How to Find a Florida Corporation: A Guide to Using Sunbiz.org

Introduction to Florida Corporation Search in 2026

If you’re performing a florida corporation search in 2026, the Sunbiz system (operated by the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations) remains the official portal for finding registered entities. Whether you’re an entrepreneur validating a business name, a consumer verifying legitimacy, or an investor conducting due diligence, knowing how to effectively use Sunbiz has never been more important.

The year 2026 brings updated compliance rules, changes in business filing requirements, and new digital enhancements to the Sunbiz database. These updates allow users to access corporate records faster, verify business identities more accurately, and gain increased transparency into Florida companies.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know — from understanding what Sunbiz is, to performing searches, interpreting results, reviewing compliance data, and avoiding common mistakes. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to find any corporation in Florida and use the data confidently and legally.

Understanding Why Sunbiz Matters in 2026

Sunbiz has always been the primary source for Florida corporate filings, but its importance grew significantly in 2026. With more businesses shifting to remote operations, and with an increase in fraud and identity-related scams, having access to an official, public, government-backed business registry is essential for protecting both consumers and businesses.

In 2026, Sunbiz remains the most accurate, transparent, and up-to-date database for:

• Verifying business legitimacy
• Checking compliance status
• Confirming ownership and officers
• Reviewing annual reports and amendments
• Accessing official documents and filing history

When you perform a florida corporation search, you’re accessing real-time state records — not approximations or third-party summaries.

How Corporate Verification Has Evolved in 2026

Corporate due diligence has evolved dramatically in 2026 due to increased regulatory scrutiny and digital transformation. Several trends make Sunbiz even more important this year:

1. Increased Corporate Transparency Requirements

Businesses must now keep their Sunbiz profiles updated more frequently. Failure to file accurate information can lead to administrative dissolution.

2. Rise in Online Scams & Fraudulent Companies

Consumers and investors rely heavily on Sunbiz to confirm whether a company exists, who owns it, and whether it’s operating legally.

3. More Remote Businesses Registered in Florida

Florida remains one of the most popular states for forming corporations and LLCs, making Sunbiz searches even more common.

4. Expanded Digital Document Access

2026 enhancements improve document image availability, allowing users to access filings without delays.

These changes make mastering the Sunbiz search process not just helpful — but essential for due diligence in 2026.

What Is Sunbiz? The Updated 2026 Overview

Sunbiz.org is the official online portal of the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations. It serves as the central repository for all corporation, LLC, partnership, and fictitious name records filed in Florida.

Core Functions of Sunbiz (Business Lookup, Filing, Compliance)

In 2026, Sunbiz provides:

• Business entity search: Find corporations, LLCs, LPs, and more.
• Annual report filing: Required to maintain active status.
• New business registration: Register corporations, LLCs, nonprofits, and partnerships.
• Document access: View articles of incorporation, amendments, and annual reports.
• Compliance tools: Monitor active/inactive status and reinstatement history.

Why Sunbiz Remains Florida’s Official Corporate Registry

Unlike third-party databases, Sunbiz is:

• Government-run and legally authoritative
• Free to search
• Updated in real time
• Required by law for corporate filings

This makes Sunbiz the only source you should trust when conducting a florida corporation search.

Why People Use a Florida Corporation Search in 2026

Entrepreneurs & Startups

Business owners use Sunbiz to check whether a name is available, identify competitors, learn about market presence, and verify supplier legitimacy.

Consumers & Public Safety

Before hiring a contractor, purchasing services, or entering a contract, consumers rely on Sunbiz to confirm whether a business is actually registered and in good standing.

Attorneys, Brokers & Legal Professionals

Legal teams use Sunbiz to access historical filings, confirm officer names, review compliance status, and gather evidence for litigation or business transactions.

Investors & Risk Analysis

Investors use Sunbiz to confirm:

• Ownership and management
• Filing history and compliance
• Whether a business has been dissolved or reinstated
• Entity age and stability
• Documentation consistency

A quick Sunbiz check can prevent costly mistakes.

Step-by-Step: How to Perform a Florida Corporation Search on Sunbiz (2026 Edition)

Step 1: Accessing the Updated 2026 Sunbiz Portal

Go to Sunbiz.org, and navigate to the Search Records section. In 2026, the interface is cleaner and faster, making it easier to find what you need.

