Florida Registered Agent Search & Requirments in 2023

Are you looking for a Florida Registered Agent? Understanding the requirements and how to find the right one can feel like a daunting task. This blog article provides an overview of what is needed to find a reliable Registered Agent in the state of Florida.

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Written by:
Nick
Updated on:
August 7, 2023
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What is a Florida Registered Agent?

A Florida Registered Agent is a person or business entity that is authorized to receive official documents from the state of Florida, such as service of process (SOP) and tax forms, on behalf of a business entity. The Registered Agent must have a physical street address within the state of Florida, and must be available during normal business hours to receive these documents.

The Registered Agent must also maintain up-to-date records of the business entity, including the most current Articles of Incorporation or Certificate of Organization. This is done to ensure that the business entity remains in good standing with the state.

A Registered Agent can be an individual resident of the state of Florida, or a business entity that is authorized to transact business in the state. The Registered Agent may also be referred to as a Statutory Agent, Resident Agent, or Agent for Service of Process.

For more information on the role and responsibilities of a Registered Agent in Florida, please visit the Sunbiz website.

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Why is it Important to Have a Florida Registered Agent?

Having a Florida Registered Agent is important for any business operating in the state, as it is a requirement of the Florida Department of State. A Registered Agent is an individual or business designated to receive service of process (SOP) when a company is sued. Additionally, Registered Agents serve as a conduit for other official documents, such as tax notices, orders for compliance, and other official government notices.

When a business appoints a Registered Agent, they are providing their contact information to the state. This allows the state to stay informed on the company’s status and, if necessary, contact the company about important matters concerning their business. Because of this, it is important for businesses to ensure that the information on file with the state is always up-to-date.

Registered Agents must have a physical address within the state of Florida, as the state must be able to contact the Agent in person if needed. Furthermore, the Agent must be available during regular business hours to accept service of process and other documents. For these reasons, it is important that the business chooses a reliable Registered Agent to ensure the matter is handled correctly and promptly.

It is also important to note that a business cannot serve as its own Registered Agent. In order to comply with the Florida Department of State, the business must appoint an individual or entity that is authorized to accept service of process on behalf of the business.

To learn more about Registered Agents and the importance of having one, please visit the Florida Department of State website.

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Who can be a Registered Agent in Florida?

A Registered Agent in Florida is responsible for accepting important legal documents on behalf of a business entity, such as service of process, official government notifications, and other correspondence. The Registered Agent must have a physical street address in Florida, be available during normal business hours, and be able to forward the documents to the business entity in a timely manner.

Becoming a Registered Agent in Florida can be done by filing an appointment of registered agent form with the Division of Corporations. It can also be done by hiring a professional Registered Agent Service. Professional Registered Agent Services can provide the required physical address in Florida, ensure that legal documents are received and forwarded in a timely manner, provide tax and compliance alerts, and offer other services that may be beneficial to a business entity.

The requirements for becoming a Registered Agent in Florida can be found on the Florida Division of Corporations website.

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Do you Need a Registered Agent for Your Florida Business?

Yes, you need a registered agent for your Florida business. A registered agent is a person or business authorized by the state to receive and deliver legal documents on behalf of your business. Your registered agent must be located in Florida and available during regular business hours to accept service of process (e.g., lawsuits and other legal documents) on behalf of your business. You can choose to be your own registered agent or appoint another person or business to serve in this role.

Having a registered agent is important because it ensures that important documents are delivered in a timely and secure manner. It also helps protect your personal information, such as your home address, from being made public. Additionally, if you fail to appoint a registered agent, you may be subject to fines and other penalties from the state.

You can learn more about the requirements and benefits of appointing a registered agent for your Florida business by visiting the Florida Department of State website.

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How to Designate a Florida Registered Agent?

Designating a Florida Registered Agent is an important step for any business operating in the state. A Registered Agent is a person or business entity responsible for receiving service of process, notices or demands on behalf of a business. In Florida, this individual must be a natural person who is a resident of the state, or a business entity authorized to transact business in the state.

To designate a Florida Registered Agent, you will need to file a Statement of Designation. This statement must include:

  • The name and address of your business
  • The name and address of the Registered Agent (this person must be a resident of Florida or a business entity authorized to transact business in the state)
  • The name of the person signing the form (this must be an authorized person)
  • The date the form is signed

After completing the form, it must be submitted to the Florida Division of Corporations. You can submit the Statement of Designation via mail, fax, or online. The cost to file the form depends on the method of submission. For more information on the filing fees, you can visit the Florida Division of Corporations website.

Once the Statement of Designation is filed, it is effective immediately. The form must be updated if there are any changes to the registered agent's name or address. The Division of Corporations must be notified of any changes within thirty (30) days of the change.

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How Does a Registered Agent in Florida Resign?

A Registered Agent in Florida can resign from their role by submitting a written resignation to the Division of Corporations in the Florida Department of State. The resignation must include the statutory name of the business entity as well as the name and address of the Registered Agent. Additionally, the resignation must be signed by the Registered Agent and must be notarized or accompanied by a certificate of acceptance and acknowledgement of the resignation.

