Business Records Search: Find Owners, Addresses & Status Fast

Business Records give you instant access to owners, addresses, and status details that marketers, investors, and compliance teams need to make confident decisions. By typing a name into a public business database you can perform a business records search that returns the legal business name, assumed name (DBA), entity type, formation date, and filing number in seconds. Whether you are trying to find a business by name, locate a company’s registered agent, or verify if a corporation is active, the same lookup engine pulls the latest filing documents, annual reports, and address history from the state’s business registration records. This fast, online business record lookup eliminates the guesswork of outdated spreadsheets and helps you answer questions like “how to check a company’s registration status” or “how to view business filing documents” with just a few clicks.

Business Records also power precise business search by owner, address, or registration number, making it easy to uncover who controls a company, where its principal office is located, and whether the entity is currently suspended or dissolved. A single query can reveal business entity types—from LLCs and corporations to partnerships and nonprofit organizations—along with ownership changes, management officers, and any assumed name registrations. Users often ask “how to find a business owner” or “how to locate a registered agent,” and the system delivers that information instantly, helping you verify business identification numbers, track filing history, and confirm the entity’s current status without contacting the office directly.

How to Search Business Records

You can search business records online through the official state database that stores every registered company in the system. The lookup tool lets you run a business records search by name, owner, address, filing number, including polk county fl, or registered agent in a single query. Each result returns the legal entity name, status, formation date, and principal office address pulled straight from current filing documents. You do not need an account, a subscription, or a login to start the search.

Official Search Portal: https://search.sunbiz.org

Steps to Search

• Open the official search portal listed above in your web browser.
• Select the search type you want, such as business name, officer, registered agent, or filing number.
• Type the name, last name, or number into the search field. Remove suffixes like “Inc.” or “LLC” if the result list comes up empty.
• Review the list of matching business entities and click the one that matches your inquiry.
• Read the detail page for the legal name, entity type, status, formation date, registered agent, principal address, and filing history.
• Download or print any formation documents, annual reports, or amendments listed under the filing history tab.

Search by Business Name

Searching by business name is the most common method for a business records search because it returns the exact legal entity on file. Type the full or partial name into the search field, and the system displays every business registration record that matches. You can search using capital or lowercase letters since the lookup is not case sensitive. If the company operates under a DBA, you can run a separate assumed name search to find that alias.

Search by Business Owner

A business search by owner lets you locate every entity connected to a specific person. Type the last name into the officer or member field, and the portal returns a list of companies where that individual serves as an owner, officer, director, or registered agent. This lookup works well for due diligence, debt recovery, vendor screening, and skip tracing. The results show the person’s role, the entity name, and the entity’s current status.

Search by Address

You can run a business lookup by address when you need to know which companies are registered at a physical location. Enter the street address, city, or zip code, and the system returns any business entity records tied to that location. This method works for verifying the legitimacy of a business, identifying tenants in a commercial building, or confirming whether a company has a real office in the area. Address-based searches also reveal historical address changes through the filing history.

Search by Business ID or Filing Number

Each registered business receives a unique business identification number, often called a filing number, document number, or registration number. If you already have that number, you can pull the full business record instantly. This method removes guesswork and returns the exact page without scanning through name matches. Filing numbers appear on annual reports, formation documents, and certified copies of business records.

Search by Registered Agent

Searching by registered agent shows every business that lists a specific agent on file. Type the agent’s name into the registered agent field, and the system returns a list of entities currently using or that previously used that agent. This search helps you identify shell companies, trace ownership across related entities, and verify that a company has an active point of contact for service of process. Results include the agent’s address and the date they were appointed.

Search by Entity Type

You can filter business records by entity type when you only want corporations, LLCs, partnerships, or nonprofits. Select the entity type from the dropdown menu, and the system displays every business registration record under that category. This filter works well for market research, competitor analysis, and building a list of licensed professional entities. Combining entity type with a city or zip code refines the result list further.

Search by Business Status

Filtering by business status lets you see only active, inactive, dissolved, revoked, forfeited, or reinstated entities. This search is useful when verifying whether a company can legally operate or when checking if an old business still exists in public records. Status filters can be combined with name, owner, or location searches to narrow down the result set. The detail page always shows the date the current status took effect.

Business Record Information

Each business record on the official portal contains a fixed set of data fields that summarize the company’s identity and history. The fields below appear on every public filing detail page. You can copy or print this data directly from the screen without paying a fee.

Legal Business Name

The legal business name is the official title filed with the state at the time of formation. It appears on every official business record, annual report, and tax filing. The name must be unique within the state at the time of registration, which is why the system rejects duplicates during formation. Any change to the legal name requires an amendment filing.

