Key Takeaways

  • Florida requires every LLC to designate a registered agent with a physical street address in the state.
  • A florida llc registered agent may be an individual (at least 18 years old) or a professional service company.
  • Using a commercial registered agent protects privacy and ensures reliable handling of state and legal documents.
  • Registered agent information becomes part of the public record, meaning self-appointed agents may risk exposing personal details.
  • Businesses can change registered agents by filing the appropriate form and paying a fee to the Florida Division of Corporations.
  • Failure to maintain a registered agent can result in penalties, loss of good standing, or even administrative dissolution.

An LLC registered agent Florida means that you are the person who will accept official documentation on behalf of an LLC. Such documentation could include court papers in the event of litigation, or any official paperwork from state officials. In addition, your agent could accept tax notices or payment reminders.

You may choose an individual or a business entity, but your LLC cannot be the agent under Florida law, and the address of the agent should be a street instead of a P.O. Box.

All business entities in Florida need to appoint a registered agent as part of the registration process with the Division of Corporations.

A registered agent can also be called a:

  • Resident Agent
  • Corporate Agent
  • Agent for Service of Process
  • Statutory Agent

You have three choices when it comes to creating an LLC in Florida:

  • You may list your name as the registered agent
  • You may appoint a family member or friend
  • You can hire the services of a Florida-based Registered Agent Service, also known as Commercial Registered Agents

The agent must be at least 18 years old if you choose an individual. If you appoint yourself, you may list your name on the articles of organization document. Moreover, the address must be a home or office address that is open during normal business owners. If you do not have a Florida-based street address, you may use a friend or family member’s in the state, but they would need to be located in Florida and be open during normal business hours.

Service Companies

A service company is a great choice if you want all of your documents secure and handled professionally. Service company fees can range from $100 to $300 per year. If you hire a company, the entity will receive all of your official documentation and will either scan, mail or upload into your official online dashboard.

A service company will not only accept your documents but will also allow you to use the office address to list as your official agent address. This is a great option if you do not have a Florida-based address, or if you wish to keep your personal address away from public records. Some companies will also allow you to use the address at no extra charge, but other service companies may not allow this or will charge extra.

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Registered Agent

Hiring a professional registered agent service in Florida offers advantages that extend beyond convenience. Professional agents maintain consistent office hours, which ensures that critical documents such as lawsuits or compliance notices are never missed. They also help business owners:

  • Maintain Privacy: Your personal home or office address does not appear in public records.
  • Stay Compliant: Agents send reminders for annual reports, filing deadlines, and renewal notices.
  • Operate Flexibly: Business owners who travel often or operate remotely can rely on their agent to receive time-sensitive mail.
  • Support Growth: Many services also provide mail forwarding, business address usage, or even domain and compliance tools.

This option is especially valuable for out-of-state owners who cannot personally maintain a Florida address.

Articles of Organization and Address Info

On your articles of organization, there are five places where you may enter address information:

  • Registered Agent Address
  • Mailing Address
  • Cover Letter Address
  • Address of any Members or Managers

Changing or Updating a Registered Agent in Florida

If your LLC needs to change its registered agent, Florida law requires you to file a “Statement of Change” with the Division of Corporations. This document must list the new agent’s name, street address, and a signed consent form. The process involves:

  1. Completing the online or paper form available on the Sunbiz website.
  2. Paying the filing fee ($25 for LLCs, $35 for corporations).
  3. Ensuring the newly appointed agent signs an acceptance of appointment.

Timely updates are critical. Failing to update your registered agent information can cause service of process delays, missed state notices, or even administrative dissolution of your LLC.

Self-Appointed Agent

Once you fill in the agent information on your articles of organization, you will be the agent who accepts documents for your business. Keep in mind that your address and name are public record once you name yourself as agent, and any person who searches for your business on the state website will see your information listed.

If you have an LLC in Florida and need to change the agent to yourself, you can file a change statement with the Division of Corporations. You can download a change statement form online by clicking here.

You may send the new information to the following address:

  • Department of State, Division of Corporations, P.O. Box 6327, Tallahassee, FL 32314.

Ensure that you fill in your street address and name and sign the document as the new agent. Mail in the form with a cover letter to the Division of Corporations address, and include the appropriate fees. Florida charges a $25 filing fee for LLCs and $35 for corporations. There are also separate notice of change forms for LLCs and corporations.

Remember, you need to maintain normal business hours to accept legal paperwork for your LLC, and your address will be a point of reference for the State Department. If you or another representative accept any documentation, it is the duty of that agent to contact the LLC owner and send the documents as soon as possible.

Sending the documents in a timely fashion ensures that the courts or other state officials can rely on the registered agent. Also, the legal system and courts can track any legal documents that need to be sent to an LLC.

Cost of Florida Registered Agent Services

The cost of a florida llc registered agent varies depending on whether you choose an individual or a professional company.

  • Self-appointment: Free, aside from your time and the public disclosure of your address.
  • Professional service companies: Typically charge $100 to $300 annually. Some providers bundle additional services such as business addresses, compliance alerts, or mail forwarding.
  • Premium packages: May include extras like domain name registration, document scanning, or same-day notifications.

Though hiring a professional agent involves recurring costs, many business owners find the reliability and protection well worth the expense.

Risks of Being Your Own Registered Agent

While appointing yourself as your florida llc registered agent saves money, there are risks to consider:

  • Public Exposure: Your name and address will be listed on Sunbiz.org, accessible to anyone.
  • Limited Flexibility: You must be available during standard business hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), which restricts flexibility for meetings, vacations, or remote work.
  • Missed Service Consequences: If you miss a lawsuit delivery, your LLC may lose the right to defend itself in court.
  • Administrative Risks: Non-compliance with registered agent requirements can lead to loss of good standing or business dissolution.

Business owners who want privacy and flexibility often prefer using a professional registered agent service instead of serving as their own.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I be my own registered agent for a Florida LLC?
    Yes, but you must be at least 18, maintain a Florida street address, and be available during business hours.
  2. What happens if my LLC doesn’t have a registered agent?
    Your LLC may lose good standing, face penalties, or be administratively dissolved by the state.
  3. How much does a Florida registered agent cost?
    Professional services generally range from $100 to $300 annually, depending on the provider and included features.
  4. Can my business be its own registered agent?
    No. Florida law requires the agent to be either an individual resident or a separate registered agent service, not the LLC itself.
  5. How do I change my registered agent in Florida?
    File a Statement of Change with the Division of Corporations, pay the fee, and obtain written consent from your new agent.

To find out more about a LLC registered agent Florida, submit your legal inquiry to our UpCounsel marketplace. UpCounsel has some of the most reputable and esteemed lawyers in the nation who will help you appoint the appropriate registered agent and will give you more information on official agent duties if you choose to appoint yourself. Moreover, our lawyers will walk you through the legal process if you find yourself served with official court papers.