CS/CS/HB 169 - Fictitious Name Registration

• Amends Florida's Fictitious Name Act to define "registrant" as a person who registers a fictitious name with the Division of Corporations.

• Revises registration requirements to include information about registrants, business mailing address, newspaper advertising certification, and registration status of business entities with the division.

• Changes registration term to 5 years from date of registration, expiring December 31 of the 5th calendar year, with renewal window from January 1 to December 31 of expiration year.

• Prohibits renewal of fictitious names containing prohibited words or designations (e.g., "Corporation," "LLC," "Limited Partnership") unless the business is properly organized or registered as that type of entity.

• Sets processing fees at $50 for registration, cancellation, and renewal; changes violation penalty from misdemeanor to noncriminal violation as defined in section 775.08; effective July 1, 2017.