Assumed or Trade Name

An assumed name, also called a trade name, DBA, or fictitious business name, is any name a company uses that differs from its legal name. The assumed name record shows the alias, the date it was registered, and the legal entity behind it. Many companies register several DBAs under one parent entity, and the search portal stores each one in a separate record.

Business Entity Type

The entity type describes the legal structure of the business, such as a corporation, LLC, partnership, or nonprofit. This field shows how the company is organized under state law and determines which filings it must submit each year. The entity type is set at formation and changes only through a conversion or merger filing.

Business Identification Number

The business identification number is the unique ID the state assigns to each entity at the time of registration. It appears on every filing document and stays the same for the life of the company. The number is the fastest way to pull up the correct record, even if the business has changed names, owners, or addresses.

Formation Date

The formation date is the day the state officially approved the company’s articles of incorporation or articles of organization. This date marks the legal start of the business and is used to calculate annual report deadlines. The formation date stays on the record even if the company later changes its name, structure, or state of formation.

Business Status

Business status tells you whether the entity is active, inactive, dissolved, revoked, forfeited, or reinstated. The current status appears at the top of the detail page, and a full status history is listed in the filing history. A status of “Active” means the company is current on its filings and authorized to operate in the state.

Principal Business Address

The principal business address is the main physical office of the company, not the registered agent’s office. It can be a street address, a P.O. box in some cases, or the address where the company conducts day-to-day operations. The system stores every prior address in the address history section of the record.

Registered Agent Information

The registered agent is the person or company designated to receive legal papers, tax notices, and official state correspondence on behalf of the business. The agent’s name, address, and signature appear in every business record. If the agent resigns or changes, the company must file an update within the time required by state law.

Business Entity Types

The state recognizes several business entity types, and each one has its own formation documents, fees, and annual filing rules. The table below shows the most common entity types stored in the business database.

Corporations

A corporation is a legal entity owned by shareholders and managed by a board of directors and corporate officers. Corporations file articles of incorporation, hold annual meetings, and submit annual reports. The search portal lists both for-profit and nonprofit corporations, and the entity type field tells you which one you are viewing.

Limited Liability Companies

A limited liability company, or LLC, combines the liability protection of a corporation with the tax flexibility of a partnership. LLCs file articles of organization and list their members or managers in the public record. Many small businesses, real estate holdings, and professional services operate as LLCs because of the simple management structure.

Partnerships

A partnership is a business owned by two or more people who share profits, losses, and management duties. General partnerships, limited partnerships, and limited liability partnerships each have their own formation documents and liability rules. The business database stores every partnership on file and shows the names of all general and limited partners.

Sole Proprietorships

A sole proprietorship is a business owned by one person with no separate legal entity. In many states, sole proprietorships do not file formation documents with the Secretary of State, so they may not appear in the business records search. When they do appear, it is usually because the owner has registered an assumed name or trade name.

Nonprofit Organizations

A nonprofit corporation is formed for charitable, educational, religious, or civic purposes and operates under state nonprofit law. Nonprofits file articles of incorporation, list their board of directors, and may apply for tax-exempt status with the IRS. The search portal shows nonprofit entity type, registered agent, and current status.

Professional Entities

A professional entity is a corporation, LLC, or partnership formed to deliver licensed professional services such as law, medicine, accounting, or engineering. Professional entities must meet additional state licensing requirements, and one or more owners must hold the proper professional license. The entity type field shows “Professional” in the public record.

Foreign Business Entities

A foreign business entity is a company formed in another state or country that registers to do business in the state. The registration record shows the home state, the date the foreign entity was authorized, and the registered agent in this state. Foreign qualification filings are stored separately from domestic formation records.

Business Ownership and Management

Business records list every individual and company tied to the ownership and management of an entity. You can use this data to verify authority, confirm roles, and track changes over time.

Business Owners

Business owners are the individuals or companies that hold an ownership interest in the entity. For corporations, owners appear as shareholders in internal documents, but the public business record lists officers and directors rather than shareholders. For LLCs, owners are listed as members in the public filing.

Members and Managers

Members are the owners of an LLC, and managers are the people or companies appointed to run the LLC’s daily operations. An LLC can be member-managed, where all members share management duties, or manager-managed, where members appoint one or more managers. The public business record shows which structure applies and lists every name on file.

Corporate Officers

Corporate officers are the individuals appointed to run a corporation, including the president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and chief executive officer. The business record lists each officer’s name and title as of the most recent annual report. Officer changes require an updated filing with the state.

