Frequently Asked Questions: DNS

Frequent Questions & Answers

1. Once my Florida.gov third-level domain is established how can I get help?
   

   Contact the Services Desk at help@dms.myflorida.com or 850.487.1746.

2. How long will it take to acquire a name and activate the DNS service?
   

   It is recommended that a completed CSA be submitted at least 30 days prior to the due date required for activation.

3. Will there be a cost for holding a name?
   

   Yes. Whether your organization decides to hold the name indefinitely or put it into production the annual $60 charge will still apply and the CSA will be required to hold the name.

4. How can I reserve the name I am interested in?
   

   The CSA process is the vehicle to request or reserve the name your organization is interested in. If the name is not available, or if it does not meet the State of Florida DNS Internet rules, after receiving a CSA a service representative will contact you to suggest changes or help you select a different name.

5. What is the second step to obtain names under the florida.gov/ fl.gov domain?
   

   After determining eligibility, the ordering process is the second step and requires the completion of the Communications Service Authorization (CSA) ordering form. To complete this step you must have completed the SUNCOM Network Services Agreement and acquired a billing ID or number.

   The CSA form can be completed via the Online CSA System via the Internet.

   If additional information is required to complete the CSA the user should contact the following resources available from the CITS:

   § E-mail the Help Desk at Help@dms.myflorida.comor call (850) 487-1746.

   § Call your local MyFloridaSUNCOM representative at 888.4.SUNCOM.

6. What is the first step to obtain names under the florida.gov/fl.gov domain space?
   

   If the applicant does not have MyFloridaSUNCOM services then it should download a PDF version of the Florida SUNCOM Network Services Agreement, which can be found at INSERT SNSA DOC. For assistance in completing the Agreement or for additional information on qualifying for MyFloridaSUNCOM Services, please call MyFloridaSUNCOM Customer Services at 888.4.SUNCOM.

7. Is my organization required to use the two assigned DNS domain names myname.florida.gov and myname.fl.gov?
   

   No. It is up to the organization to either choose one or both names. This is very important specially if your organization has many DNS host names and requires the hosting services offered with this DNS offering.

8. Are second level DNS names such as myname.gov allowed?
   

   The General Service Administration, who is the administering authority for the .GOV domain space, is allowing second level DNS names. However, the State of Florida has decided to administer a third level domain service to group all DNS names from state agencies and, in addition, from City, Counties and Municipalities, who may want to participate, into one single second level domain for simplification and efficiency reasons.

9. Does the $60 annual rate cover web hosting as well?
   

   No. Only DNS is covered.

10. Is the DNS standard florida.gov or fl.gov?
    

    Both domains are assigned for the State of Florida. When your organization first applies for a DNS name such as myname.florida.gov the DNS name myname.fl.gov will be assigned to your organization as well.

11. How will my office be billed for the service?
    

    The basic DNS registration is $60 and will include the first year of service for up to 6 DNS entries. For entries in excess of 6 and no greater than 12 another $60 annual fee will apply. Basically, you will be billed for each group of 6 entries. The bill will be based on the anniversary date of the service installation.

12. When was the florida.gov/fl.gov DNS Service available?
    

    The service began the week of September 29, 2003. The official service announcement was made at the Florida Government EXPO 2003 in Tampa, Florida on September 24-26.

13. How will the florida.gov/fl.gov DNS service benefit my organization?
    

    The service provides DNS hosting capabilities so it is not necessary that your organization acquire DNS service elsewhere, or be required to purchase DNS server equipment for hosting entries. In addition, the florida.gov/fl.gov standard will make it easier for people to identify the location of your organization on the Internet.

14. What is florida.gov/fl.gov DNS Service?
    

    Due to a recent federal ruling the .GOV DNS domain space was made available to use by state and local government entities. Florida.gov/fl.gov DNS service was created to encourage registration of all governments entities in Florida under one second level domain which will make it easier for the citizens to recognize and work with.