Step 2: Selecting the Correct Search Method

Sunbiz now displays multiple search options:

• Corporation/LLC Name Search
• Officer/Registered Agent Search
• Fictitious Name Search
• Trademark Search
• FEI/EIN Number Lookup (non-public)
• Document Number Search

Choosing the right tool ensures accurate results.

Step 3: Entering Search Terms Effectively

For best results:

• Use broad terms if unsure (“Orlando Plumbing”)
• Avoid punctuation
• Try both full and partial names
• If the business has a DBA (fictitious name), try searching both

Step 4: Reviewing Results & Entity Status

Search results display:

• Entity name
• Document number
• Status (Active, Inactive, Dissolved)
• Filing date

This helps you quickly identify the correct business.

Step 5: Opening Corporate Records & Document Images

Click on any business name to see:

• Principal office address
• Mailing address
• Registered agent details
• Officers and directors
• Filing history
• Annual reports
• Amendment documents

This is where the most important verification information appears.

All Search Methods Available on Sunbiz (2026)

One of the strengths of the Sunbiz system is that it provides several different search tools depending on what information you have and what you’re trying to verify. In 2026, these search types have been refined to return faster, more accurate, and better-organized results.

Entity Name Lookup

This is the most commonly used search tool. Enter the full or partial business name, and Sunbiz returns every matching Florida corporation, LLC, partnership, or nonprofit.

This search is ideal when you know the company name but:

• Want to verify legitimacy
• Need to check filing history
• Are unsure of the exact spelling
• Need to see if multiple similar businesses exist

Because many companies use similar names, always check:

• Document number
• Registered agent
• Principal address
• Status

This ensures you’re looking at the correct entity.

Registered Agent / Officer Search

This search is powerful and often overlooked. When you enter a person’s name, Sunbiz provides a list of all businesses that individual is associated with—whether as:

• Registered agent
• Officer
• Manager
• Director
• Authorized representative

This is extremely useful for:

• Attorneys performing due diligence
• Investigators tracing business ownership
• Investors evaluating corporate credibility
• Consumers confirming the authenticity of a business owner

In 2026, the database is better at handling partial names and identifying common variations.

Document Number Search

Every Florida business has a unique document number assigned at formation. If you already know this number (from a contract, invoice, or filing), this is the fastest and most precise search method.

It produces an exact match instantly, eliminating confusion from similarly named companies.

Fictitious Name / DBA Lookup

Many Florida businesses operate under a fictitious name, also known as a DBA (“doing business as”). For example:

• “Miami Property Solutions, LLC” may operate as “MPS Roofing”
• “Clearwater Holdings Corp.” may operate as “Sunshine Pools”

The fictitious name search is essential when:

• A business advertises under a brand name
• A contractor lists a different business name on paperwork
• A company uses multiple brand identities

Trademark & Brand Records

Florida state-level trademarks are searchable on Sunbiz. While not the same as federal USPTO trademarks, these filings help you:

• Verify brand ownership
• Avoid infringement
• Confirm business legitimacy

In 2026, image-based trademark search is faster and more accurate.

What You Can Learn from a Florida Corporation Search (2026 Data Points)

When you perform a florida corporation search, Sunbiz provides comprehensive, official data you can use for compliance, risk assessment, or verification.

Entity Type, Dates, & Status

Every listing includes:

• Entity type (corporation, LLC, partnership, nonprofit)
• Date of formation
• Status (Active, Inactive, Dissolved, Withdrawn)
• Last annual report filed
• Previous names, if applicable

Entity status is critical. An Inactive or Administratively Dissolved business may not legally operate in Florida.

Registered Agent & Officer Information

A registered agent is the legal contact for the business. Sunbiz displays:

• Agent name
• Agent address
• Filing updates
• Changes in representation

Officer listings reveal who controls the company:

• Directors
• Managers
• Officers (CEO, CFO, President)
• Authorized representatives

This information is essential for:

• Legal notices
• Contracts
• Due diligence
• Locating business owners

Annual Reports, Amendments & Compliance History

Annual reports show:

• The business is active
• Officers/managers were updated
• Addresses are up to date

Amendments include:

• Name changes
• Structural changes
• Ownership updates
• Document corrections

Compliance history helps you understand:

• Whether the company updates filings on time
• If it was ever dissolved
• Whether it reinstated after non-compliance

Document Images & Filing Details

Sunbiz includes downloadable PDFs of:

• Articles of Incorporation
• Amendments
• Annual reports
• Reinstatement filings
• Mergers

In 2026, more documents are digitally available without delays, making verification easier and faster.