Directors

Directors form the board that oversees a corporation and sets major policy. The business record lists each director’s name and mailing address when one is on file. Nonprofit corporations and professional corporations also list their directors in the public record.

Partners

Partners are the owners of a partnership, and each general partner has authority to bind the partnership to contracts. Limited partners contribute capital but do not take part in management. The business record shows the type of partnership, the names of all partners, and whether each one is a general or limited partner.

Registered Agents

The registered agent is a person or company that accepts service of process and official state mail on behalf of the business. The agent’s name and address are public and appear on every business record detail page. If the agent changes, the company must file a statement of change with the state.

Ownership and Management Changes

Ownership and management changes are recorded through amendments, annual reports, and statements of information. You can view every change in the filing history tab, including genealogy records, which lists the document type, filing date, and a brief description. Comparing current and past filings shows how control of the entity has shifted over time.

Business Registration Information

Business registration information confirms the legal existence of an entity and proves it is authorized to operate in the state. The fields below come straight from the formation filing on file with the Secretary of State.

Formation Records

Formation records are the original documents filed to create the entity, including articles of incorporation, articles of organization, or certificates of limited partnership. The record shows the document number, the filing date, and the effective date. A certified copy of the formation record can be ordered online through the official portal.

Registration Date

The registration date is the day the state accepted the formation filing and added the entity to the business database. For domestic entities, the registration date matches the formation date. For foreign entities, the registration date is the day the foreign qualification filing was approved.

Entity Status

Entity status is the current legal standing of the business, such as active, inactive, dissolved, revoked, forfeited, or reinstated. The status field updates each time the state processes a new filing. You should always check this field before entering a contract, lending money, or forming a partnership.

State of Formation

The state of formation is the state where the business originally filed its formation documents. Domestic entities list the same state as the search portal, while foreign entities list a different home state. The state of formation is fixed and does not change even if the company moves or expands.

Registration Number

The registration number is the unique ID the state assigns to a specific business filing. The same number stays on the record for the life of the entity and is used on every future filing. If you have the registration number, you can skip the name search and pull the record directly.

Foreign Entity Registration

Foreign entity registration is the filing a company makes when it wants to operate in a state other than its home state. The record shows the home state, the date of foreign qualification, and the registered agent in the new state. Many companies register as foreign entities in every state where they have a physical presence or active customers.

Business Registration Updates

Business registration updates include any new filing that changes the public record, such as an amended annual report, a new assumed name, or a change of registered agent. The filing history tab lists each update with a date and document number. Updates can be filed online or by mail depending on the type of change.

Assumed Name and DBA Records

Assumed name records, also called DBA or trade name records, let a business operate under a name that is not its legal name. The public database stores every active and expired assumed name filing, along with the legal entity behind it.

Assumed Business Names

An assumed business name is any name a company uses in the regular course of business that is not its legal name. The record shows the assumed name, the legal entity that owns it, and the county or state where the filing was made. Many companies register several assumed names under one parent entity for different product lines or regions.

DBA Records

A DBA record, short for “doing business as,” is the same as an assumed name filing in most states. The DBA record shows the assumed name, the legal name of the business owner, and the address where the business operates. The filing gives the public a way to identify who is behind a name that appears on signs, advertisements, and contracts.

Trade Names

Trade names are a broader category that includes DBAs, assumed names, and any branding name used in commerce. The business database lists trade names the same way it lists assumed names, with the legal entity on file and the date the name was registered. Trade name searches help you check whether a brand name is already in use in the state.

Assumed Name Registration

Assumed name registration is the filing a business submits to publicly declare that it is operating under a name other than its legal name. The registration record shows the filing date, the expiration date if one applies, and the name of the legal owner. The registration must be renewed or refiled if the business wants to keep using the name after the expiration date.

Assumed Name Owners

The assumed name owner is the legal person or company that filed the assumed name registration. The public record lists the owner’s legal name, mailing address, and entity type. If the owner is a business, the legal entity name and registration number also appear on the filing.

Assumed Name Status

Assumed name status shows whether the DBA filing is active, expired, cancelled, or withdrawn. An expired or cancelled assumed name does not give the owner the right to use the name in commerce. You can confirm the current status of any assumed name through the public search portal before relying on it for a contract or research.

Business Filing Records

Business filing records include every document the entity has submitted to the state, from the original formation papers to the most recent annual report. The list below shows the most common filings stored in the database.

Formation Documents

Formation documents are the original paperwork filed to create the entity, including articles of incorporation, articles of organization, and certificates of limited partnership. The filing history shows the document number, the filing date, and a link to view the full record. You can order a certified copy of any formation document for a small fee.

