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Just to close the loop - filed using the full Corporation spelling from the charter and it was accepted same day. Thanks everyone for the advice. Sometimes the obvious answer is the right answer.
Good to hear. One more successful filing story to add to the knowledge base.
Great outcome! This thread is a perfect example of why getting the debtor name exactly right is so critical. For anyone else facing similar issues, I'd add that it's also worth checking if your state has any specific UCC name search guidelines published online. Some states like Delaware and New York have detailed guidance documents that can help you understand their exact matching requirements before filing. The few minutes spent researching upfront can save hours of rejection headaches later.
Make sure you're also checking the entity status while you're on Sunbiz. Don't want to file a UCC against a dissolved or inactive LLC. That would create even bigger problems down the road.
What happens if you file against a dissolved entity? Does the UCC get rejected or accepted but worthless?
It might get accepted but your lien could be invalid. Not a risk worth taking.
As someone who's been doing UCC filings for about 6 months now, this thread is incredibly helpful. I had no idea Florida was so strict about the exact name formatting. I've been lucky so far but clearly need to be more careful. The Sunbiz copy/paste tip is brilliant - I've definitely been retyping names and probably introducing errors. Going to start using that document verification tool mentioned here too. Better to catch mistakes before filing than deal with rejections and delays when clients are waiting to close deals.
One more thing to consider - make sure the debtor's address matches their organizational records too. Name is critical but address mismatches can also cause problems with filing effectiveness.
Use their current address for the UCC filing, but make a note in your file about the discrepancy. You want the filing to reflect where they actually are, not necessarily what the old state records show.
Actually, some states have specific rules about this. You might want to check your jurisdiction's requirements for address consistency.
This is such a timely discussion for me - I'm dealing with a similar situation right now with a manufacturing client. One thing I've learned is to always request a certified copy of the most recent articles of incorporation AND a current certificate of good standing before filing any UCC. Sometimes there are amendments that change the exact legal name format that don't show up in basic searches. Also, regarding the electronic vs PDF filing question - I've found that electronic filing through the SOS portal not only processes faster but also provides better error checking during the submission process. Many portals will flag potential name issues before you even submit, which can save you the rejection headache later.
Update - talked to our counsel and they confirmed that a security agreement must contain grant language, collateral identification, and debtor authentication as absolute minimums. Beyond that everything else is risk management and enforceability enhancement. We're moving forward with a comprehensive agreement that includes all the standard provisions plus SBA-specific requirements.
Glad you got it sorted. These equipment deals can get complicated fast but sounds like you're covering all the bases.
Thanks everyone for the input. This thread really helped clarify what's required versus what's recommended. Going to make sure our UCC-1 matches the security agreement exactly.
Great thread everyone. As someone new to equipment financing, I'm curious about the timing aspect - once you have a properly drafted security agreement that meets all the UCC requirements, how quickly do you typically need to file the UCC-1 to maintain priority? And does the security agreement need to be fully executed before filing, or can you file simultaneously with signing? Want to make sure I understand the perfection timeline for these types of deals.
Emma Davis
This is a good reminder for everyone to always verify your filings show up correctly in search results, not just rely on the acceptance notice. The acceptance means it was received and processed, but the search database is what matters for third parties.
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NeonNomad
•I usually do that too, but this time I got busy and assumed everything was fine since I got the acceptance. Won't make that mistake again.
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Malik Jackson
•It's one of those things you don't think about until it bites you. Now I have search verification as a standard part of my filing checklist.
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Emma Davis
As someone new to UCC filings, this thread is both educational and terrifying! I'm dealing with my first continuation filing next month and now I'm worried about database sync issues. Should I be building in extra time for verification steps, or is this kind of problem relatively rare? Also, for those mentioning Certana.ai - is there a learning curve to using their document verification tool, or is it pretty straightforward for someone still getting up to speed on UCC requirements?
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