(1) The name of a limited partnership may contain the name of any partner.
(2) The name of a limited partnership that is not a limited liability limited partnership must contain the phrase “limited partnership” or “limited” or the abbreviation “L.P.” or “Ltd.” or the designation “LP,” and may not contain the phrase “limited liability limited partnership” or the abbreviation “L.L.L.P.” or the designation “LLLP,” as will clearly indicate that it is a limited partnership instead of a natural person, corporation, limited liability company, or other business entity.
(3) The name of a limited liability limited partnership must contain the phrase “limited liability limited partnership” or the abbreviation “L.L.L.P.” or designation “LLLP,” as will clearly indicate that it is a limited liability limited partnership instead of a natural person or other business entity, except that a limited liability limited partnership organized prior to January 1, 2006, that was using an abbreviation or designation permitted under prior law shall be entitled to continue using such abbreviation or designation until its dissolution.
(4) The name of a limited partnership must be distinguishable in the records of the Department of State from the names of all other entities or filings that are on file with the Department of State, except fictitious name registrations pursuant to s. 865.09, general partnership registrations pursuant to s. 620.8105, and limited liability partnership statements pursuant to s. 620.9001 which are organized, registered, or reserved under the laws of this state; however, a limited partnership or a limited liability limited partnership may register under a name that is not otherwise distinguishable on the records of the Department of State with the written consent of the other entity if the consent is filed with the Department of State at the time of registration of such name and if such name is not identical to the name of the other entity. A name that is different from the name of another entity or filing due to any of the following is not considered distinguishable:
(a) A suffix.
(b) A definite or indefinite article.
(c) The word “and” and the symbol “&.”
(d) The singular, plural, or possessive form of a word.
(e) A punctuation mark or a symbol.
(5) Subject to s. 620.1905, this section applies to any foreign limited partnership transacting business in this state, having a certificate of authority to transact business in this state, or applying for a certificate of authority.
(6) A limited partnership or a limited liability limited partnership in existence before January 1, 2020, that has a name that does not clearly indicate that it is a limited partnership or a limited liability limited partnership instead of a natural person, corporation, limited liability company, or other business entity may continue using its name until it dissolves or amends its name in the records of the Department of State.
History.—s. 17, ch. 2005-267; s. 71, ch. 2006-1; s. 35, ch. 2014-209; s. 278, ch. 2019-90.