Amendments

Amendments are filings that change something on the public record, such as the legal name, business purpose, share structure, or management setup. Each amendment lists the section changed, the new information, and the effective date. Comparing the original formation document with later amendments shows how the entity has evolved.

Annual Reports

Annual reports are yearly filings that update the state on the current officers, directors, registered agent, and principal address. Most states require an annual report to keep the business in active status. The filing history shows the year of every report and the date the state accepted it.

Statements of Information

A statement of information is a filing similar to an annual report that updates basic company details with the state. Some states require statements biennially or whenever a major change happens. The record shows the filing date and the data that was current at the time of submission.

Mergers and Conversions

Merger and conversion filings record when two or more entities combine or when an entity changes its structure, such as an LLC converting to a corporation. The filing shows the names of the entities involved, the effective date, and the surviving entity. These records are important when tracing the history of a company that has changed form.

Dissolution Records

Dissolution records are filings that close a business in the state. The record shows the date the company was dissolved, whether the dissolution of marriage was voluntary or administrative, and the name of the person who signed the filing. A dissolved company loses its authority to operate but can be reinstated in many cases.

Reinstatement Records

Reinstatement records show when a dissolved, revoked, or forfeited entity was brought back to active status. The filing lists the reason for the prior status, the date of reinstatement, and any back fees or penalties paid. Reinstatement returns the business to good standing and restores its authority to operate.

Business Status and History

Business status and history tell you whether a company is allowed to operate, when it was last active, and how its standing has changed over time. The fields below are part of every public business record.

Active Businesses

An active business is one that is current on its filings and authorized to operate in the state. Active status means the entity has filed its most recent annual report and paid all required fees. Lenders, vendors, and partners should always check active status before signing a contract.

Inactive Businesses

An inactive business is one that is registered with the state but is not currently up to date on its filings. The status is usually temporary and can be cleared by filing the missing documents. An inactive entity may still exist in the public record, but it cannot operate in the state until it returns to active status.

Dissolved Businesses

A dissolved business is one that has been formally closed, either by voluntary action of the owners or by administrative action of the state. A dissolved entity cannot operate, hold property, or enter into contracts. The dissolution record stays on file even after the business is closed.

Revoked or Forfeited Entities

A revoked or forfeited entity is one that lost its authority to operate because it failed to file a required document, such as an annual report, or failed to pay a required fee. The record shows the date the status changed and the reason for the action. Revoked or forfeited entities can usually be reinstated by filing the missing paperwork and paying the back fees.

Reinstated Businesses

A reinstated business is one that was previously dissolved, revoked, or forfeited and has been returned to active status. The reinstatement record shows the date the business came back to good standing. Once reinstated, the entity regains its authority to operate and can file new documents.

Business Status History

Business status history is a timeline of every status change the entity has gone through since formation. The timeline includes the date of each change, the type of change, and the filing that caused it. Reviewing the status history helps you understand the current state of the business and how it got there.

Contact Information

Business address and contact information is part of the public record and is updated through annual reports and change filings. The list below shows the address fields you can expect to find on a business record.

Principal Office Address

The principal office address is the main physical location where the business operates. It can be a commercial office, a home office, or any address where the company receives mail and conducts business. The principal address must be a real, physical location in most states and cannot be a P.O. box in some cases.

Mailing Address

The mailing address is the address the business uses for general correspondence, separate from the registered agent’s address. The mailing address can be a P.O. box or a private mailbox, while the principal office address must be a real location. The record shows the current mailing address on file.

Registered Office

The registered office is the official address where the registered agent accepts service of process and state correspondence. The registered office must be a physical address in the state, not a P.O. box. The record shows the street address, city, state, and zip code of the registered office.

Business Location

The business location is the address where the company physically operates and serves customers. It may match the principal office address or be a separate site such as a warehouse, retail store, or job site. The record stores the business location and shows past locations in the address history.

Contact Information

Contact information on a public business record usually includes the mailing address, the registered agent’s address, and sometimes a phone number or email listed on the most recent filing. Personal phone numbers and personal emails are not always part of the public record. The portal displays only the information the state has on file.

Address Changes

Address changes are filed whenever the business moves, changes its mailing address, or appoints a new registered agent. The filing history lists every address change with the date of the change and the new address. Reviewing address history is a quick way to track a business’s movements over time.

Business Records and Public Access

Business records are public records under state law, which means anyone can view them online or request copies. The table below shows the most common ways to access business records.

Publicly Available Business Information

Publicly available business information includes the legal name, assumed name, entity type, status, formation date, registered agent, principal address, and filing history. This data is open to anyone without proof of identity or a stated purpose. The state publishes this information so consumers, lenders, and partners can verify a business before they engage with it.

