DBA vs. LLC in Florida
A DBA (fictitious name) is a registered trade name; it doesn't create a company or protect your personal assets. An LLC is a separate legal entity. A Florida DBA costs $50 to file plus a newspaper notice; an LLC costs $125 plus a $138.75 annual report. An LLC can also register DBAs.
Side by side
| Fictitious name (DBA) | LLC | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A registered trade name for an existing person or business | A separate legal entity |
| Personal liability protection | No | Generally yes, when the LLC is properly maintained |
| Filed with | Florida Division of Corporations | Florida Division of Corporations |
| State cost to file | $50, plus a newspaper notice | $125 (filing fee and registered agent designation) |
| Upkeep | $50 renewal every five years | $138.75 annual report, due by May 1 each year |
| Name | Not reserved; others can register the same name | Must be distinguishable from other Florida entities on record |
| Registered agent | Not required | Required |
State fees from the Florida Division of Corporations, last reviewed October 5, 2026.
When a DBA is enough
If you're a sole proprietor who wants to trade under a brand name, open a bank account in that name and get a local business tax receipt, a fictitious name does the job. It's quick and inexpensive. It doesn't separate your personal assets from the business.
When an LLC makes sense
If you want the business to be its own legal entity, usually for liability protection, form an LLC. That's a different filing (Articles of Organization), with its own annual report requirement.
Using both
Many Florida businesses have both. An LLC can register one or more fictitious names so it can operate several brands under one company. Each brand name the LLC uses, other than its exact legal name, gets its own fictitious name registration.
FLDBA.com files fictitious names only. We don't form LLCs and don't give legal or tax advice. For help choosing a structure, talk to an attorney or accountant.
Common questions
Is a DBA the same as an LLC?
No. A DBA (fictitious name) is a trade name. An LLC is a separate legal entity that can offer liability protection.
Does a Florida DBA protect my personal assets?
No. A sole proprietor with a DBA is still personally responsible for the business's debts. That protection generally comes from forming an entity such as an LLC.
Can my LLC have a DBA in Florida?
Yes. An LLC that does business under a name other than its exact registered name must register that name as a fictitious name.
Want us to handle it?
Already have an LLC and need a DBA? $249 including the state fee and notice.