On April 14, 2026, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 679 – Registration of Trademarks (the “Bill”) into law. This new piece of legislation will align Florida’s trademark registration system with federal and international standards as well as modernize the state’s trademark processes, effective July 1, 2026.

Among other changes, the Bill provides for the Florida Department of State to use the international classification system for goods and services (also known as the Nice Classification) used by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and many other foreign intellectual property offices around the globe. Additionally, as Florida trademark matters are currently handled on a mail-in basis, the Bill also requires the Department of State to create an online system for the registration and renewal of trademarks by December 31, 2027. With respect to the current requirement for a notary public to verify certain types of trademark documents filed with the Department of State, the Bill provides for verification by other means, such as via a written declaration, electronically, or other statutorily accepted methods.

Kelly M. Malloy handles trademark and franchise matters from the Miami office of Malloy & Malloy. She assists clients with trademark clearance, trademark applications, foreign trademarks, trademark licensing, and franchising. Ms. Malloy is also a registered patent attorney with an extensive technology practice. She is available to meet with clients in the firm’s offices in Miami, Boca Raton, Jacksonville, Orlando, and Tampa.