.Com TLD sunbiz.com

sunbiz.com

November 18, 2025

What is SunBiz

SunBiz (the web portal of Florida’s Division of Corporations) is the official business-entity website for the State of Florida. It’s operated by the Florida Department of State. (Department of State)
Through the site you can:

In short: if you’re setting up, managing, or looking up a business entity in Florida, SunBiz is the main tool.

Key Features & How to Use Them

Here are some of the major functions, and practical notes on using them.

Entity Search

You can search by entity name, officer/registered agent, FEI/EIN, address. Example: the page for “Search for Corporations …” shows those options. (Sunbiz Search)
Tip: Use the correct spelling of the entity name; narrow search results by city or zip if needed.
Why it matters: Makes it easy to check if a business is legally registered in Florida and to get its status.

Filing Annual Reports

For existing Florida entities, you must file an annual report (for LLCs, corporations, etc) via the portal. (Sunbiz Services)
Key details: The annual report is due each year between Jan 1 and May 1. Filing late can incur a fee. (Sunbiz Services)
Tip: File ahead of the deadline to avoid delays or late penalties.

Business Formation & Changes

You can form new entities (LLC, profit corp, non-profit) and submit changes (e.g., address, registered agent, entity name). For changes: there are forms like “Update the Entity’s Current Email Address, FEIN, and Address”. (Department of State)
Tip: Ensure the address and agent information you submit is correct; errors can delay processing.

Public Records Access & Certificates

You can order certified copies of the certificate of status, view filings, search trademarks, etc. (Department of State)
Why useful: For due diligence, vendors, investors; helps you verify legal existence and good standing.

Miscellaneous Services

Includes fictitious name registration (doing business as), foreign entity filings (out-of-state companies doing business in Florida), notary services, apostille certifications. (Department of State)
Tip: If you own a business outside Florida but operate here, make sure you understand the “foreign entity” requirement.

Pros & Cons

Here’s a balanced view.

Pros

  • Centralised: one official portal for many business-entity functions in Florida.

  • Transparent public records: good access for verification and research.

  • Many processes online: less reliance on paper/mail (though some filings may still involve mail).

  • Useful for both business owners (formation, compliance) and third parties (checking status).

Cons / Things to watch

  • U.S. state-specific: If you’re outside Florida (or your business isn’t in Florida), this site won’t apply.

  • Deadline sensitivity: Especially annual reports — missing them can affect good standing.

  • Complexity for first-timers: Some forms and filings require careful reading (e.g., foreign entity, fictitious name).

  • Public-record exposure: Some information you submit (address, email) may become public records. Note: The website states for e-mail: “Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records.” (Department of State)

  • Processing delays: There may be delays due to system upgrades or workload. (An example document warned about this). (Florida Department of State)

Why It Matters

  • For anyone doing business in Florida: register correctly, stay compliant (annual reports etc), and maintain good standing.

  • For someone dealing with a Florida-based partner, vendor, or competitor: you can verify their entity status, registered agent, filing history via SunBiz.

  • For legal, financial, or investment research: First stop for entity verification in Florida.

  • For operations beyond Florida: It shows how state-level business regulation works in the U.S. (each state has a comparable portal).

Things to Keep in Mind

  • Always use the official site (sunbiz.org, sunbiz.com redirect) — there are scam notices about fake renewal/notice letters. The site itself posts consumer notices about scam alerts. (Department of State)

  • Filings: double-check deadlines, fees, eligibility. For example, annual report deadline is clearly defined.

  • Update contact/agent details promptly when there is a change. Some filings require proper street address (not just PO Box). (Department of State)

  • Search logic: When looking up an entity, try multiple variations of the name if you don’t find it immediately.

  • Keep a record of your confirmation/receipt when you file; the website will send a confirmation email when you submit an annual report. (Sunbiz Services)

FAQ

Q1: Is SunBiz free to use?
A1: Basic searches and access to public records appear free. Many filings will have state-fees attached (for new entities, annual reports, etc).

Q2: What happens if I miss the annual report deadline?
A2: You will incur a late fee. Also, your entity could lose “good standing” status or eventually be administratively dissolved if filings continue to be skipped.

Q3: Can I use SunBiz to search for trademark filings?
A3: Yes — the portal supports trademark name/owner searches. (Sunbiz Search)

Q4: My business is registered in another state but operating in Florida — do I need to file with SunBiz?
A4: Likely yes: you’d register as a “foreign entity” doing business in Florida and file required documents. The site lists “Foreign Entity Withdrawal” etc. (Department of State)

Q5: Can I change my registered agent via SunBiz?
A5: Yes, there are forms available for changes of registered agent/office etc. For example the “Update … Email Address, FEIN, Address” form shows how changes are handled. (Department of State)

Final Thoughts

If you deal with businesses in Florida (whether starting one, partnering, vetting someone, or maintaining compliance), SunBiz is essential. It’s fairly straightforward once you’re familiar, but it pays to be disciplined about deadlines, accurate info, and using the official portal.