“LLC name,” “company name,” “business title,” “fictitious name,” “Sunbiz search,” “DBA.”

Trademark and Domain Names

After confirming your name meets Florida requirements, check if your desired LLC name is already trademarked or if the domain name is taken. This step is vital for protecting your brand.

Begin with a free search on the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website. Type in your desired name and view any trademarks that are exact or similar. Even if your name is allowed in Florida, a federal trademark holder could take legal action if you infringe on their name.

Next, check if the matching domain is available. Go to a domain registrar like GoDaddy, Google Domains, or Namecheap. Try to secure a domain that matches your LLC name closely—ideally the .com version. This helps with branding and online visibility.

If both the trademark and domain are available, you reduce the risk of conflicts and position your company for a strong digital presence. For an added layer of protection, consider filing your own trademark with the USPTO.

Sources:

  • USPTO.gov – Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS)

  • ICANN.org – Domain name registrars overview

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