2026 Business Compliance: Annual Reports & Sunbiz Requirements

Updated 2026 Annual Report Deadlines

All Florida corporations, LLCs, and other entities must file annual reports between January 1 and May 1 each year. This requirement remains unchanged in 2026, but penalties for late filings have increased.

If a business fails to file by May 1:

• A late fee is automatically added
• The entity risks dissolution
• Reinstatement can take weeks

Administrative Dissolution in 2026

If a corporation or LLC does not file an annual report by the deadline, Sunbiz will assign the entity a status of:

• “Admin Dissolved”
• “Inactive”
• “Revoked” (for foreign entities)

This status means the business loses its right to legally operate in Florida.

Reinstatement Rules & Penalties (2026)

Businesses may reinstate by:

• Filing past-due annual reports
• Paying all reinstatement fees
• Updating registered agent and officer information

However, a dissolved business may temporarily lose:

• Limited liability protection
• Ability to sue or defend itself
• Ability to sign valid contracts

This makes checking status during a florida corporation search essential in 2026.

How Florida Corporation Searches Help Different Users in 2026

Business Owners & Name Availability

Before forming a company, entrepreneurs use Sunbiz to:

• Ensure their desired name is available
• Analyze competitor names
• Avoid trademark conflicts
• Review similar businesses in their industry

This prevents filing rejections and branding conflicts.

Investors & Due-Diligence Practices

Smart investors use Sunbiz to:

• Review the company’s age
• Confirm legitimate ownership
• Check for dissolutions or reinstatements
• Verify corporate consistency
• Confirm registered agent location

An investor who fails to check Sunbiz may risk engaging with a non-compliant or dissolved company.

Consumers & Legitimacy Verification

Consumers often use Sunbiz before hiring:

• Contractors
• Consultants
• Repair services
• Professional service providers

Verifying Sunbiz data helps prevent fraud, scams, and unlicensed activity.

Legal Teams & Risk Assessment

Attorneys rely on Sunbiz to:

• Confirm legal standing before suing
• Locate corporate representatives
• Identify official addresses
• Review historical amendments
• Validate business authenticity

Sunbiz is often the first database attorneys check in 2026.

Common Mistakes When Using Sunbiz in 2026

Spelling Errors & Incorrect Search Formats

Because Sunbiz is exact-match sensitive, even small spelling errors can return no results. Using partial keywords solves this.

Confusing Active vs. Inactive vs. Dissolved

Many users mistake “Inactive” for “Active.” Always confirm:

• Active = Good standing
• Inactive = Not updated, cannot operate
• Dissolved = Officially closed

Overlooking Registered Agent Clues

Sometimes, the agent is the best way to identify the correct entity, especially with generic business names.

Assuming Similar Names Are the Same Company

Florida has thousands of corporations with extremely similar names. Always check:

• Document numbers
• Filing dates
• Addresses
• Officers

Sunbiz Alternatives for Deeper Research (2026)

While Sunbiz is the official database for Florida business records, some users may need deeper, more specialized information that Sunbiz does not provide. In 2026, these supporting tools are more important than ever for investors, legal professionals, and business owners performing advanced due diligence.

Third-Party Data Sources

These platforms provide supplemental insights unavailable on Sunbiz:

• Dun & Bradstreet (D&B): credit ratings, trade lines, risk scores
• ZoomInfo: executive contact databases, employee counts
• LexisNexis: legal filings, background checks, litigation histories
• Clear / TLOxp (licensed tools): identity verification, advanced tracing

These platforms help uncover:

• Corporate credit health
• Growth indicators
• Ownership networks
• Historical risk factors

Although useful, these should support, not replace, your Sunbiz verification.

County Clerk & Court Records

If you need legal history, Sunbiz won’t show:

• Active lawsuits
• Liens
• Judgments
• Foreclosures
• Bankruptcy filings

Check:

• County Clerk of Court
• State court databases (MyFloridaCourtAccess)
• Federal PACER system

This helps ensure the company is not under litigation that could affect your dealings.

Corporate Credit & Background Platforms

Lenders and investors may need tools like:

• Experian Business
• Equifax Small Business
• Nav business reports

These provide financial risk assessments not available on Sunbiz.

