Corporate Due Diligence Guide: Plain versus Certified Florida Corporate Documents

Whether you’re filing with the state to conduct a merger or acquisition or to incorporate an LLC in the state of Florida, you need to know whether your particular filing requires plain or certified Florida corporate documents.

This blog explains the different kinds of copies required for different filing purposes. If you still have any questions about filing certified Florida corporate documents, don’t hesitate to contact us.

What are Certified Documents?

Certified corporate documents are records that include a filing office signature and state seal or similar identification mark. The identification mark on the document tells the reader that the document has been compared with the original and is considered an accurate reproduction of the document.

What are Plain Documents?

If you order a plain copy of business documents, you will receive a photocopy of the document that the filing office has on their files. The filing office will use a copy machine to directly copy the document and then send you their copied document via an email attachment or via standard mail. Many states have large electronic image libraries and can simply print out plain documents from their database.

How Do I Know Whether I Need Plain or Certified Documents?

In the majority of cases, you will only need a plain document when you are submitting copies to your state filing office. For example, if you’re identifying your corporate structure or showing the result of an internal review of your business, you will only require a plain document for your file with the state. The plain document format can also be used for establishing business timelines and for keeping the names of those within your business on file with the recordkeepers at the state filing office.

You will require certified documents when records are to be used in an official legal capacity. For example, if you ever have to prove you legally own a commercial property, you will have to establish your ownership details via a certified document and then have the document on file with the state office. Certified documents lend credibility to the information contained within the file and help safeguard your business in various legal matters.

Why Choose AADS?

AADS has decades of experience in the production and sourcing of certified documents for clients across numerous industries.

We are trusted by law firms, corporate clients and real estate services providers to provide commercial and transactional due diligence, commercial and residential title services and corporate due diligence.

To learn more about what makes us different from other Florida due diligence providers, check out our AADS Advantage page. 

If you’re ready to get started, Place Your Order today!