Key Takeaways

  • Articles of Incorporation Florida are filed with the Florida Division of Corporations and serve as the foundation of a corporation’s legal existence.
  • You can search for and request copies online, by phone, by mail, or by email, though Florida law makes your email address public.
  • Required information includes the corporation’s name, principal address, registered agent, share structure, and incorporators.
  • Processing typically takes 10–15 business days, with expedited options available only in person.
  • Articles of Incorporation must be updated if there are changes to the corporation’s name, agent, directors, or share structure.

When determining how to find Articles of Incorporation in Florida, it's first pertinent to understand what Articles of Incorporation are. Articles of Incorporation are a legal document that outlines the legality of a business. Although a company doesn't need to have this document in their possession on a daily basis, there are times your company will need to be able to provide it, such as when taking out a business loan or opening a business checking account.

If a company is involved in a court case, Articles of Incorporation will likely be necessary. Potential investors will also want to see proof of incorporation before they make an investment. The best place to keep Articles of Incorporation is in a lockbox.

Knowing How to Find Articles of Incorporation in Florida

If you are in need of Articles of Incorporation, perhaps because you are an investor, you can always check with the individual corporation itself. In addition, the State of Florida will have a copy in its public records collection.

Companies that have not yet incorporated themselves will need to fill out the appropriate paperwork and submit it to the Florida Division of Corporations. You can go online to the official Florida website and access the documents you need to form your company as an incorporation. If you need help with a request, you can also use the online website to find answers to your questions.

Other Ways to Request Articles of Incorporation

In addition to searching the Division of Corporations’ Sunbiz website, you can request copies of Articles of Incorporation by phone, mail, or email. Written requests must include the company’s exact name or document number and should be directed to the Division of Corporations in Tallahassee. If requesting by email, keep in mind that under Florida’s broad public records law, your email address becomes part of the public record and may be accessible to others.

Tips for Doing an Online Search for Articles of Incorporation in Florida

When using Florida's online site to search for a company's Articles of Incorporation, you need to have as much information as possible about the company you are searching for, because there is a good chance the search results you receive will include multiple businesses with the same name. If you know the contact number and postal address of the company you are searching for, this makes it much easier to pinpoint the correct entity.

Step-by-Step Online Search Process

When using the Sunbiz online database:

  1. Visit the Florida Division of Corporations Sunbiz portal.
  2. Select “Search Records” and choose the appropriate search category (by corporation name, registered agent, or document number).
  3. Enter the information you have—using exact spelling increases accuracy.
  4. Review the search results for active or inactive corporations.
  5. Select the corporation’s detail page and scroll to “Document Images” to check for available filings, including Articles of Incorporation.

Having the registered agent’s name or the corporation’s document number helps narrow results when multiple businesses share similar names.

Understanding Search Results

When conducting your search, the results will be based on the type of search you perform:

  • If you do a search according to a corporation's name, this will provide you with a list of companies that have the name you are searching for as well as their document numbers and whether or not their business status is active or inactive.
  • If you do a search for a registered agent, you will be provided with a list of agents who have that name and their corresponding numbers.
  • If you do a search for a trademark, your results will include a document number and whether or not the trademark is active or inactive.

Once you find the entity you are searching for, click on its link and go to the bottom of the page to see if there any available documents for you to view. Hopefully, there will be a document titled "Articles of Incorporation." If you can't find the document you are looking for, simply contact the Division of Corporations in Florida (850-245-6052) and request a copy.

If you are unable to contact them by phone, you can always send a written request to the following address:

Department of State

Division of Corporations

Corporate Filings

P.O. Box 6327

Tallahassee, FL 32314

If you choose to email the Divisions of Corporation and request a copy of Articles of incorporation, it is pertinent to understand your email address will then become public according to Florida law, meaning it can be released to anyone who requests your public records.

Fees for Copies and Certified Copies

The Division of Corporations provides free access to most Articles of Incorporation in PDF format through its online portal. However, if you need an official certified copy, fees apply. As of recent updates, the cost is generally $8.75 for a certified copy and $8.75 for a certificate of status. These are often required for banking, loans, or legal purposes. Payments are accepted by check or credit card when ordering directly from the Division of Corporations.

How Long Does It Take to Receive the Copy?

Generally, you can expect to receive a copy of a company's Articles of Incorporation within 10 to 15 business days. The processing time takes about seven days, and then you must allow time for the copy to go through the mail. Expedited service is available, but only in person.

Expedited and In-Person Service

Standard requests are processed in 10–15 business days. For those needing documents faster, expedited service is available only when filing or requesting documents in person at the Division of Corporations in Tallahassee. In-person visitors may receive documents the same day, depending on workload. This can be critical when time-sensitive filings, court deadlines, or financing needs require immediate proof of incorporation.

What Information Do Articles of Incorporation Include?

Articles of Incorporation are a public record. Within the document are explanations of a company's legal structure, including who owns it and who is on its board of directors. By law, a company must operate according to the structure that is outlined in its Articles of Incorporation.

If any changes are made within the corporation, such as the onboarding of a new agent to communicate official communications for the company, then it must be updated in the Articles of Incorporation. When changes are made to the Articles of Incorporation, they must first be voted on.

Updating and Amending Articles of Incorporation

Corporations must keep their Articles of Incorporation current. Common amendments include:

  • Changing the corporate name.
  • Updating the principal office address.
  • Appointing or replacing the registered agent.
  • Modifying the share structure.
  • Adding or removing directors or officers.

Amendments are filed with the Division of Corporations using Articles of Amendment and require a filing fee. Until filed and recorded, amendments are not legally effective. Regularly reviewing your Articles ensures compliance and prevents delays in legal or financial transactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Where are Articles of Incorporation filed in Florida?
    They are filed with the Florida Division of Corporations, which maintains the official state records.
  2. How can I order a certified copy of Articles of Incorporation?
    You can order online through Sunbiz, by mail, or in person. Certified copies require a fee, typically $8.75.
  3. Are Articles of Incorporation public records in Florida?
    Yes. They are available through the Division of Corporations’ Sunbiz portal, making them accessible to the public.
  4. Can I update Articles of Incorporation after filing?
    Yes. Corporations can file Articles of Amendment to update names, agents, addresses, or share structures.
  5. How quickly can I get my Articles of Incorporation?
    Regular processing takes 10–15 business days. Same-day service may be available only if you visit the Tallahassee office in person.

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