Certificate of Existence Translation: Registering a Foreign Company in Florida
By ITU Translation Services · Published 2026-10-19
Quick Summary: A foreign corporation that registers to do business in Florida must file a certificate of existence from its home jurisdiction, dated within 90 days. If that certificate isn't in English, Florida law requires an attached certificate of existence translation made under oath of the translator. A plain translation without the sworn statement doesn't meet the statute's wording. Plan the translation around the 90-day window so the certificate doesn't go stale while you wait.
If your company was formed in Mexico, Colombia, Brazil or anywhere else outside the United States and you're opening operations in Miami, you'll likely need a certificate of existence translation before Florida will register you. Our business translation services cover this kind of corporate record, and this guide explains what Florida asks for, what "under oath" means, and how to avoid delays.
What is a certificate of existence, and why does Florida want one?
A certificate of existence is an official record from your company's home jurisdiction showing that the company exists under that jurisdiction's law. Florida asks for it so the state knows the business applying to operate here is real and properly formed.
Different countries call this document different things. You may know it as a certificate of good standing, a commercial registry extract or a similar record. Florida's foreign corporation statute accepts "a certificate of existence or a record of similar import," signed by the official who keeps the company's public records where it was incorporated (section 607.1503, Florida Statutes).
Florida calls a company formed outside the state a "foreign" company, whether it was formed in Georgia or in Guatemala. Before a foreign corporation transacts business in Florida, it applies to the Department of State for a certificate of authority. The Division of Corporations runs this process through Sunbiz, its filing website.
Does Florida require a certificate of existence translation?
Yes, for foreign corporations. Section 607.1503(2) says that "a translation of the certificate, under oath of the translator, must be attached to a certificate which is in a language other than the English language."
The Division of Corporations repeats the rule in its instructions for foreign profit corporations: "If the certificate is in a foreign language, a translation of the certificate under oath of the translator must be submitted" (Division of Corporations instructions, form CR2E007). The same instructions say the corporation must submit an original certificate of existence, no more than 90 days old.
What about a foreign LLC?
The rules for foreign limited liability companies are worded differently, so check before you file. The foreign LLC statute also requires a certificate of existence dated no more than 90 days before the application is delivered (section 605.0902, Florida Statutes). That section doesn't spell out a translation rule the way the corporation statute does.
Even so, the Division's own LLC instructions say information in Florida articles of organization "must be in English" (form CR2E047). If your LLC's home certificate is in Spanish or Portuguese, ask your attorney or the Division of Corporations what translation format it will accept before you order one.
What does "under oath of the translator" mean?
It means the translator swears that the translation is accurate, not just signs it. That's a step beyond an ordinary translation, and it's the part people most often miss.
A certified translation usually comes with a signed statement from the translator or agency that the translation is complete and accurate. An oath adds a formal swearing. In Florida, a notary public may administer an oath when it's needed to execute a document (section 117.03, Florida Statutes).
The same statute makes an important distinction: a notary "may not take an acknowledgment of execution in lieu of an oath if an oath is required." An acknowledgment only confirms who signed. An oath confirms that the signer swore to the content. When you order the translation, say that you need it sworn for a Florida foreign registration so the notarial wording matches.
If you're comparing the two formats, our guide to notarized vs. certified translation explains the difference in plain terms. ITU provides both certified and notarized translations, as described on our certified translation services page.
How do you keep the 90-day window from running out?
Order the certificate and the translation together, and file soon after both are ready. Florida counts the 90 days from the certificate's date, so every week spent waiting on translation or shipping uses up time you can't get back.
A workable order of steps looks like this:
- Confirm the name and format. Check what your home registry calls the certificate and whether it issues an English version. If it does, you may not need a translation at all.
- Request the certificate. Ask for an original, signed by the official who keeps your company's records. Florida's instructions for foreign corporations call for an original certificate.
- Send a clear scan for translation right away. Translators can start from a scan while the original travels, so the two steps overlap.
- Ask for the sworn format up front. Say the translation is for a Florida certificate of authority and needs a translator's oath.
- Check names and numbers line by line. The company name, registration number, dates and officer names should match the original and the information on your Florida application.
- File the complete package. Florida's instructions call for the application, the certificate, the sworn translation and the filing fee together. Check the current fee on Sunbiz before you pay, since fees can change.
Does the certificate need an apostille?
The Florida statutes quoted above don't use the word apostille. They require a certificate signed by the official who keeps your company's records, and the corporation statute says it must be "duly authenticated." Whether your country's document needs an apostille or another form of authentication is a question for your attorney or the Division. Our article on apostille services in Miami explains how apostilles work, and ITU arranges apostille and evaluation services through trusted partners.
Which other company documents may need translation?
The certificate is often only the first document. Once you're registered, banks, landlords, accountants and business partners may ask for your company's records in English. Each sets its own rules, so ask them what format they need.
Documents that foreign-owned companies often have translated include:
- Articles of incorporation, bylaws or the home-country equivalent
- Board resolutions and powers of attorney that name who can sign for the company
- Financial statements and bank reference letters (see our guide to financial document translation)
- Contracts with Florida suppliers, clients or landlords
For records that may end up in court or in a legal dispute, our legal translation services team handles terminology that has to hold up under review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I translate the certificate of existence myself?
Florida's corporation statute requires a translation "under oath of the translator," but it doesn't say who the translator must be. A company officer translating his or her own company's records can raise questions about independence, though. Many businesses use a professional translator so the sworn statement comes from someone with no stake in the filing.
Is a certified translation enough for Sunbiz?
For a foreign corporation, the statute asks for a translation under oath, which is more than a signed accuracy statement on its own. Ask for a sworn translation and tell the translator it's for a Florida certificate of authority.
My home registry issues certificates in English. Do I still need a translation?
No translation is needed if the certificate itself is in English. The translation rule in section 607.1503 applies to a certificate "in a language other than the English language."
How long is a certificate of existence valid for a Florida filing?
Florida requires the certificate to be dated no more than 90 days before the application is delivered. That applies to foreign corporations and foreign LLCs. If yours is older, request a new one before you file.
Can ITU translate documents from any country?
ITU translates in 120+ languages and dialects, with Spanish as a core specialty. Send a scan through our quote form to confirm the language pair, format and timing for your document.
Ready to register your company in Florida?
Send us a scan of your certificate of existence, tell us it's for a Florida foreign registration, and we'll quote the translation and confirm the format you need. Get Free Quote, or call (305) 747-5996.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Filing requirements can change. Confirm current requirements with the Florida Division of Corporations or your attorney before you file.
Sources
- Section 607.1503, Florida Statutes: Application for certificate of authority (foreign corporations)
- Section 605.0902, Florida Statutes: Application for certificate of authority (foreign LLCs)
- Section 117.03, Florida Statutes: Administration of oaths
- Florida Division of Corporations: foreign profit corporation instructions and application (CR2E007)
- Florida Division of Corporations: Florida LLC articles of organization instructions (CR2E047)
ITU Translation Services
ATA corporate member and BBB A+ rated translation agency in Miami, FL. Certified translations in 120+ languages, accepted by USCIS, courts and institutions nationwide since 2017.