The resignation must be sent to:
Division of Corporations
State of Florida
P.O. Box 6327
Tallahassee, FL 32314

The resignation will take effect on the day that it is received by the Division of Corporations. After the resignation has been accepted, the business entity is required to appoint a new Registered Agent within 60 days in order to remain compliant with Florida law. Failure to do so could result in the business entity being administratively dissolved.

For more information, please refer to the Florida Department of State's website.

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Is There a Penalty for Not Designating a Registered Agent in Florida?

Yes, there is a penalty for not designating a Registered Agent in Florida. The penalty for not having a Registered Agent is that your LLC may be dissolved by the State of Florida. The purpose of having a Registered Agent is to ensure that the State of Florida has an address to contact the LLC in case of legal notices or other correspondence. If the LLC does not have a Registered Agent, the State of Florida is unable to contact the LLC, which can result in the dissolution of the LLC.

It is important to note that the State of Florida requires all LLCs to have a Registered Agent at all times. Any LLC that does not have a Registered Agent may be dissolved by the state. Additionally, there is no fee or jail time associated with not having a Registered Agent, however, the LLC may be unable to conduct business in the State of Florida until a Registered Agent is designated.

For more information on the importance of having a Registered Agent in Florida, please visit the Florida Department of State website.

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What is the Florida Secretary of State Contact Information:

The Florida Secretary of State is responsible for overseeing elections in the state and ensuring that businesses are properly registered and operating in compliance with state laws. The contact information for the office is as follows:

Florida Department of State
Division of Corporations
Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 6327
Tallahassee, FL 32314-6327
Telephone: 850.245.6000
Fax: 850.245.6130
Email: corporations@dos.myflorida.com

You can also visit the Florida Department of State website to find out more detailed information and to access the online filing system.

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How Much Does a Registered Agent in Florida Cost?

The cost of a Registered Agent in Florida will depend on the type of service you are looking for. Generally speaking, Registered Agents in Florida provide services that range from providing a physical address for legal correspondence to managing documents, filing annual reports, and more.

If you are looking for a basic Registered Agent service, you can expect to pay a yearly fee of around $100-$150. This service includes a physical address for legal correspondence and notification of filing deadlines. It also includes the filing of annual reports and other documents on your behalf.

However, some Registered Agents offer additional services, such as document management, document filing, and document retrieval. These services come at an additional cost, depending on the complexity of the services provided. For example, a Registered Agent that provides document management services might charge a yearly fee of up to $300.

In addition, some Registered Agents offer their services on a per-document basis or a flat-fee basis. When searching for a Registered Agent, it is important to compare the cost and services of different companies to find the best fit for your needs. For more information on Registered Agents in Florida, visit the Florida Department of State website.

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This post is for information only. You are responsible for reviewing and using this information appropriately. This content doesn’t contain and isn’t meant to provide legal, tax, or business advice. Requirements are updated frequently and you should make sure to do your own research and reach out to professional legal, tax and business advisers, as needed. We’re reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

What are the Steps Needed to Find a Registered Agent in Florida?

Finding a Registered Agent in Florida

If you are starting a business in Florida, you need to appoint a registered agent in the state. A registered agent is a person or business entity that agrees to accept legal documents on behalf of the business. This person or business must have a physical address in Florida and must be available during regular business hours.

Steps to Find a Registered Agent in Florida

Step 1: Research the requirements for a registered agent in Florida. The requirements are outlined by the Florida Department of State. More information can be found here.

Step 2: Choose the type of registered agent you want. You can use an individual, such as yourself, a family member, an employee, or an attorney. You can also use a corporation or limited liability company (LLC) that is registered in Florida.

Step 3: Find a registered agent by searching online, asking other business owners in the area, or using a company that specializes in providing registered agent services. IncSmart is an example of a company that provides these services.

Step 4: Contact the registered agent and ask for a copy of their agreement. Make sure you understand the terms of the agreement and any fees associated with the service.

Step 5: File the necessary paperwork with the Florida Department of State. This includes the Articles of Incorporation, the Application for Authority, and the Registered Agent Acceptance Form.

Conclusion

Finding a registered agent in Florida is an important step when starting a business in the state. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that you find the right registered agent for your business.

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Nick

Founder and CEO

I'm Nick, co-founder of newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. As a small business owner with over five years of experience, I have garnered valuable knowledge and insights across a diverse range of industries. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to share my expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality.

Through meticulous research and firsthand experience, I uncover the essential steps, software, tools, and costs associated with launching and maintaining a successful business. By demystifying the complexities of entrepreneurship, I provide the guidance and support needed for others to embark on their journey with confidence.

From assessing market viability and formulating business plans to selecting the right technology and navigating the financial landscape, I am dedicated to helping fellow entrepreneurs overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. As a steadfast advocate for small business success, my mission is to pave the way for a new generation of innovative and driven entrepreneurs who are ready to make their mark on the world.