Overview of the Division of Corporations

The Division of Corporations serves as the state´s central location for a number of commercial activities that include a variety of business entity filings, trade and service mark registrations, federal lien recordings, judgment lien filings, uniform commercial code financing statements, fictitious name registrations, notary commissions, and cable and video service franchises. In doing so, the Division renders two broad functional services: (1) formalizes the legal standing of a business or activity by accepting and indexing the filing or registration, and (2) supplies information and certification regarding the filings and activities of record. Florida´s Division of Corporations is the most active corporate filing entity in the country.

The Division of Corporations is by statute a ministerial entity. This non-regulatory nature has over the years created a positive climate for business organizations and is largely the reason why Florida leads the country in new business formations. Individuals and groups from all facets of life rely on the Division´s services. With a staff of 108, the Division maintains in excess of eight million records and annually performs approximately five million activities, including filing more than two million commercial documents and providing over a half million certification, authentication and copy services. The Division recognizes the importance of and enforces expedient and accurate processing of filings and certifications (48 hours turn-around-time) and maintains a 95% client satisfaction and approval rating.

This website is the official business entity index. The Division of Corporations created and maintains sunbiz.org as an online public search mechanism to aid in fostering business activities. Since 1996 all documents and records have been imaged and placed on this website for ready access by all. Sunbiz.org is available worldwide, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and processes over 240,000,000 events annually. First in the country to offer electronic filing and certification services, these user-friendly processes now account for 75% of the filing activities and 55% of the certification activities.

Public information about corporations and other business entities filing activity protects consumers and businesses and ensures that commerce is conducted by properly registered business entities. Sunbiz.org serves as a deterrent to unscrupulous business practices and is used by law enforcement, business entities, and citizens as a resource to locate businesses operating in Florida.

The Secretary of State is recognized nationally and internationally as the "keeper of records" and the authenticity verification official. The Division of Corporations´ location in the Department of State instills confidence, encourages investments, and drives business activity.

We thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you and hope your experience with Sunbiz.org is a pleasant one. Good luck with your business endeavors.