Fictitious Name (DBA) Registration: Miami restaurant guide

Florida Department of State — Division of Corporations (Sunbiz)

What it is

Registers a trade name (for example 'Casa Luna') that differs from your LLC's legal name, so you can trade, bank and sign up for licenses under it.

When a restaurant needs it

If the restaurant will operate under any name other than the exact legal entity name.

How to apply

Advertise the name once in a Miami-Dade newspaper, then e-file the registration on Sunbiz.

Documents you’ll need

Fictitious name
Owner entity name and Sunbiz document number
Business mailing address
Certification that the name was advertised

Fee

$50.00 initial registration.

Processing time

Confirmation emailed within about 24 hours of posting to the Sunbiz database.

Renewal

Valid 5 years; expires December 31 of the final year.

Who files

The owner or an authorized representative files online.

Good to know

Registration does not give you trademark rights. Proof of the newspaper ad is not filed, but you certify that you ran it.

Official source

Sunbiz — fictitious name registration

Get your personalized Miami permit plan

Answer a few questions about your space and get every permit in order, with a timeline, a cost range, walkthroughs, and every application filled in for you to sign with Open.

Build my free plan

Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.