Real-World Example: How to Search for a Florida Corporation in 2026

To make your florida corporation search easier, here are fully updated 2026 examples that demonstrate how to locate and verify Florida companies using Sunbiz.

Example 1: Searching a Business Name

Let’s say you want to look up “Orlando Premier Roofing Inc.”

Steps:

1. Visit Sunbiz.org → “Search Records”
2. Click “Corporation/LLC Search by Name”
3. Type “Orlando Premier Roofing”
4. Review the list of matching entities
5. Click the correct company name

What you’ll see:

• Document number: P21000004567
• Status: Active
• Filing date: 2021
• Registered agent: John Matthews
• Principal address and mailing address
• Officers: President, VP, Secretary
• All annual report filings
• Document images

This confirms the company is legitimate and in good standing.

Example 2: Searching by Registered Agent

Suppose you want to verify all companies represented by “ABC Registered Agents LLC.”

Steps:

1. Search → “Officer/Registered Agent”
2. Enter “ABC Registered Agents LLC”
3. View all associated Florida entities

This helps identify connections among different businesses, which is useful for:

• Attorneys
• Investigators
• Investors
• Journalists

Patterns of dissolved companies may indicate risk.

Example 3: Using Document Numbers

If you already have a document number like L24000056789, this is the fastest search.

Steps:

1. Search → “Document Number”
2. Enter the number
3. Instantly load the exact business

This method removes all ambiguity and works even when names are similar.

FAQs: Florida Corporation Search (Updated for 2026)

1. Is Sunbiz still the official site for Florida corporation searches in 2026?

Yes. Sunbiz.org remains the only official, government-run database for Florida business verification, filings, and compliance.

2. Does Sunbiz show financial information or credit scores?

No. Sunbiz only shows legal and compliance records — not revenue, profit, debt, or credit history. For financial details, use D&B, Experian Business, or similar platforms.

3. How often is Sunbiz updated in 2026?

Sunbiz updates in real time. As soon as a filing is submitted and processed, it appears live in the database.

4. What if a business does not appear on Sunbiz?

It may be:

• Not registered in Florida
• Using a fictitious name (DBA)
• A sole proprietorship (not required to register)
• A foreign entity not yet qualified to do business in Florida

Search by registered agent or try alternative spellings.

5. Can I download documents from Sunbiz in 2026?

Yes. Most filings — including annual reports and articles of incorporation — are available as PDFs.

6. How do I know if a company is in good standing?

A company is in good standing if its Sunbiz status is:

• Active
• Current annual report filed
• No administrative dissolution

Avoid engaging with companies listed as Inactive, Dissolved, or Revoked.

7. Can Sunbiz searches help prevent scams in 2026?

Absolutely. Always verify:

• Registration status
• Registered agent
• Officer names
• Filing history

If any details appear suspicious or inconsistent, proceed cautiously.

8. Is there a fee for searching Florida corporations?

No. All Sunbiz searches are free. Only certified copies or certain filings require fees.

Conclusion (2026 Summary & Pro Tips)

Performing a florida corporation search in 2026 is one of the most important steps in verifying any company operating in Florida. Whether you’re a business owner, investor, attorney, or consumer, Sunbiz remains the most reliable, accurate, and transparent resource for corporate records.

To ensure a business is legitimate and compliant:

• Always check its status (Active vs. Inactive vs. Dissolved)
• Review annual reports and amendment history
• Confirm the registered agent and officers
• Download and verify official filings
• Use DBA and officer searches for more thorough verification

Sunbiz gives you everything you need to make informed decisions in 2026 — from risk prevention to compliance verification and corporate transparency.

If you need additional insights, pair your Sunbiz search with third-party tools such as county court databases and corporate credit platforms.

By understanding how Sunbiz works and using the search methods outlined in this guide, you’ll be fully equipped to evaluate any Florida business with confidence and clarity.

External Resource Link

For official Florida corporate records, visit:
👉 https://search.sunbiz.org (Florida Department of State)

Disclosure:
The information in this guide is provided for general educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, or tax advice. Sunbiz records can help verify business details, but they may not reflect the full legal or financial status of a company. Always consult with a licensed attorney, accountant, or qualified professional before making business decisions, entering contracts, or relying on corporate records for legal or financial matters.