No. Continue using your current legal name until Florida approves the change. Operating under an unapproved name can create legal complications.
“Do I need a new EIN after changing my name?”
Absolutely not. Keep your existing EIN and notify the IRS of the name change. Getting a new EIN creates unnecessary tax complications.
“What if I need certified copies later?”
You can order them later directly from Florida for additional fees. Most businesses don’t need certified copies for routine operations.
The Bottom Line: Manageable Process, Strategic Planning Required
Florida’s LLC name change process is affordable and straightforward once you understand the form structure. The real challenge is managing the post-approval coordination work.
My systematic approach:
- Verify availability thoroughly before filing
- Complete the form systematically (don’t be intimidated by length)
- Plan your update strategy during the 3-4 week waiting period
- Prioritize critical updates (IRS, banking, state taxes) immediately after approval
- Handle remaining updates systematically over 4-6 weeks
Realistic timeline: Plan for 8-10 weeks from initial filing to complete implementation.
Ready to start your Florida LLC name change? Check out my complete Florida formation guide and compliance resources. I’ve guided over 1,200 entrepreneurs through U.S. business formation—including helping them navigate rebranding decisions that actually serve their business goals.
Jake Lawson
LLC Formation Strategist
Independent. Unbiased. No upsells. Ever.
P.S. Florida’s $25 name change fee is among the most reasonable in the nation. The paperwork looks more complex than it actually is—don’t let the 6-page form scare you away from a strategic rebrand.