Step 2: Creating Your Business

START HERE; click to go to step one

Business Structures

There are several types of business structures, each with its own benefits and limitations. While it can be changed later, it is far easier to make this decision correctly at the start.

The most common business structures available to you are:
Sole Proprietorship
General Partnership
Limited Partnership
Limited Liability Company
Limited Liability Partnership

View the available forms from the State of Florida.

What does it mean?

The Florida Division of Corporations, also known as Sunbiz, does a great job explaining the types of business entities and structures. As such, start your business by filing with the Department of State.

  1. DBA
  2. Inc. & LLC

'Doing Business As' = DBA

A DBA, sometimes called a Fictitious Name, assumed name, or trade name, is a business name that is different from your personal name, the names of your partners or the officially registered name of your LLC or corporation. If you will be operating under a fictitious name, you will be able to register the name with the state to conduct business with this name. A lot of very small businesses choose this path.

What to Consider

If you choose the DBA as your filing, then the name you choose can still be used by another company. The name is not unique to only you in Florida. The other thing to consider is that if you file a DBA, there is no limited liability, therefore, if someone sued the company, your personal assets would be available in a lawsuit. If this is not a concern then a DBA might be right for you. More information can be found at Florida's Division of Corporations. 

Legal Notice and Business License

Once you have the DBA filed with the state, then you will need to do a Legal Notice in a local newspaper,

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Pasco EDC
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 Policy and Application