Business Listings in Florida
Business Listings in Florida: Where and How to List Your Business
For anyone doing business in Florida—whether launching a startup, relocating an existing company, or managing multiple branches—getting listed in the right places is crucial for visibility, credibility, and compliance. Business listings serve as public records or directory entries that display essential details about your business such as the name, address, contact information, owner’s name, business structure, and more.
In this guide, we’ll explore the most reliable sources for business listings in Florida, how you can list your business, and why these listings matter from an informational and operational standpoint.
What Are Business Listings?
Business listings are online or public database entries where businesses can register their presence. They serve different purposes:
Official state-level registration for legal and administrative compliance
Public directories to help customers or vendors find business information
Commercial listings for marketing and outreach
In Florida, these listings are managed by both government and private organizations, each serving a distinct purpose.
1. Official Florida Business Registration: Sunbiz
The primary and most authoritative source for business listings in Florida is the Division of Corporations maintained by the Florida Department of State, commonly known as Sunbiz.
What You Can Find on Sunbiz:
Registered business names (DBA/fictitious names)
Corporation and LLC filings
Registered agents
Annual reports and status
Filing dates and document numbers
Sunbiz is not just a directory—it’s the legal registry of businesses operating in Florida. Any corporation, LLC, partnership, or fictitious name must be filed here to operate legally.
Official site: https://www.sunbiz.org
How to List on Sunbiz:
Choose a business structure (LLC, Corp, etc.)
Search for name availability via Sunbiz’s search tool
File online with the necessary documents and fees
Receive confirmation and document numbers for public record
Sunbiz also allows you to renew your business annually and update key information, ensuring your listing remains current and compliant.
2. Florida Chamber of Commerce Business Directory
The Florida Chamber of Commerce maintains a state-level business directory accessible to members. It serves as a trusted network of verified Florida businesses across industries.
What It Offers:
Statewide visibility among business professionals
Verified membership status
Industry-specific categorization
Though not mandatory, listing your business here can help with partnerships, referrals, and B2B outreach within Florida.
Chamber website: https://www.flchamber.com
How to Get Listed:
Join your local or regional Chamber (e.g., Miami-Dade Chamber, Orlando Chamber)
Get access to the directory upon membership approval
Submit your business profile through their portal
Each local Chamber under the Florida Chamber umbrella may maintain its own member directory with enhanced features.
3. Enterprise Florida Business Directory
Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) is the state’s official economic development organization and maintains business resources including directories for exporters, manufacturers, and foreign investors.
Use Cases:
Exporter listings
Trade mission participant records
Vendor registrations for international trade
Website: https://www.enterpriseflorida.com
How to List:
Use EFI’s “Export Directory” or “Find a Florida Supplier” program
Create a profile through the Florida Export Directory portal
Provide company info, products/services, and international trade interest
This is especially valuable for manufacturing, logistics, tech, and agriculture businesses aiming for global visibility.
4. County and City-Level Business Listings
Most Florida counties and cities maintain searchable databases of licensed businesses operating locally. These listings are often tied to Business Tax Receipts (formerly Occupational Licenses).
Examples:
Miami-Dade County: https://www.miamidade.gov
Broward County: https://www.broward.org
Orange County: https://www.ocfl.net
These directories allow the public to:
Verify business license status
Search by business name, address, or category
View owner names and license expiry dates
How to List:
Apply for a Business Tax Receipt from your city or county clerk
Upon approval, your business will be publicly listed
Renew the receipt annually to maintain your status
5. Commercial Florida Business Directories
There are also private, Florida-focused platforms where businesses can list for commercial and networking purposes:
Popular Ones:
Florida Trend Business Listings
https://www.floridatrend.com – includes Florida 500 and industry directoriesBizJournals – South Florida Business Directory
https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida – ideal for professional services, startups, and financeFlorida Business Exchange (FBX)
https://www.floridabiz.com – a marketplace for buying/selling Florida businesses
Some listings are paid, others are free with optional upgrades.
6. Industry-Specific Listings in Florida
In addition to general directories, many industries in Florida have their own association-based listings. These are highly valuable for clients, vendors, or employers looking for verified professionals.
Examples:
Florida Bar Association Directory – for attorneys
https://www.floridabar.orgFlorida Realtors Directory – for licensed real estate agents
https://www.floridarealtors.orgAHCA (Agency for Health Care Administration) – licensed healthcare providers
https://ahca.myflorida.com
If you’re in a regulated industry, getting listed with your respective professional association or licensing body is essential.
7. Steps to List Your Business in Florida
Here’s a general process you can follow:
Register legally via Sunbiz (mandatory for most)
Apply for city/county Business Tax Receipt and get local licensing
Join professional or local Chamber directories to expand your network
Submit to trusted commercial directories with full business details
Maintain accuracy across listings, especially if ownership or contact info changes
Renew annually for legal and visibility purposes
Conclusion
Business listings in Florida are more than just public records—they’re a gateway to legal compliance, public trust, and business opportunity. Whether you’re registering a new LLC with Sunbiz, getting verified with your county office, or joining a Chamber of Commerce, these listings provide transparency and legitimacy. By knowing where and how to list, you give your business the foundational visibility it needs in one of the country’s most dynamic economies.
