What is a Registered Agent?
When you need to serve legal documents to a business in Florida, you might come across the term “registered agent.” For certain types of businesses, legal documents, including court process, must be delivered first to their designated registered agent. This post will explain what a registered agent is, which businesses must designate one in Florida, and how to find help serving a registered agent on the Treasure Coast.
Definition of a Registered Agent
According to Chapter 607 of the Florida Business Corporation Act, a registered agent for a Florida business must meet specific criteria:
- An individual residing in Florida with a business address identical to the registered office’s address;
- Another domestic entity authorized to operate, with a business address matching the registered office’s address; or
- A foreign entity authorized to conduct business in Florida, with a business address identical to the registered office’s address.
The registered agent’s role is to receive all official documents and correspondence for the company, including legal notices and court documents such as process.
Businesses That Must Designate a Registered Agent
While not all businesses in Florida are required to designate a registered agent, most are. This includes all corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), and limited partnerships organized in Florida or another state, territory, or country but conducting business in Florida. Businesses that own real estate or hold mortgages on real estate in Florida also fall under this requirement. Additionally, certain municipal corporations and public agencies must appoint a registered agent.
A designated registered agent should always be the first point of contact for any legal document service attempts on the business.
Serving Process to a Registered Agent in Port St. Lucie, Florida
If you need to serve legal documents to a business in Port St. Lucie with a designated registered agent, you will require the expertise of a skilled process server. Registered agents are not always individuals; sometimes, they are other companies. This can make it challenging to identify the correct person to serve. Trusting your process service needs to a professional process service company ensures that the documents are served correctly and in compliance with Florida state laws.
For those in need of process service in Port St. Lucie, Okeechobee, Stuart, Vero Beach, or surrounding areas, contacting the process service professionals at Accurate Serve® will provide peace of mind. We have the experience and knowledge to ensure your legal documents reach the appropriate registered agent, thereby adhering to all legal requirements. Start working with us today by calling 772-207-1544 or sending us a work request online.