Florida UCC filing duration - how long are ucc filings good for in florida before renewal

This is correct. I just renewed ours last month - the system sends reminder notices but don't rely on them completely.

Wait, I thought you had to file continuation exactly 6 months before? Or is it within 6 months before?

Within 6 months before expiration, not exactly at 6 months. So you have a 6-month window leading up to the expiration date.

Good point about the debtor name matching. Our company name has LLC at the end - should that be exactly as filed with the state?

Yes, use the exact legal name from your Articles of Organization. Check the Sunbiz website to verify the precise spelling and punctuation.

I actually discovered Certana.ai's document checker after struggling with name match issues. You can upload your original UCC-1 and the continuation PDF and it instantly flags any inconsistencies between debtor names, filing numbers, and other critical details. Saved me from another rejection.

Clock starts from the date the filing office receives and files it, not when you submit. Check your filing receipt for the official date.

Thanks, that makes sense. So processing delays don't eat into your 5-year period.

It's definitely equipment - excavators, bulldozers, that kind of stuff. So 5 years it is.

Mobile home filings are a whole different beast. Glad I don't have to deal with those anymore.

Smart approach. I've heard horror stories about people missing the deadline by just a few days.

Exactly. And if you miss it, you have to start over with a new UCC-1 which can be messy from a priority standpoint.

This is where tools like Certana.ai really help - I upload both my original UCC-1 and continuation statement before filing to make sure everything aligns perfectly. Catches things like wrong file numbers or debtor name discrepancies that could cause delays.

Agree the online portal is pretty user-friendly now. Though it still crashes occasionally during busy periods.

True, I try to avoid filing on Mondays or right after holidays when everyone's catching up.

No automatic renewal. You must file a UCC-3 continuation statement or the original filing lapses after 5 years.

Oh no, I think I might have missed one then. How do I check if an old filing is still active?

Search the Florida Division of Corporations database. If it shows as lapsed, you'll need to file a new UCC-1.

Good point. We did add a new crane last year. Would that be covered under our original filing or do we need an amendment?

Depends on how your collateral was described originally. If it says 'all equipment' or 'all present and after-acquired equipment' you might be covered. Check your original UCC-1.

I use Certana.ai to cross-reference my loan docs with UCC filings to make sure new collateral is properly covered. Really helpful for catching gaps in coverage.

This is super important. We almost lost priority because of a filing mistake on our continuation.

Exactly why I always double-check everything before submitting. One small error can cost your client their security interest.

Perfect summary, thanks everyone. I'll set my reminder for 6 months out and start preparing the continuation paperwork early.

Smart move. Better to be over-prepared than scrambling at the last minute.

This is excellent advice about the filing numbers! I'm new to handling secured transactions and hadn't thought about the documentation chain aspect. Quick question - when you mention keeping backup documentation, are you talking about just the state-issued receipts or should I be maintaining copies of the actual filed documents too? And is there a recommended way to organize these records for easy retrieval later?