How to Get a Florida Registered Agent

Starting a business involves navigating various regulations, and one key aspect to understand in the Sunshine State is the role of a Florida registered agent. This individual or entity plays a pivotal part in helping your LLC or corporation remain compliant and receive essential state notices and important legal documents. 

But what exactly do Florida registered agents do? And why is it so crucial for your venture? Let’s unravel these questions, providing clarity for both seasoned entrepreneurs and those new to the business scene. Hopefully, this article will provide answers to your Florida registered agent FAQs.

What is a registered agent in Florida?

A registered agent in Florida is a person or an authorized business entity that acts as a company’s designated point of contact with the state. They’re responsible for receiving and forwarding legal documents, including certain state notices, notices of lawsuits, and other official correspondence on behalf of the business. This pivotal role helps ensure that the business remains in compliance and up to date with the state’s legal requirements.

Do I need a registered agent in Florida?

If you’re forming a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, or any other formal business structure in Florida, you’re required by law to have a registered agent. A registered agent is essential to help ensure that you don’t miss out on critical notifications, like service of process or state filing reminders. Having a Florida registered agent helps ensure there’s a constant point of contact between the state and your business, safeguarding your company’s good standing.

Florida Registered Agent Requirements

For someone to serve as a registered agent for a Florida LLC or corporation, there are a few ground rules:

• The agent must be a legal resident of Florida or a business entity that’s authorized to conduct business in the state.
• They should have a physical Florida business address, not just a P.O. box.
• The registered agent must be available during normal business hours to accept any official documents or notices.

Almost anyone who meets the above criteria can serve as a registered agent for a Florida LLC, professional limited liability company (PLLC), corporation, or similar entity type. Every appointed agent also must submit written consent to their appointment to the Florida Division of Corporations.

Who can be a registered agent in Florida?

As we’ve mentioned, a registered agent can be an individual person or a Florida corporation entity, as long as they have a physical business address in the state. This leads many small business owners to ask: can they serve as their own registered agent, or should they hire a Florida registered agent service instead? Let’s get into those answers.

Can I be my own registered agent in Florida?

Business owners can choose to be their own Florida registered agent, and some do. This option can be appealing as it may save costs, especially for small businesses with a limited budget. However, there are considerations to keep in mind. Being your own agent means you must be consistently available at your registered physical address during all regular business hours. This can be challenging if you have meetings, travel frequently, or are out of the office as part of your business operations. So, even though you can legally serve as your own agent, it doesn’t mean you should.

Benefits of Using a Florida Registered Agent Service

Opting for a registered agent service offers a plethora of benefits. These services specialize in receiving and relaying official paperwork, helping ensure nothing slips through the cracks. They give you peace of mind to go work around town and travel without worrying about your legal mail. Many services also offer extra perks like digital access to your critical documents, compliance reminders, and more.

More importantly, a professional registered agent company can help protect you from potential embarrassment. If you’re acting as your own agent, you’ll have to accept service of process yourself, which means whoever you’re with at the time — maybe a client or business partner — will know you’re facing a lawsuit. But if you use an agent service, the process server will go to the registered agent’s address. Your agent will handle these notifications privately, discreetly, and promptly.

How much does it cost for a registered agent in Florida?

The cost of a registered agent in Florida varies based on whether you choose an individual or a professional service. If you opt to be your own registered agent or designate someone you know, the costs can be minimal, primarily associated with the potential need to maintain a physical street address or office space during business hours. For many small business owners, being their own agent requires no out-of-pocket cost but requires time and attention instead. 

On the other hand, professional registered agent services usually come with a fee. These fees can range from $100 to a few hundred dollars annually, depending largely on the level of services offered. While using a professional service might seem like an added expense, the benefits they provide — like helping ensure compliance, protecting your professional image, and offering added peace of mind — often justify the cost for many businesses.

Cost of Changing Registered Agents

To change your registered agent in Florida, you have two options:

Annual Report: You can update your registered agent information when you file your annual report. This online-only form is available from January 1 to March 1 each year, with a filing fee of $138.75 for LLCs and $150 for corporations. (These are the standard annual report fees; there’s no additional fee for changing the agent on your annual report form.)

Statement of Change: If you need to change your registered agent outside of the annual report filing window, submit a “Statement of Change of Registered Office or Registered Agent” form by mail or in person, with a $25 fee for LLCs and a $35 fee for corporations. (These fees are subject to change.) Mail the form to the Division of Corporations, P.O. Box 6327, Tallahassee, FL 32314.

How do I find registered agent services in Florida?

Finding a registered agent in Florida is straightforward. If you’re considering an individual as your agent, you can simply ask a trusted friend or associate who resides in Florida and meets the basic requirements. If you’re leaning toward professional Florida registered agent services, a quick online search for “registered agent Florida” will yield a plethora of options. 

When evaluating these services, look for customer reviews, their years of experience, and any additional services they offer, like compliance alerts for required Florida annual reports, free mail forwarding, or online storage of your important documents. Regardless of the route you choose, ensure that your registered agent is reliable, accessible, and understands the responsibilities associated with the role.

Our registered agent service can fill this role for you quickly and reliably.

Can I use a virtual address as a registered agent address in Florida?

No, a virtual address cannot be used as a registered agent address in Florida, as the state requires a physical address.

How to Change a Registered Agent in Florida

Changing your registered agent in Florida requires some administrative effort to ensure the state records are up to date and your business remains compliant. To begin, it’s vital to first determine who your new registered agent will be. If you’re considering transitioning to a professional service or selecting another individual, ensure you obtain their consent and verify that they meet Florida’s requirements for registered agents.

Change of Registered Agent Requirements

When changing a registered agent, the new agent must meet the same requirements: be a Florida resident or a business authorized to conduct business in Florida, have a physical street address in the state, and be available during business hours.

Once you’ve secured your new agent’s agreement, the next step involves completing the necessary paperwork. Florida requires you to submit a specific form: the “Statement of Registered Agent/Registered Office Change.” The Florida Department of State actually offers different versions of this form for LLCs and corporations, so be sure to get the right one. Then, you’ll fill it out with the new registered agent’s information, including their name, business address, and so on. 

Florida currently charges a $25 fee for registered agent changes for LLCs and $35 for corporations. To avoid any potential issues or delays, be sure to check that all the information you provide about the Florida registered agent office address and the agent’s name is accurate and up to date.

You also have the option to change your registered agent when you complete your annual report. There’s no additional fee for this, just the normal annual report fee, which varies by the type of business entity.

Once the state processes your request and you receive confirmation, your new registered agent will be officially on record. From this point forward, they’ll be responsible for receiving all legal notices and certain state correspondence on your business’s behalf. As a best practice, inform your previous registered agent when the change is set to occur to ensure a smooth handover and avoid any potential confusion or oversight.

Resignation of Florida Registered Agent

If a registered agent needs to resign, they must notify the LLC and submit a “Resignation of a Registered Agent” form to the Florida Department of State. The agent remains on file for 31 days post-resignation unless a replacement is appointed sooner.

Steps to Remove a Registered Agent

1. Notify your LLC: Inform your LLC in writing that you’ll be resigning and send a copy of the Statement of Resignation.
2. Submit your resignation: Complete the “Resignation of a Registered Agent” form, including the Cover Letter and Statement of Resignation, and mail it with the appropriate fee to the Division of Corporations.
3. Hand off your responsibilities: Help your LLC transition to a new registered agent to avoid penalties. A valid registered agent is crucial to maintaining the LLC’s good standing.