FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF STATE
DIVISION OF CORPORATIONS
WANTS YOU TO KNOW…
Business Identity Theft is a broad term that encompasses a wide variety of crimes
involving the unauthorized use of a business identity. Small and midsize companies are
tempting targets for criminals. 60% of small businesses close within a year of being
victims. In an effort to be more business friendly and to heighten security, the
Department of State has instituted an e-mail notification process whereby business
entities are sent e-mail notices when any changes are made to their records. This e-mail
notice will be sent to the previous e-mail address of record. If the change was not
authorized by a principal of the business entity, you will be able to notify the Department
utilizing a link provided in the e-mail.
The 2012 Florida Statutes
817.155 Matters within jurisdiction of Department of State; false, fictitious, or fraudulent acts, statements, and
representations prohibited; penalty; statute of limitations.—A person may not, in any matter within the jurisdiction
of the Department of State, knowingly and willfully falsify or conceal a material fact, make any false, fictitious, or
fraudulent statement or representation, or make or use any false document, knowing the same to contain any
false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or entry. A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony of the third
degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.