LLC Registered Agent Florida: Everything You Need to Know
An LLC registered agent Florida means that you are the person who will accept official documentation on behalf of an LLC. 3 min read
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.
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
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.
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.