Before soliciting business for a brokerage office operating under a fictitious business name, the broker is not required to:

California Business and Professions Code requires recording the fictitious name with the county recorder where the main office is located. Failure to do so can result in penalties and inability to enforce contracts under that name.

California law mandates publishing the fictitious business name in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where the principal place of business is located, typically once a week for four consecutive weeks.

While not specifically required by law, having an office policy manual is a best practice for all brokerage operations, including those under fictitious names. It demonstrates professionalism and helps ensure compliance.