Online Business Records

Online business records are available through the official search portal twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. You can search by name, owner, address, agent, or filing number and view the detail page for any entity. Document images can be opened in your browser and saved as PDF files for your own records.

Public Filing Documents

Public filing documents include formation papers, amendments, annual reports, statements of information, mergers, conversions, dissolutions, and reinstatements. Each document image is stored in the database and can be viewed for free. Certified copies are available for a small fee through the official portal.

Records Available by Request

Records available by request include certified copies of formation documents, certificates of status, and certificate of good standing. You can request these documents online, by mail, or in person. Processing times and fees vary by document type and method of delivery.

Restricted Business Information

Restricted business information includes Social Security numbers, tax ID numbers, bank account details, and personal contact information not filed with the state. The portal never displays this data. Some filings, such as those for financial institutions or government entities, may have limited public information due to state law.

Certified Business Records

Certified business records are official copies stamped and signed by the state that prove the document is a true copy of the record on file. Banks, courts, and government agencies often require certified copies for transactions such as opening an account or registering in a new state. You can order certified copies through the official portal.

Business Record Search Problems

Even with a complete public database, you can run into situations where a search does not return the result you expected. The list below covers the most common issues and how to handle each one.

Business Not Found

If a business does not appear in the search results, the entity may be registered in a different state, may have used a slightly different legal name, or may have been dissolved long ago. Try removing suffixes such as “Inc.”, “LLC”, or “Corp.” and search again with the core name. If you still get no match, check whether the company is registered in another state database.

Similar Business Names

Many businesses share similar names because state law only requires uniqueness within a specific entity type or industry line. If you see similar results, click each one and review the entity type, formation date, and registered agent to confirm the correct match. The detail page helps you separate the right record from look-alike names.

Incorrect Business Information

If a business record shows old or incorrect data, the company may have failed to file a recent update. You can confirm the issue by checking the filing date on the most recent document. Contact the business directly or file a complaint if the company refuses to update its public record.

Outdated Business Records

Outdated business records happen when a company has not filed its annual report or has not updated its registered agent or address. The status field may show “Inactive” or “Delinquent” in those cases. The record can usually be brought current by submitting the missing filing through the official portal.

Recently Formed Businesses

A recently formed business may not appear in search results right away because filings can take one to several business days to process. If you filed recently and do not see the entity, wait a few days and try again. You can also check your filing receipt to confirm the submission was received.

Recently Dissolved Businesses

A recently dissolved business may still appear in the database, but its status will show “Dissolved” or “Administratively Dissolved.” The record remains public so creditors and other parties can identify the entity after closure. The dissolution record shows the date the company stopped operating.

Missing Filing Records

Missing filing records can occur when an older document image was not digitized or when a filing is too old to be available online. You can request older records by contacting the Secretary of State’s office directly. Staff can pull the document from the state archive for a small fee.

Contact Information

If you need help running a business records search or need certified copies of a filing, you can contact the official office using the details below. The search portal is available twenty-four hours a day, while phone support is available during the listed office hours.

• Contact Number: (850) 245-6051
• Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Frequently Asked Questions

Find quick answers on how to look up Business Records, check status, and locate key details such as owners or filing numbers.

How can I search business records online?

You can search Business Records using the official state portal at https://search.sunbiz.org. The site lets you enter a name, address, filing number, or registered agent in a single query. Results show the legal entity name, current status, formation date, and principal office address pulled directly from filing documents. No account, subscription, or login is required. The portal updates daily, so the information reflects the latest public filings.

How do I find a business by name?

Enter the exact or partial legal name in the search box on the Sunbiz portal. The system returns matching entities with their registration number, status, and formation date. You can click each result to view detailed filing history, including annual reports and amendments. If the name is similar to another entity, the results list all close matches, helping you identify the correct business.

How can I check if a company is active?

After locating the company on the Sunbiz site, look at the status field shown in the summary. Active status indicates the entity is currently authorized to operate in the state. If the status reads dissolved, revoked, or suspended, the business is not active. The portal also displays the last filing date, which helps confirm recent activity.

Where can I locate a business’s registered agent?

The registered agent information appears in the entity’s detail page on the Sunbiz portal. It lists the agent’s name and mailing address, which is the official point of contact for legal documents. This data is part of the public filing record and updates whenever the business files a change of agent form.

How do I view a business filing number?

The filing number, also called the document ID, appears next to each record on the Sunbiz search results. Click the record to open the filing document; the number is displayed at the top of the PDF. This identifier is useful for referencing specific filings when requesting copies or verifying details with state officials.